Updated November 2025 – Need cash but left your card at home, or just prefer not to insert it into the machine? Many banks now support contactless ATMs that let you withdraw using your phone with NFC tap (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Wallet) or a bank app QR code or one time code. This guide explains what contactless ATMs are, how to find one near you, how each method works, and what to watch for with fees, limits, and safety.
Want to see every nearby ATM, not just contactless ones? Use our ATM Near Me guide for fee free, 24 hour, and cardless options across all major banks and networks.
What “Contactless” Means at ATMs
At ATMs, “contactless” usually means you can start a withdrawal without inserting your physical card. Most contactless ATMs support one or more of these methods:
- NFC tap: Tap your phone or watch at the contactless symbol using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Wallet, then enter your PIN on the ATM.
- QR code via bank app: Open your bank app, choose cardless ATM, scan the QR code on the ATM screen, and confirm the withdrawal in the app.
- One time code: Your bank app generates a short code you type at the ATM to unlock a withdrawal without tapping.
Contactless is part of the broader move toward cardless ATMs, digital wallets, and tokenized payments that keep your card number off the reader.
How to Find a Contactless ATM Near You
- Use your bank locator: In your bank app, filter for “contactless”, “cardless”, or “NFC” ATMs where available.
- Check major networks at retailers: Pharmacies, grocery chains, and big box stores often host Allpoint or MoneyPass machines. See CVS ATM locations or Allpoint ATMs near you for easy access.
- Search maps: Try phrases like “contactless ATM near me” or “Apple Pay ATM near me” in Google Maps or Apple Maps. At the machine, look for the contactless wave symbol or a cardless prompt before tapping.
- Travel planning: Before a trip, save a few in network contactless ATMs in your destinations so you can avoid expensive foreign ATM fees. Review our fee free ATM tips before you go.
For a deeper look at Apple Pay compatible machines, see our dedicated guide: Apple Pay ATM Near Me.
How to Use a Contactless ATM (Step by Step)
NFC Tap (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Wallet)
- Wake your phone or watch and select your debit card in the wallet app.
- Hold it near the contactless symbol on the ATM until you feel a vibration or see a check mark.
- Follow the on screen prompts and enter your PIN on the ATM keypad.
- Choose Withdraw and your amount. Take your cash and receipt and secure your phone before walking away.
QR Code or One Time Code (Bank App)
- Open your bank mobile app and select Cardless ATM, Contactless ATM, or similar wording.
- Choose the QR or code option. Either scan the QR code shown on the ATM screen or type the one time code from your app.
- Confirm the amount in your app or on the ATM, then complete the withdrawal as usual.
- If the code expires, generate a new one in the app and try again.
Contactless vs QR Code vs One Time Code (Quick Comparison)
| Method | What you need | Typical flow | Pros | Watch outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFC tap | Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Wallet with a linked debit card | Tap at symbol, enter PIN, withdraw | Fast and familiar; no card insertion | Requires NFC enabled ATM; some cards cannot be added to wallets |
| QR via app | Your bank mobile app | Scan QR on screen, confirm in app | Works even if wallets are not set up | Not every ATM or bank supports QR codes |
| One time code | Bank app to generate a code | Enter code at ATM, confirm | No tap required; useful if reader is flaky | Codes expire quickly; you must keep the app open |
Which Banks Offer Contactless ATMs?
Most large U S banks now support some version of contactless ATM access. Availability varies by branch and region, but these banks are among the most widely rolled out in 2025:
- Chase: NFC enabled ATMs that work with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Wallet.
- Bank of America: QR code and app based cardless access at most ATMs.
- Wells Fargo: Contactless tap and one time access codes via the Wells Fargo Mobile app.
- Capital One: Rolling out tap and app based access across more branches and Capital One cafes.
- Credit unions and regional banks: Many participate in contactless friendly networks like Allpoint and MoneyPass.
Fees, Limits, and Deposits at Contactless ATMs
- Fees: “Contactless” does not automatically mean free. Out of network ATMs can still charge a surcharge and your bank may add its own foreign ATM fee. Use fee free ATM options or your bank locator to find in network machines.
- Withdrawal limits: Your normal daily card limit still applies to contactless withdrawals. For details, see ATM withdrawal limits by bank and bank specific guides such as Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Capital One, PNC, U S Bank, and Navy Federal.
- Deposits: Many retail hosted contactless ATMs are withdrawal only. For cash or check deposits, use your own bank branch or an in network deposit enabled ATM.
Troubleshooting Contactless ATM Problems
- Tap not detected: Make sure NFC is turned on in your phone settings, then hold the top or back of the phone directly over the contactless symbol for a few seconds.
- Wallet error or card not supported: Try another card, or switch to your bank app and use the QR or one time code option instead of tap.
- Transaction failed or declined: Check your balance and daily limit, then try a second in network ATM. If the problem continues, contact your bank from inside the app.
- Cash not dispensed but account debited: Save the receipt if you have one, note the time and location, and open a dispute with your bank. See our guides such as what to do if a Bank of America ATM takes your card or cash.
Safety Tips for Contactless ATM Withdrawals
- Prefer indoor or branch ATMs, especially at night or when taking out larger amounts.
- Shield the keypad with your hand or wallet when you enter your PIN, even when using your phone instead of a card.
- Be careful with QR codes: Only scan the code displayed on the ATM screen. Ignore any stickers or printed codes placed over the machine.
- Keep notifications on: Enable transaction alerts in your banking app so you see every withdrawal in real time.
- Review our ATM skimming protection tips and ATM phone safety tips for extra peace of mind.
City Guides for Apple Pay and Contactless ATMs
In large metro areas, you can often find multiple tap enabled ATMs within a few blocks. These city guides can help you get started:
FAQs: Contactless ATMs Explained
Is a contactless ATM the same as a cardless ATM?
A contactless ATM is one type of cardless ATM. Contactless usually refers to NFC tap with a phone or watch, while cardless can also include QR codes and one time codes that do not require tapping.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay at any ATM?
No. You can only use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Wallet at ATMs that show the contactless symbol and are enabled by your bank or network. Use your bank locator or see Apple Pay ATM Near Me for compatible machines.
Are contactless ATM withdrawals safer?
They can be safer because they use tokenized transactions. Your card number is not read by the ATM, which lowers the risk of skimming and cloned cards. You should still follow normal safety steps and watch your surroundings.
Do contactless ATMs have higher fees?
Fees depend on whether the ATM is in your bank network, not on how you start the transaction. A contactless in network ATM is usually cheaper than a non contactless out of network ATM with a surcharge.
Can I use a contactless ATM overseas?
Yes, in many countries. Check with your bank before travel and look for global networks that support tap to pay. Always confirm foreign ATM fees and currency conversion rates first.
Related Guides
- Cardless ATMs Near Me
- Apple Pay ATM Near Me
- How to Find Fee Free ATMs
- How to Increase Your ATM Withdrawal Limit
- ATM Withdrawal Limits by Bank
Bookmark this page to quickly find contactless ATMs near you and understand how tap, QR code, and one time code access work so you can get cash fast without pulling out your physical card.