Contactless payments are becoming the go-to option. However, there are still some questions about money withdrawals. Can you withdraw money without having a physical card? Is it possible to use Google Pay at an ATM? What about virtual cards?
In exploring these aspects, this article will help you unravel the evolving landscape of modern banking and its implications on traditional methods of accessing funds.
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Can you use Google Pay at ATMs?
Sometimes, you can withdraw cash from an ATM even without your card. You’re good to go if the ATM offers contactless withdrawals and you’ve got mobile payment apps like Google Pay or Apple Pay ready,
However, not all ATMs have yet caught up with this futuristic feature. The ones that did now are called cardless ATMs.
Cardless ATMs
Cardless ATM access offers customers the possibility to withdraw cash using a mobile device instead of a physical debit card.
Unlike conventional ATMs, these machines use a mobile phone, rather than a physical card, for accessing the ATM and executing supported banking transactions.
The banks usually collaborate with the cardless ATM network offered by Mastercard or Visa to provide this feature.
Keep in mind that you can only withdraw money at your bank’s ATMs, and it has to have cardless or contactless features. Also, ensure your mobile device has the bank’s app installed.
How do cardless ATMs work?
To get money from a cardless ATM, make sure you have your bank’s app on your phone. Most banks have their apps, or you can link your debit card to mobile wallets like Google Pay or Apple Pay, which makes things more convenient.
These apps not only help with regular transactions but also allow you to plan and make cardless ATM withdrawals. Some banks even let you easily schedule and coordinate cash withdrawals through their apps.
Keep in mind that how you access money at a cardless ATM can vary between banks, each using different methods. There are four main ways to get cash without needing a physical debit card.
NFC
NFC technology uses a small chip and RFID to identify objects with radio waves. When an NFC-enabled payment device with NFC tags is near an NFC-enabled reader, the devices exchange encrypted data for secure credit card transactions.
In this case, your mobile phone acts as your mobile wallet that has a debit card in it.
Open your digital wallet app and select the card to withdraw money using near-field communication (NFC). Then, tap your phone on the NFC symbol. Enter your PIN or use your fingerprint or face ID so that the ATM can authenticate your transaction.
QR codes
Some ATMs have QR code functionality. You can scan the code using your mobile payment app to verify your identity. It is yet another secure way of logging in.
Biometric authentication
Some ATMs verify your identity by scanning your fingerprints, eyes or face. It’s an advanced technology, yet Chase, Bank of America, Citi, and Wells Fargo already offer it.
Even though it sounds impressive, there are some security concerns that banks respond to with “no comments”.
App-generated codes
App-generated codes are probably the simplest and most used authentication method. Some would say it is like retrieving your package at the parcel locker.
This way, you request a money withdrawal on your bank’s mobile app and get the code. At the ATM, enter the code so that it can verify your identity and log in.
Cash withdrawal limit on cardless ATMs
Cardless cash withdrawals have the same limit as regular ones. The daily limit mainly depends on your bank account.
Finding out your maximum ATM withdrawal limit is easy. Usually, the documents you got when you opened your bank account and debit card have this info.
For a quick check, log in to your online or mobile banking app. If the limits aren’t there, just call your bank to ask about your ATM withdrawal limit per transaction.
Google Pay at cardless ATMs
Google Pay combines the features of a digital wallet and payment app. The Google Pay app allows you to store credit and debit cards or even virtual ones and tickets on your phone, streamlining online and in-app payments.
Beyond its convenience for splitting expenses, earning rewards, and financial management, Google Pay also enables direct money transfers to a friend’s bank account. Android users with NFC support can make tap-to-pay payments wherever they see a contactless symbol.
When it comes to money withdrawals, you can use Google Pay to withdraw cash on one condition – if you find a cardless ATM.
Most cardless ATMs, including credit unions and major banks like Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, accept Google Pay. In the Google Pay case, you use NFC technology to withdraw funds.
How do you withdraw money from an ATM with Google Pay?
Here’s how to withdraw money with Google Pay:
- Open your Google Pay Wallet.
- Select the desired card.
- Tap your phone on the contactless symbol and enter your PIN.
To ensure the ATM accepts Google Pay, look for the symbol of contactless payments.
What are the benefits of using the Google Pay app at ATMs?
Like any innovation that is well accepted, Google Pay usage at cardless ATMs has its beneficial aspects.
Speed
The speed of using Google Pay at cardless ATMs is undeniable. All you need to do is tap your phone, scan a QR code or get a message with a login code, and you’re there, withdrawing cash.
Convenience
Minimalism now runs deeply in many’s veins. Today, one wants as much freedom as possible, and the phone gives it. Well, in a way. Some say we are becoming a cashless society. However, with the cards becoming virtual, others would think we are going cardless.
Google Pay, like Apple Pay or Samsung Pay, offer the possibility to travel light and leave your debit card safely at home. However, this coin also has another side. While the physical debit card works despite anything, the phone may die, leaving you with nothing.
Security
Using Google Pay at cardless ATMs is safer than utilizing a physical card. First, you have to verify your identity. You can do it either via biometric authentication or by entering generated security codes.
Secondly, you do not need to insert your debit card into the ATM. It lets you avoid many types of debit card fraud. For example, some scammers attach a skimmer to a point-of-sale scanner. This way, they try to read your card and retain the data.
However, Google Pay does not store or share credit card numbers but issues details on a temporary virtual card. Therefore, the fraudster doesn’t get any actual data.
Furthermore, Google Pay offers a Find My Phone service. You can track, lock, or delete your account remotely. Moreover, the Google Pay app sends an alert when you pay to a person not in your contact list.
No additional costs
As Google Pay works in the same way your physical debit card does, you don’t have to pay any additional fees. However, some banks have their own rules and charges for these convenient cash withdrawals.
FAQ
How can I get cash from an ATM without a card?
Various contactless ATMs accept Apple Pay and Google Pay instead of a physical card. Banks collaborate with the cardless ATM network provided by Mastercard or Visa to make this feature available. These are a few of the major banks that offer cardless ATM access:
- Bank of America
- Wells Fargo
- Chase
- Capital One
- PNC Bank
- Fifth Third Bank
- TD Bank
- BBVA
Can I use NFC at an ATM to withdraw cash?
Yes, some cardless ATMs allow to withdraw money using NFC. To employ NFC at a cardless ATM, open your mobile app, select the linked bank account for withdrawal, and tap your phone on the designated reader.
How can I find a Google Pay ATM near me?
Finding a Google Pay ATM near you can be challenging, but these tips can help:
- Search for Google Pay ATMs on Google Maps.
- The first three results should show the address and phone number of the nearest ATM.
- Click on one of them to view the ATM’s location on the map and recent customer reviews.
However, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Therefore, before you go, visit the bank’s website to ensure it offers cardless ATMs. Moreover, make sure in advance that your Google Pay account works smoothly.