Electronic payments are now more convenient than ever, removing the need to handle cash. To replace payment cards, you can use your phone’s mobile wallet. You can also use your phone to withdraw money from an ATM using your phone.
You probably bring your phone wherever you go, which may include quick outings when you don’t have a debit card. Discover how cardless ATMs function so you can choose how to complete your subsequent withdrawal.
Key Learnings
- You can use an ATM without a card to withdraw money.
- Cardless ATMs are available from reputable financial institutions like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo.
- Cardless ATMs frequently use near-field communication (NFC), QR codes, and biometrics.
A cardless ATM is what exactly?
ATMs that don’t require a traditional ATM card allow you to withdraw money without doing so. Your experience using the ATM might be safer and quicker with this technology. The same banking operations, such as cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, and others, can be carried out as you would with a card. 1.
Several large banks, including Chase Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and others, let you use their apps to access ATMs. However, this isn’t just available to big bank customers; chances are good that your neighborhood credit union or local bank also provides cardless ATM withdrawals.
How to Use a Cardless ATM
You must enter card information from your mobile wallet on your phone in order to use a cardless ATM. You could make use of Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, for instance. You may also need to download the mobile app from your bank or credit union if you want to use cardless ATMs.
Using a QR code or radio waves, your mobile device communicates with the ATM while you verify your identity and approve the transaction on it.
NFC or near-field communication
NFC is a technique that allows nearby devices to communicate with each other via radio waves that only travel about four inches. For this reason, your bank may give you instructions to “tap” your phone on a particular spot when using an ATM.
The information about your card is sent to the ATM when you tap your phone. After that, you authorize the transaction by entering your PIN or by using other means.
Note
Debit cards from Wells Fargo have NFC built into them, allowing you to tap your card at an ATM using NFC as well.
Verification codes, including QR codes
You might need to use more than just an NFC device or card to verify your identity during cardless transactions. In some instances, the ATM shows you a QR code image to scan with the camera on your smartphone.
Biometrics
Your body is used by biometric security solutions to confirm your identity, adding an extra layer of security for your bank accounts. Facial recognition and fingerprint recognition are the most widely used biometric security measures on smartphones. It’s a good idea to secure your wallet with face or fingerprint verification or a strong passcode when you enable cardless ATM transactions (by adding a debit card to a mobile wallet, for example). For instance, you might configure your phone so that access to your digital wallet first requires a fingerprint.
Note
Some ATMs do not require the use of a mobile device at all and only use biometrics; however, these machines are more prevalent outside of the U.S.
ATMs without cards have both benefits and drawbacks
Advantages
- Secure
- Allows you to travel light
- Fast
Disadvantages
- Not universal
- Still has security issues
- Compatibility
Benefits Explanation
Secure: Since you never swipe your card, there is no possibility of losing it while you are out in public. Furthermore, there is no chance of your PIN being discovered or of sensitive information being captured by hidden cameras if your bank or credit union doesn’t require you to enter it.
Travel light: All you need is your phone, whether you leave your cards at home or you prefer not to carry them with you everywhere.
Quick: Cardless ATM withdrawals can save you time, and you can start the process even before you get to the ATM.
Benefits Explanated
Not all ATMs: offer cardless access, and it’s possible that your bank doesn’t have cardless ATMs nearby.
Still worried about security: If your money is at risk, losing your phone can cause additional problems. Maintaining your phone’s software, turning on all security features (such as biometric security and two-factor authentication), and notifying your bank right away if you lose your phone are all essential precautions.
Compatible: devices should be able to use NFC and the bank’s app when necessary on the majority of current smartphones. However, there are some circumstances where you might not be able to use a cardless transaction, such as when you have an old phone.
Note
Carefully keep an eye on your accounts. Inform your bank right away if you notice any fraud or mistakes. You increase your protection by moving swiftly.
Do You Need a Cardless ATM?
Cardless ATM access is a good fit for you if you like to travel light and rarely use cash. Additionally, since cardless ATMs allow you to leave your actual debit cards at home, you reduce the risk of loss or theft.
To determine whether using a cardless ATM is practical for you, speak with your bank. The lock screen, mobile wallet, and bank apps on your phone should all have strong security measures in place if you choose to use this option. However, there is nothing wrong with continuing to use plastic if you are happy with the way things are going and you don’t like the thought of having a dead phone battery prevent you from getting cash.