ATMs are getting smarter, faster, and more secure — and one of the biggest innovations driving this change is the rise of contactless ATMs. Instead of inserting a debit card, customers can now tap their phone, smartwatch, or contactless-enabled card to access cash. In this 2025 guide, we’ll explain how contactless ATMs work, why banks are rolling them out, and how you can find one near you.
What Is a Contactless ATM?
A contactless ATM lets you begin a withdrawal without inserting your card. These machines are equipped with NFC (Near-Field Communication) readers, the same technology used for Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Simply tap your device or card against the reader, verify your identity, and complete the transaction.
Like cardless ATMs, contactless machines are designed to improve speed and security while reducing reliance on traditional debit cards.
How Contactless ATMs Work
- Open your mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay).
- Hold your phone, watch, or card against the NFC reader on the ATM.
- Authenticate using fingerprint, Face ID, or passcode.
- Enter your PIN when prompted for final security verification.
- Withdraw cash just like at a traditional ATM.
This process is faster than inserting and removing a card, while also making it more secure. Combined with biometric authentication, it ensures only the authorized user can complete the transaction.
Benefits of Contactless ATMs
- Speed: Tapping your phone is faster than swiping or inserting a card.
- Security: Reduces card skimming risks since no card is inserted.
- Hygiene: Less physical contact with ATM surfaces.
- Convenience: Perfect if you forgot your wallet but have your phone or smartwatch.
- Compatibility: Works with popular wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
These benefits overlap with other ATM technology upgrades like deposit automation and AI-powered fraud detection, creating a safer and more efficient customer experience.
Which Banks Offer Contactless ATMs?
Many U.S. banks have already introduced contactless ATMs. Some of the biggest adopters include:
- Chase — Offers tap-to-pay withdrawals nationwide with most accounts.
- Bank of America — Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at upgraded machines.
- Wells Fargo — Rolled out NFC-enabled ATMs across its network.
- Capital One — Allows contactless withdrawals at many AllPoint and MoneyPass ATMs.
- Regional banks and credit unions — Increasingly upgrading their networks to stay competitive.
How Contactless ATMs Improve Security
Contactless ATMs address one of the biggest security risks in banking: card skimming. Since your card never enters the machine, thieves cannot install skimmers to steal data. Additionally, mobile wallets use tokenization, meaning your real card number is never shared with the ATM.
When combined with biometrics and remote video assistance, contactless ATMs provide a much more secure and user-friendly way to access cash.
Contactless vs. Cardless ATMs
While contactless and cardless ATMs sound similar, they work slightly differently. Cardless ATMs often use QR codes or mobile app-generated codes, while contactless relies on NFC technology. Both eliminate the need to insert a physical card, but contactless is typically faster since you only need to tap your device.
The Future of Contactless ATMs
In the coming years, contactless ATMs are expected to become the standard. As more banks upgrade their networks, customers will be able to enjoy faster, safer transactions almost anywhere. Combined with AI-driven personalization and biometric verification, contactless ATMs will form the foundation of smart banking hubs.
Final Thoughts
Contactless ATMs are transforming how we access cash. By combining speed, convenience, and security, they represent one of the most important banking innovations of the last decade. As adoption spreads, expect to see more banks adding tap-to-pay features alongside biometrics, deposit automation, and other advanced ATM technologies.
Want to learn more about ATM innovations? Visit our ATM Technology hub to explore the latest in banking security, automation, and convenience.