Few ATM problems are more stressful than seeing money deducted from your account when no cash comes out of the machine. This situation, often called a “dispense error,” can happen at both bank-owned and third-party ATMs. While it’s frustrating, the good news is that banks have clear procedures to investigate and refund your money. Here’s what to do if you’re charged but never received cash from an ATM in 2025.
Why ATMs Sometimes Charge but Don’t Dispense Cash
- Empty cash cassette: If the machine runs out of bills mid-transaction, it may debit your account but fail to deliver money.
- Bill jams: Notes can get stuck in the dispenser slot, causing a failed withdrawal.
- Network errors: Communication failures between the ATM and your bank can misreport the transaction.
- Power outages: If the ATM loses power or resets, your account may still reflect the debit.
- Out-of-network ATM settlement issues: Independent or retail ATMs sometimes process errors differently than bank-owned machines.
Steps to Take Immediately
- Cancel and check balance: Always back out of the transaction and confirm whether funds were deducted in your banking app.
- Save your receipt: If the ATM printed one, keep it. If not, take a photo of the error message on the screen.
- Note ATM details: Write down the ATM ID, location, and exact time of the transaction.
- Contact your bank: Call customer service or use in-app chat to report the failed withdrawal right away.
- Do not retry immediately: Multiple attempts can create duplicate holds on your account.
How Banks Handle These Errors
Most banks have automated dispute processes for ATM dispense errors. Here’s what usually happens once you report it:
- Investigation period: Banks typically take 5–10 business days to review ATM logs and confirm the error.
- Provisional credit: Some banks issue a temporary credit to your account while they investigate.
- In-network ATMs: Errors at your bank’s own machines are usually resolved faster.
- Out-of-network ATMs: May require extra time since your bank must work with the third-party operator.
How to Speed Up the Dispute Process
- Report quickly: Contact your bank within 24 hours to start the process immediately.
- Provide details: Give the ATM ID, location, time, and amount to help the investigation.
- Ask about provisional credit: Some banks will advance the funds while they verify.
- Keep documentation: Save receipts, screenshots, or error codes in case you need proof.
Tips to Avoid Future Dispense Errors
- Use bank-owned ATMs: They are serviced more regularly and easier to resolve disputes with.
- Withdraw during business hours: If an error occurs, you can visit a teller immediately.
- Avoid unusual amounts: ATMs stocked with $20s may fail on uneven withdrawals like $90 or $130.
- Check machine condition: Avoid machines with error codes, out-of-service notices, or visibly poor maintenance.
- Review our ATM error code directory if a specific error code appears.
FAQs
How long does it take to get my money back? Most banks resolve dispense errors in 5–10 business days. Some may issue temporary credit within 24–48 hours.
What if the ATM belongs to another bank? You should still report the issue to your bank. They will coordinate with the ATM operator, but resolution may take longer.
Can I still use my card after a failed withdrawal? Yes. Unless your bank flags the card for fraud, you can continue using it while waiting for reimbursement.
Does this happen with deposits too? Yes, though less common. If you deposited money and it doesn’t show, see our guide on avoiding ATM deposit holds.