Most ATMs still default to dispensing $20 bills, but a growing number of upgraded machines now support smaller denominations — including $5 bills. Whether you can withdraw $5 notes depends less on the bank name and more on how the specific ATM is configured and stocked.
If you are trying to find an ATM that dispenses $5 bills, understanding how multi-denomination machines operate will dramatically improve your chances.
Why Most ATMs Do Not Stock $5 Bills
ATMs use internal cash cassettes, and each cassette holds a single denomination. Many older machines only support two or three cassette slots. Banks must decide how to allocate that limited space.
Because $5 bills:
- Deplete faster than larger denominations
- Require more frequent replenishment
- Reduce overall machine cash capacity
- Increase balancing complexity
Operators often prioritize $20 and $100 bills instead. As a result, $5-bill ATMs remain concentrated at newer or recently upgraded branch locations.
How ATM Cassette Configuration Determines Availability
A typical multi-denomination ATM may allocate cassettes like this:
- Cassette 1: $20 bills
- Cassette 2: $20 bills
- Cassette 3: $100 bills
- Cassette 4: Optional ($10 or $5 bills)
If the fourth cassette is assigned to $10 bills, the machine will not dispense $5 notes. Even if the hardware supports smaller denominations, the bank ultimately controls what is loaded.
Banks Most Likely to Support $5 Withdrawals
Availability varies by location, but the following institutions have deployed Smart or multi-denomination ATMs capable of dispensing $5 bills in select branches:
| Bank or Network | $5 Bill Availability | Machine Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chase | Yes (select branches) | Smart ATMs with denomination selection |
| Wells Fargo | Yes (upgraded locations) | Multi-denomination ATMs |
| PNC Bank | Yes | Customize Bills feature |
| Bank of America | Limited | Newer full-service branch ATMs |
| US Bank | Limited | Urban high-traffic branches |
| Allpoint Network | Varies | Operator dependent |
Why a $5-Capable ATM May Still Dispense Larger Bills
Even when a machine supports $5 notes, you may still receive $10s or $20s. This can happen when:
- The $5 cassette is empty
- The ATM activates cash conservation mode
- Preset withdrawal buttons override custom selection
- Denomination mixing is temporarily disabled
- The bank restricts small bills at high-demand locations
Using the “Other Amount” option typically reveals whether smaller bills are currently available. If you see a “Choose Bills” screen, denomination control is enabled at that moment.
Where $5-Bill ATMs Are Most Common
- Recently upgraded branch lobby ATMs
- Downtown financial districts
- College campuses
- High-density retail corridors
- Airports and large transit centers
Standalone convenience-store ATMs and older drive-up machines rarely support $5 withdrawals due to hardware and stocking limitations.
How to Improve Your Chances of Finding One
- Start with branch lobby ATMs instead of outdoor units
- Look for “Smart ATM” or “Full-Service ATM” labels
- Use your bank’s official locator to find upgraded machines
- Withdraw a custom amount instead of preset values
- Visit during business hours for access to newer hardware
Fees and Small Withdrawals
Withdrawing $5 in a separate transaction can trigger out-of-network ATM fees. To minimize costs:
- Use surcharge-free ATM networks
- Withdraw mixed denominations in a single transaction
- Choose banks that reimburse ATM surcharges
- Use cash-back at checkout when available
Key Takeaway
ATMs that dispense $5 bills exist, but availability depends on machine upgrades, cassette allocation, and stocking decisions at that location. Newer branch lobby ATMs in high-traffic areas offer the highest probability of success. Always confirm denomination options on screen before completing your withdrawal.
