Most ATMs in the United States dispense $20 bills by default. However, that is not a universal rule. Some machines offer $5, $10, $50, or even $100 bills, depending on the bank, machine model, and branch configuration. Denomination availability is not standardized across the industry, which is why customers often encounter different options even within the same bank network.
What Bills Do ATMs Typically Dispense?
The standard ATM setup is optimized around $20 bills because they balance machine capacity, withdrawal speed, and demand patterns. Many machines are configured with two to four cash cassettes, and most banks prioritize $20s for general withdrawals. Smaller or larger denominations are typically available only at select full-service branch machines.
Drive-through ATMs and high-traffic retail machines are less likely to offer denomination choices. Branch lobby machines and newer touchscreen models are more likely to allow customers to choose specific bill combinations.
Which Banks Offer $5 Bills?
$5 bills are among the least common denominations available at ATMs. When offered, they are typically found at select branch locations rather than stand-alone retail machines. Regional banks and credit unions occasionally configure one cassette for smaller bills to serve customers needing exact change.
- Availability: Limited and branch-specific
- More likely at: Full-service bank branches
- Less likely at: Convenience stores, gas stations, and event venues
For a deeper breakdown of where these machines are typically found, see ATMs that dispense $5 bills.
Which Banks Offer $10 Bills?
$10 bill availability is more common than $5 bills but still not guaranteed. Larger national banks sometimes configure select machines to allow custom withdrawal amounts in $10 increments. However, this often depends on machine upgrades and location type rather than bank-wide policy.
- Availability: Select branches and upgraded machines
- Often found in: Urban branch locations
- Rare in: Independent retail or third-party network ATMs
More detailed bank-by-bank information is available in our guide to ATMs that dispense $10 bills.
Which ATMs Dispense $50 or $100 Bills?
$50 and $100 bills are increasingly available at high-capacity machines located in major branches and business districts. These machines are designed for larger withdrawals and often allow users to select a combination of denominations. However, availability varies significantly based on cash demand patterns in the area.
- $50 bills: Available at some national bank branches
- $100 bills: More common in business-focused or downtown branches
- Not typical at: Small retail or third-party network ATMs
For additional context on higher denominations, see ATMs that dispense $50 and $100 bills.
Why Denominations Vary by Location
ATM bill configuration depends on machine design, cash cassette limits, and local demand. Each cassette holds a specific denomination, and banks must balance machine capacity with refill frequency. A machine offering four different bill types holds fewer total notes per denomination, which can increase restocking needs.
High-traffic areas often prioritize $20 bills because they serve the broadest range of withdrawals. Branch machines may provide more flexibility because they are refilled more regularly and monitored more closely.
How to Increase Your Chances of Finding Specific Bills
If you need smaller or larger denominations, start with full-service bank branches rather than stand-alone retail machines. Lobby ATMs and newer touchscreen models are more likely to offer custom bill selection. Third-party network machines generally dispense only $20 bills.
To explore options near your current location, visit our general locator resource at ATM near me, then confirm denomination options directly at the machine before completing your withdrawal.