As an online-only bank, Ally Bank operates a bit differently from traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. While you won't find Ally Bank branches with tellers, getting cash from your Ally account is still convenient and straightforward. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every method, ensuring you can access your funds whenever and wherever you need them.
Ready to get your hands on some cash from your Ally Bank account? Let's dive in!
The Ultimate Guide to Getting Cash from Ally Bank
While Ally Bank excels in its online and mobile banking experience, the question of "how do I get cash?" is a common one for those accustomed to physical bank branches. Fear not, Ally has several reliable and fee-friendly options for you to access your money.
Step 1: Understand Your Ally Bank Debit Card
Your Ally Bank debit card is your primary tool for accessing cash. It functions just like any other debit card, allowing you to make purchases and, crucially, withdraw cash from ATMs.
Key Feature: Ally Bank offers a Spending Account, which is their equivalent of a checking account. This account comes with a debit card that's essential for cash withdrawals. Money Market accounts also typically come with a debit card.
Step 2: Leveraging the ATM Network for Cash Withdrawals
This is by far the most common and convenient method for getting cash from your Ally Bank account. Ally Bank is part of extensive ATM networks, making cash accessible nationwide and even globally.
Sub-heading 2.1: Finding Surcharge-Free ATMs
Ally Bank is committed to making cash withdrawals as affordable as possible.
Allpoint® Network: Ally Bank is a proud participant in the Allpoint® ATM network, which boasts over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs across the United States and beyond. This means you won't pay a fee to the ATM owner when you use your Ally debit card at an Allpoint ATM. You can find these ATMs in popular retail stores like CVS, Walgreens, Target, and many more places you already shop.
MoneyPass® Network: In addition to Allpoint, Ally also offers surcharge-free access to the MoneyPass® network, further expanding your options.
Other ATMs with Reimbursement: Even if you use an ATM outside of the Allpoint or MoneyPass networks, Ally Bank has your back. They will reimburse you up to $10 in ATM fees each statement cycle. This provides significant flexibility, allowing you to use almost any ATM and still save on fees.
Sub-heading 2.2: How to Find an ATM Near You
Locating a surcharge-free ATM is incredibly easy.
Ally Bank Website: Visit the "Find ATMs" section on the Ally Bank website (
ally.com/bank/find-atms Ally Mobile App: The Ally Mobile App features a built-in ATM locator. Simply open the app, log in, and navigate to the ATM locator feature. It uses your phone's GPS to show you the closest available ATMs.
Allpoint/MoneyPass Websites/Apps: You can also use the dedicated ATM locators on the Allpoint Network (
allpointnetwork.com/locator
Sub-heading 2.3: Understanding Daily ATM Withdrawal Limits
It's important to be aware of the daily limits for ATM withdrawals.
Standard Limit: For most Ally Bank customers, the daily ATM cash withdrawal limit is $1,010. This limit includes both ATM withdrawals and any over-the-counter (OTC) withdrawals (see Step 3).
New Customer Limits: For new customers (those who have been with Ally Bank for 30 days or less), daily debit card purchase limits may be lower, typically around $2,000 per day, and can be as low as $500 per day for POS purchases. The $1,010 cash withdrawal limit still generally applies.
Important Note: While the ATM network itself (like Allpoint) might not limit the number of transactions, your Ally Bank debit card will have a daily dollar limit.
Step 3: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Withdrawals
While less common for an online bank, you can perform over-the-counter withdrawals with your Ally Bank debit card. This involves going to a physical bank or credit union that accepts Visa or Mastercard debit cards and requesting a cash advance or withdrawal.
How it Works: Present your Ally Bank debit card to a teller at a bank or credit union. They will process it as a debit card transaction, and you'll receive cash.
Potential Fees: While Ally Bank doesn't charge you for this, the institution you're withdrawing from may charge a fee. It's always a good idea to ask about their fees beforehand.
Daily Limit Inclusion: Remember, any cash withdrawn via an OTC transaction will count towards your daily $1,010 cash withdrawal limit.
Step 4: Transferring Funds to an External Bank Account
If you have an account at another bank (a traditional bank with branches), you can easily transfer money from your Ally Bank account to that external account and then withdraw cash from the external bank.
Sub-heading 4.1: Setting Up External Transfers
Link Accounts: Log in to your Ally Bank online banking or mobile app. Navigate to the "Transfers" section. You'll need to link your external bank account. This usually involves providing the external bank's routing number and your account number.
Verification Process: Ally Bank will typically verify ownership of the external account. This often involves small "micro-deposits" (two small deposits) that you'll need to confirm in your Ally account. This process can take a few business days.
Sub-heading 4.2: Initiating the Transfer
Online or App: Once your external account is linked and verified, you can initiate a transfer from your Ally Bank account to the external account.
Transfer Time: Standard external transfers usually take three business days to process. For example, a transfer initiated on a Monday would typically arrive by Thursday. Ally Bank does not charge fees for sending or receiving transfers to/from other financial institutions.
Next-Day Transfers: For certain eligible accounts (based on account tenure and activity), Ally Bank may offer next-day transfers, allowing for even faster access to your funds.
Step 5: Requesting an Official or Cashier's Check
While not directly "getting cash" in hand, if you need a large sum of money in a secure format, requesting an official or cashier's check from Ally Bank is an option.
How to Request: You can call Ally Bank's customer service (1-877-247-2559) 24/7 to request an official or cashier's check.
No Charge: Ally Bank does not charge a fee for official/cashier's checks.
Delivery: The check will be mailed to you. If you need it expedited, there might be a fee for overnight delivery.
Step 6: Utilizing Cash Back at Point of Sale (POS) Transactions
Many retail stores offer a "cash back" option when you make a purchase with your debit card.
During Checkout: When paying with your Ally Bank debit card at a grocery store, pharmacy, or other retail location, you'll often be prompted if you'd like cash back.
Limits: The amount of cash back you can get is typically limited by the store (e.g., $20, $50, or $100).
No Fees: There are generally no fees for getting cash back at the point of sale.
Step 7: Wire Transfers (for Larger Amounts)
For very large sums of money that need to be transferred quickly, a wire transfer is an option, although it comes with a fee.
Initiating a Wire Transfer: You can request a wire transfer by logging into your Ally Bank online banking.
Fees: Ally Bank charges a fee for outgoing wire transfers (typically around $20-$30).
Speed: Wire transfers are usually processed the same day or next business day, making them ideal for urgent, high-value transactions.
Important Considerations
Security: Always be mindful of your surroundings when using ATMs. If you suspect your debit card has been compromised, lock it immediately through the Ally Bank app or website, and contact customer service.
Overdraft Protection: Ally Bank offers fee-free services like Overdraft Transfer Service and CoverDraft℠ to help protect your Spending Account from overdrafts. Overdraft Transfer Service moves money from a linked savings or money market account, while CoverDraft provides up to $100 in temporary fee-free relief for eligible transactions.
International Travel: When traveling internationally, you can use your Ally Bank debit card at ATMs worldwide. Ally Bank charges a foreign transaction fee of up to 1% of the transaction amount for currency conversion and/or cross-border transactions. Be aware that the local ATM operator may also charge a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find the closest Ally Bank ATM?
You won't find an "Ally Bank" ATM, as Ally is an online bank. However, you can use your Ally Bank debit card fee-free at over 55,000 Allpoint® and MoneyPass® ATMs across the U.S. Use the Ally Mobile App's ATM locator or visit the "Find ATMs" section on ally.com to locate one near you.
How to withdraw more than the daily ATM limit from Ally Bank?
If you need to withdraw more than the daily ATM limit of $1,010, your best options are to transfer funds to an external bank account (which might take a few business days) and withdraw from that bank, or consider requesting an official/cashier's check from Ally Bank.
How to get cash without an Ally Bank debit card?
If you don't have your debit card, your primary options are to transfer funds to an external bank account (if you have one linked) and withdraw from there, or contact Ally Bank customer service to request an official check be mailed to you.
How to deposit cash into Ally Bank?
Ally Bank does not accept cash deposits directly. You can deposit checks using Ally eCheck Deposit℠ via their mobile app or by mail. To deposit cash, you would typically deposit it into an account at another bank and then transfer the funds to your Ally Bank account.
How to avoid ATM fees with Ally Bank?
To avoid ATM fees, use ATMs within the Allpoint® or MoneyPass® networks, which are surcharge-free. For other ATMs, Ally Bank will reimburse you up to $10 in ATM fees per statement cycle.
How to check my daily ATM withdrawal limit with Ally Bank?
The standard daily ATM withdrawal limit for Ally Bank debit cards is $1,010. You can also refer to your Ally Bank Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for detailed information or contact Ally Bank customer service.
How to make an international ATM withdrawal with Ally Bank?
You can use your Ally Bank debit card at any ATM worldwide that accepts Visa or Mastercard. Be aware of a potential foreign transaction fee (up to 1%) from Ally Bank and any fees charged by the local ATM operator.
How to get cash from Ally Bank if my account is new?
For new Ally Bank customers (less than 30 days), while your daily ATM withdrawal limit is generally still $1,010, your overall debit card purchase limits may be lower (e.g., $2,000 daily). You can still use the ATM network or transfer to an external bank.
How to order an official check from Ally Bank for cash needs?
You can order a fee-free official/cashier's check by calling Ally Bank customer service at 1-877-247-2559. The check will be mailed to your address.
How to get cash back at a store with my Ally Bank debit card?
When making a purchase with your Ally Bank debit card at participating retail locations, choose "debit" and then select the "cash back" option during the transaction. The amount you can receive is typically limited by the store.
