Not all ATMs dispense $50 or $100 bills — and that is intentional. Banks control denomination availability based on machine configuration, security risk, cash demand, and transaction patterns at each location.
If you have searched for an ATM that gives $100 bills near you and could not find one, the reason usually comes down to how that specific machine is configured — not a technical limitation. This guide explains how denominations are chosen, where larger bills are typically available, and what increases your chances of finding them.
To understand the broader mechanics behind ATM cash handling and routing, see our guide on how ATM networks work.
How ATM Denominations Are Determined
Each ATM contains multiple internal cash cassettes, and each cassette holds only one denomination. Most machines support between two and four cassettes, which limits how many bill types can be loaded at one time.
- $20 bills (standard in nearly all ATMs)
- $50 bills (select branch locations)
- $100 bills (limited, high-security machines)
- $5 or $10 bills (rare and location-specific)
Banks configure denominations based on operational realities, including:
- Average withdrawal size at that location
- Frequency of machine replenishment
- Customer transaction patterns
- Security profile of the ATM location
- Fraud monitoring and counterfeit risk exposure
Why Most ATMs Default to $20 Bills
$20 bills offer the best balance between flexibility, security, and machine capacity. Larger denominations increase risk and reduce the total number of notes an ATM can hold before needing replenishment.
- Larger bills increase loss exposure in theft scenarios
- $100 notes carry higher counterfeit risk
- Misdispense errors are more expensive with high-value bills
- Many customers prefer smaller denominations for daily use
- Retail-hosted ATMs prioritize high-volume $20 transactions
Because of these factors, $50 and $100 bills are usually reserved for bank-owned branch ATMs with enhanced monitoring and controlled access.
How the ATM Decides Which Bills to Dispense
When you request a withdrawal, the ATM software calculates how to fulfill the amount using available cassettes while minimizing bill count and preserving machine inventory.
- Which cassettes currently contain cash
- Minimum bill count logic
- Whether denomination mixing is enabled
- Bank-defined conservation settings
For example, a $300 withdrawal may dispense:
- 3 × $100 bills at a large-denomination branch ATM
- 6 × $50 bills at select upgraded machines
- 15 × $20 bills at standard ATMs
Where $50 and $100 Bill ATMs Are Most Common
ATMs dispensing larger bills are most often located in environments with higher average transaction values and stronger physical security.
- Major bank branch lobbies
- Downtown financial districts
- Corporate and government centers
- Airports and high-volume travel hubs
- Affluent or high-transaction neighborhoods
Independent retail machines and convenience-store ATMs almost never offer $50 or $100 bills because their configuration prioritizes turnover and refill efficiency.
How to Improve Your Chances of Finding Large Bills
- Use branch lobby ATMs rather than standalone retail machines
- Visit during business hours for access to full-service machines
- Look for upgraded or touchscreen “advanced” ATMs
- Withdraw amounts that align with higher denominations
- Check multiple branches within the same bank network
You can start by identifying nearby bank-owned machines using our ATM near me resource.
How Large Bills Are Verified Inside the Machine
High-value bills are subject to strict validation before dispensing. ATMs use layered detection systems to reduce counterfeit and double-feed risk.
- Thickness sensors to detect doubles or folded notes
- Optical scanners to confirm denomination
- Magnetic ink recognition for authenticity
- Reject bins for suspect or damaged notes
For a deeper technical explanation, see how ATM cash dispensers work.
Withdrawal Limits and Larger Denominations
ATMs that dispense $50 or $100 bills can process higher-value withdrawals with fewer notes, but your bank’s daily withdrawal limit still controls the maximum allowed per day.
To compare daily caps across institutions, see ATM withdrawal limits by bank.
Key Takeaway
ATMs that dispense $50 and $100 bills are limited by design. They are typically found at secure, bank-owned branch locations where transaction size and monitoring justify higher denominations. If you need large bills, branch lobby ATMs at major banks offer the most reliable option.
