Finding an ATM that’s out of cash is frustrating, especially when you need money right away. This guide explains why ATMs run out of cash, what steps to take immediately, and alternative ways to access money so you’re never stranded without cash.
Why ATMs Run Out of Cash
- High demand: Payday weekends, holidays, and major events can drain ATMs quickly.
- Refill delays: Smaller or rural machines may not be serviced daily.
- Limited capacity: Retail and independent ATMs often hold fewer bills than bank-owned machines.
- Technical issues: Jammed cassettes or dispenser errors can prevent withdrawals even when cash is available.
What to Do Immediately
- Try a smaller withdrawal: If the ATM has limited cash, a lower amount may still work.
- Cancel the transaction: Back out completely to avoid pending authorizations.
- Check your balance: Confirm no funds were wrongly deducted using your bank’s mobile app.
- Use in-network ATMs: These are more reliable and typically fee-free. See our guide on finding fee-free ATMs.
Alternative Ways to Get Cash
- Visit a bank branch: Tellers can process larger withdrawals and verify your ID on the spot.
- Cash back at checkout: Many stores allow $20–$200 cash back with a debit purchase.
- Use additional debit cards: If you have more than one bank account, each card has its own daily limit.
- Cardless ATM withdrawals: Some banks support mobile wallet withdrawals. Learn more in our guide to ATMs that work without a card.
How to Report an Out-of-Cash ATM
If the ATM belongs to your bank, contact customer service or report the issue through the mobile app. For retail or third-party machines, look for the ATM operator’s phone number or ID number and report the outage. Prompt reporting helps prevent delays and protects you if a transaction error occurred.
How to Avoid ATM Issues in the Future
- Withdraw before peak times: Plan ahead for weekends and holidays.
- Use bank-owned ATMs: These are serviced more frequently and typically stocked with more cash.
- Know your limits: Review our ATM withdrawal limits by bank guide so you can plan accordingly.
- Carry a backup payment method: A secondary debit card or mobile wallet can prevent emergencies.
FAQs
Will I be charged if the ATM runs out of cash?
No. If the machine fails to dispense money, you should not incur a fee. Always verify your account balance afterward.
Can I still deposit if the ATM is out of cash?
Usually yes. Cash cassette issues don’t always affect deposits, but if the screen disables the deposit option, visit a branch instead.
What if my account shows a withdrawal but I received no cash?
This is known as a dispense error. Contact your bank immediately. See our guide on what to do if the ATM took your money.
Are out-of-cash ATMs more common at convenience stores?
Yes. Independent ATMs tend to run out of cash faster and are serviced less frequently than bank machines.
Related Guides
If you know what steps to take, an empty ATM doesn’t have to slow you down. With the right alternatives and backup options, you can access cash quickly and securely.
