How To Withdraw Money From Bank Without Debit Card

You have the money in your checking account, but that doesn't mean you can access it. It's better to know your daily spending limit on your debit cards before you have an embarrassing moment at the store.

Does your debit card have a daily spending limit? Most likely, yes. A debit card spending maximum is set by the individual bank or credit union that issues the debit card. Some debit cards have spending capped at $1,000, $2,000, or $3,000 daily.

Try to spend more than the maximum allowed, and your debit card will be declined even if you have enough money in your checking account. Very embarrassing. There are, however, some steps you can take to deal with debit card spending limits.

Why worry about debit card spending limits?

It's not every day we need to spend more than $1,000 on a debit card. But it happens. Especially if you don't have or wish to use a credit card for major purchases, you may find yourself needing to pay a big car repair bill, book a vacation, or make another large purchase that will cost more than your debit card spending limit.

Daily limits are placed on your card for security reasons. This way your bank account won't be drained of funds if theft or fraud occurs.

Related: Charge Cards—A smart alternative to debit and credit cards

Ask your bank or credit union what your debit card limits are

Before you can deal with a debit card spending limit, you need to know what it is. A few banks publish this information on their Web sites, or print the information on the paperwork that comes with your card.

If not, you'll need to call up your bank or credit union or ask a teller the next time you're in. Be sure to determine both your ATM cash withdrawal daily limit and you debit card spending limit. They're different.

Typically, your cash withdrawal limit will be lower. Many banks set ATM withdrawal limits at $500 in a 24 hour period. Sometimes it's $1,000. Typically, your ATM spending limit will be higher. Also ask your bank if ATM transactions count towards your daily spending limit. (If so, and you have a $1,000 total spending limit, when you withdraw $200 from an ATM you could not then make a $900 purchase on your card).

Ask to change your debit card spending limits

Most banks will increase debit card limits if you ask. This increase can be either permanent or temporary, with some raises only lasting for a 24 hour period, so make sure you find out ahead of time.

Also be sure to find out when the increase will take effect. Sometimes it's instantaneous, other times it may take 24 or 48 hours, so if you go to make a big purchase right after hanging up with the bank, the transaction may still not go through.

Credit vs. Debit, Is Credit a Good Idea for You?

Alternatively, there are times when it is better to use a credit card than a debit card. If you have good credit or you would like to build up your credit history for use later on, then applying for a credit card is a good idea. If you use your credit card responsibly, spending can actually create positive credit history, making you a more likely candidate for approval on better cards in the future. Here's when it's a better idea to reach for a credit card than your debit card:

If you are short on cash but will be getting more soon
If you need to make a purchase that can be broken up into monthly installments
If you are paying a lot of interest on a previous debt and wish to consolidate under a lower interest rate

Of course, the one caveat to this is that you must use your credit card responsibly. This means paying at least your monthly minimum and not letting the interest accrue unnecessarily. If you can handle that, then a credit card is an excellent idea for you for several reasons, for example:

Credit cards help you build your credit

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As mentioned above, responsible credit card spending will actually build your credit and help you raise your credit score. Cards like the Platinum Secured Credit Card from Capital One or the Capital One Platinum Credit Card allow people with bad or no credit to start building their credit anew. Debit cards do not offer this type of advantage.

You can earn amazing rewards from credit card programs

Most credit cards today offer some sort of rewards program. These programs can often be highly lucrative, giving you real cash back, gift cards, and statement credits for the spending you are doing anyway.

Credit cards offer other benefits too

In addition to rewards points, credit cards offer valuable benefits including airport services, travel insurance and perks, and shopping advantages like extended warranty and purchase protection.

Credit cards are an emergency line of credit

While we hope we'll never need it, a credit card is a good emergency fund in case the need ever does arise. Whether it's a medical emergency, an unexpected repair needed on your house, or a car part replacement that ends up costing you thousands of dollars you just don't have, credit cards offer you the flexibility to stay covered in these unpredictable times.

Debt consolidation

Another perk to credit cards is the introductory offers. Some will give you 0% APR for a limited amount of time. If you have debt or need to make a large purchase, this can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars by canceling the interest payments for that introductory period of time.

Summary

Still using only your debit card for daily purchases? Debit cards can be great at times—and sometimes credit cards are a better choice (if you use them responsibly).

Or, you may even consider using a check to make larger purchases. While checks seem outdated compared to debit or credit cards, it makes sense to use them if you need to purchase something that exceeds your debit card limit. As long as the check will clear, there is no limit to how much you can spend with a personal check. Here's how to fill out a check.

5 Biggest Debit Card Dangers
How To Use A Debit Card Safely

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About the author

Total Articles: 308

David Weliver

Total Articles: 308

David Weliver is the founder of Money Under 30. He's a cited authority on personal finance and the unique money issues he faced during his first two decades as an adult. He lives in Maine with his wife and two children.