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Contactless ATMs: Locations, tap to pay, and how to use them

International money transfer
BOSS Revolution Content Team
Written by BOSS Revolution Content Team
• 9 min read

With the rising use of digital wallets both in everyday transactions and paying abroad, you might find that you’ve forgotten your actual ATM card from time to time. Thankfully, contactless banking has kept up with this trend – and as a result, you may find a useful contactless ATM near you.

Even if some people would still like the security (or comfort) of having a physical ATM card, there’s been a growing awareness and adoption of cardless banking. There are plenty of situations where it may even be the best option for you, especially if you’re traveling overseas.

In this article, you’ll learn about whether you can use an ATM without a card, how cardless withdrawals work, which digital wallets are supported, and which banks offer these features. 

What is a contactless ATM?

A contactless ATM is an Automated Teller Machine fitted with NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities, enabling tap-to-pay interactions. It works with phones, smartwatches, or cards that you don’t need to slot inside the machine. That distinction is important because a contactless ATM allows you to access your account without having to use a physical card.

Globally, contactless ATM transactions have risen. European countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, and Austria lead in cardless transactions1, supported by major financial institutions like MasterCard enabling Consumer Device Cardholder Verification Method (CDCVM) systems. Depending on where you are in the world (or alternatively where you’re planning to travel), contactless ATM transactions may be the best way to withdraw your money.

What is a cardless ATM withdrawal?

Before getting into the details of how to best use cardless ATM transactions, it’s important to keep in mind that cardless ATM does not always equal an NFC transaction. Cardless ATM transactions can be categorized into two types:

NFC withdrawal

This method uses contactless technology similar to tap-to-pay systems. Here’s how it works, keeping in mind that this feature is only available at ATMs equipped with contactless readers.

  1. Add your debit card to a mobile wallet such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or a bank app.
  2. At an NFC-enabled ATM, tap your smartphone or wearable device on the ATM's contactless reader.
  3. Verify your identity using a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
  4. Complete the withdrawal transaction.
NFC withdrawals are fast and easy to use, with no need to carry a physical card to access your funds. Security-wise, they use encrypted contactless technology to keep your bank account and device safe—as long as you have an NFC-capable phone or wearable device.

App-based withdrawal

This method uses your bank's mobile banking app, and specifically at ATMs that support the bank's cardless withdrawal service. Generally, the process looks like this:

  1. Open your bank's mobile app. 
  2. Select the cardless withdrawal option. 
  3. Enter the amount you want to withdraw. 
  4. The app generates a one-time code or QR code. 
  5. At a participating ATM, enter the code or scan the QR code. 
  6. The ATM dispenses the cash. 

App-based withdrawals are secure because they use one-time authentication, and is tied to your unique biometric login, PINs, or multi-factor authentication. However, you need to have a smartphone and internet access to use this feature. Some banks that have this include Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America.

Can you use tap-to-pay at an ATM?

Yes, you can use tap-to-pay at an ATM, but only if the ATM has an NFC/contactless reader (usually marked with the contactless symbol), and your debit card is added to a supported mobile wallet or banking app, such as Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. 

To use tap-to-pay at an ATM, you should:

  1. Hold your phone, smartwatch, or contactless card near the ATM's NFC reader. 
  2. The ATM recognizes your account information. 
  3. Enter your PIN or complete any required authentication. 
  4. Choose "Withdraw Cash" and proceed as usual.

Keep in mind some banks support contactless ATM access only through their own apps, though the availability of this feature varies by bank and country.

How to find contactless ATMs near you

If you’re curious about which ATMs near you have contactless withdrawals, there are several ways you can check without going to the ATM itself:

1. Bank ATM Locator

Most banks provide ATM locators on their websites that allow you to filter for contactless or cardless ATMs. Check your bank's ATM locator page, and look for filters such as: 

  • "Contactless ATM" 
  • "NFC-enabled ATM" 
  • "Cardless ATM" 
  • "Mobile Withdrawal" 

2. Mobile Banking App

Many banking apps can show nearby ATMs and show which machines support contactless transactions. Simply open your banking app, select ATM Locator or Find ATM (enabling location services) and look for icons or labels indicating cardless withdrawals.

3. Google Maps

Search using terms such as:

  • contactless ATM near me 
  • NFC ATM near me 
  • cardless ATM near me 
  • tap to pay ATM near me 
  • [Bank Name] contactless ATM 

Review the ATM photos and descriptions to confirm support for contactless transactions.

4. ATM Finder Tools

Many ATM networks and banks offer dedicated ATM finders that highlight special features.

Examples include:

  • ATM network websites 
  • Bank ATM locators 
  • Mobile wallet partner ATM finders 

Check whether the ATM specifically mentions contactless transactions or QR-code withdrawals.

Checking the ATM itself

Once you find an ATM, go to its physical location and check for:

  • NFC/Contactless Symbol
  • Mobile Wallet Symbol
  • QR Code Symbol
  • Cardless Withdrawal Label

If any of these appear, the ATM likely supports contactless withdrawals or cardless withdrawals through a banking app. The exact method depends on your bank and the ATM network.

Which banks offer cardless ATM access?

Bank NFC / Tap-to-ATM Support App-Based Cardless Withdrawal
Chase Bank2 Customers can use a debit card stored in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet and tap at contactless-enabled Chase ATMs. The Chase Mobile app allows users to schedule a cash withdrawal before completing it at an ATM.
Wells Fargo3 Customers can access Wells Fargo ATMs using a digital wallet or a contactless debit card. No publicly advertised app-generated withdrawal code feature. Cardless access is primarily through NFC/digital wallets.
Bank of America4 Bank of America offers cardless ATM access through digital wallet technology at NFC-enabled ATMs. This is widely referenced in current banking guides and customer documentation. No widely advertised app-generated code withdrawal feature. Access is generally via NFC/mobile wallet.
U.S. Bank5 Supports cardless ATM transactions through mobile wallet-enabled ATMs. Limited public information on one-time code withdrawals. NFC is the primary method.
PNC Bank6 Supports contactless ATM access using eligible digital wallets. No widely publicized app-generated cash code feature.
Truist Bank7,8 Supports NFC-enabled ATM access with eligible cards and wallets. No publicly advertised app-code withdrawal service. 

Contactless ATMs: pros and cons

Contactless ATM transactions are extremely useful in the right circumstances, and you may even find that the longer you use these types of transactions, the more you’d prefer them to be the default. However, there are considerations that you also need to keep in mind if you’re thinking of making contactless ATM transactions a regular routine.

Some of the pros include:

Convenience:
no need to carry a physical card
Security:
contactless ATM transactions reduce the risk of traditional card-skimming attacks, though users remain vulnerable to other forms of fraud and account compromise
Speed:
all you need to do is tap your device against the machine – no more fishing around in your bag and wallet for cards
Backup access:
contactless ATM transactions can be very useful if you’ve forgotten your card and still need to withdraw cash in a pinch

Cons of using contactless ATM access include:

ATM limitations:
not all ATMs can support NFC or cardless withdrawals
Phone and internet access:
some app-based withdrawal methods require internet access, while NFC wallet transactions may continue to work without a live connection depending on the device and bank
Bank limitations:
some banks (especially smaller or rural branches abroad) may not support contactless ATM transactions
Security requirements:
PINs, authentication steps, and other security measures still apply to most contactless ATM transactions.

Should I swap to using contactless/cardless ATM transactions all the time?

While contactless ATM transactions might become more common across the globe, there is good reason not to depend on them full-time. As explained in the cons section above, the most significant consideration to widespread contactless ATM use is availability.
Many factors (not just the ATM itself) can make contactless or cardless transactions impossible, in which case it’s more reliable to keep an ATM card with you as a reliable backup plan. Alternatively, you can also move money through digital methods like online banking, which remove the need to interact with an ATM entirely.

Beyond ATMs: How BOSS Money helps when cash access isn’t enough

Contactless ATMs and cardless transactions may be the future of banking, but it’s always good to have a backup plan in case those methods aren’t available to you. Some services can go beyond what an ATM can help you with – like BOSS Money.

You can use it to send money to yourself, support needs when traveling, or access funds when traditional ATM options aren’t accessible. You can enjoy direct bank deposits, cash pickup at thousands of locations around the world, and mobile wallets. If ATMs aren’t an option, and your bank doesn’t have a branch readily available, BOSS Money can help you manage your cash.

FAQs

What is a cardless ATM?

A cardless ATM is an ATM that allows you to withdraw or deposit cash without using an ATM card. Many cardless-capable ATMs also support traditional card transactions.

Can you withdraw cash without a debit card?

Many banks now allow customers to withdraw cash without a physical debit card, provided their accounts and ATMs support cardless access. You can also visit a bank teller directly if there is a branch near your location.

Can you use Apple Pay or Google Pay at an ATM?

Many U.S. banks allow customers to use eligible debit cards stored in Apple Pay or Google Wallet at NFC-enabled ATMs, though support varies by bank and ATM operator. You can withdraw cash by tapping your phone at machines equipped with an NFC reader and supported by your bank. However, keep in mind that availability of these services can be limited once you’re abroad.

Do all ATMs have tap-to-pay?

No, not all ATMs have tap-to-pay or contactless capabilities. While many modern machines operated by major banks support tapping your physical contactless card or using digital wallets, older machines still require you to physically insert your card and enter a PIN.

Can I use my phone at an ATM?

Yes, you can use your phone at an ATM. Many modern banks and ATMs allow you to make transactions without a physical card using methods like NFC (contactless tap), QR code scanning, or mobile app withdrawal codes.

Is using a contactless ATM safer than using a regular ATM?

Yes, contactless ATMs are generally safer than regular ones. Because you do not physically insert your card, contactless ATM transactions significantly reduce the risk of traditional card-skimming attacks. Keep in mind that many contactless ATM transactions still require PIN entry, so you should remain aware of shoulder-surfing risks.

Can I still withdraw money if I forget my ATM card?

Yes, depending on the method you have available to you. Many banks offer contactless ATM transactions, as discussed earlier in this article, while other services like BOSS Money allow you to send money to yourself for physical cash pickup somewhere else.

How do I find a cardless ATM near me?

The most reliable way to find a cardless ATM near you is to use your bank's mobile app or official bank website. Many banks indicate whether nearby ATMs support NFC access, QR-code withdrawals, or other cardless features. Alternatively, using Google can also give you a general idea of where the nearest contactless ATMs are in your vicinity.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of June 17, 2026

  1. https://www.mastercard.com/sea/en/news-and-trends/press/2025/september/mastercard-ncr-atleos-itcard-enhance-contactless-experiences-at-atms.html

  2. https://www.chase.com/digital/atms

  3. https://www.wellsfargo.com/mobile/tap-access/

  4. https://promotions.bankofamerica.com/digitalbanking/mobilebanking/digitalwallets

  5. https://www.usbank.com/online-mobile-banking/atm.html

  6. https://www.pnc.com/en/personal-banking/banking/online-and-mobile-banking/atm-banking.html

  7. https://www.truist.com/atm

  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZYEdLccV0s

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.

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