Most ATMs do not accept Apple Pay, but some banks and networks are starting to offer it

The short answer is: not yet at most ATMs. Apple Pay works at many stores and online, but traditional ATMs — the machines you use to withdraw cash — still require a physical card or PIN entry. A small number of banks have begun testing Apple Pay at their ATMs, and some newer machines support it, but you cannot count on finding one in your area.

The reason is technical and historical. ATMs were built decades before mobile payments existed, and upgrading them to read contactless signals costs money. Banks have to replace or retrofit machines one at a time. The rollout is slow and uneven, which means your bank's ATM might support it while another bank's does not.

Key Takeaways

  • Most ATMs in the United States still require a physical debit card or credit card to withdraw cash, not a phone or watch.
  • Some banks including Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo have tested Apple Pay at select ATMs, but availability is limited and varies by location.
  • Even if your bank supports Apple Pay at ATMs, you may still need to enter your PIN on the machine's keypad for security.
  • The fastest way to check whether your bank's ATMs accept Apple Pay is to call your bank's customer service line or visit their website.

Which banks have started accepting Apple Pay at ATMs

Bank of America rolled out Apple Pay at some of its ATMs starting in 2023, though the feature is not available at every machine. Chase has also tested the feature at select locations. Wells Fargo announced support for contactless payments at ATMs, which includes Apple Pay. However, these rollouts are partial — even within a single bank, some ATMs accept it and others do not.

Smaller regional banks and credit unions have been slower to adopt the technology. If you bank with a smaller institution, your ATM likely still requires a physical card. The upgrade requires new hardware or software updates to existing machines, which smaller banks may not prioritize.

The networks themselves — Visa, Mastercard, and others — support contactless ATM payments, but the banks that own the machines decide whether to turn the feature on. This means a Visa-branded ATM at one bank might accept Apple Pay while an identical machine at another bank does not.

How Apple Pay works at ATMs that support it

When an ATM accepts Apple Pay, you hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless reader on the machine, similar to how you would pay at a store. The machine reads your card information wirelessly. You then enter your PIN on the keypad as usual — the bank still requires this for security, even though you used your phone to identify yourself.

The process is faster than inserting a card, but not dramatically so. You still wait for the machine to process your request and dispense cash. The main benefit is convenience if you left your physical card at home, though most people carry both their phone and card anyway.

Not all Apple Pay-enabled ATMs work the same way. Some may require additional steps, like confirming the transaction on your phone. Check your bank's instructions before you try it, because the exact process varies.

Why most ATMs still do not accept Apple Pay

ATMs are expensive to replace or upgrade. A single machine can cost $3,000 to $4,000, and banks operate tens of thousands of them. Replacing or retrofitting every machine to accept contactless payments would cost billions across the industry. Banks prioritize upgrades at high-traffic locations first, which means rural areas and smaller branches get them last.

There is also less demand than you might expect. Most people who have Apple Pay also have a physical debit card in their wallet. ATM withdrawals are less frequent than they used to be, so banks see less urgency in upgrading machines compared to upgrading checkout terminals at stores, where transactions happen constantly.

Security standards also slow adoption. ATMs handle cash and require strict authentication. Banks and regulators want to make sure contactless ATM payments are as secure as card-based ones before rolling them out widely. Testing and certification take time.

What to do if your bank's ATMs do not support Apple Pay

Bring your physical debit card. This remains the most reliable way to withdraw cash from any ATM, anywhere. If you forgot your card, you have a few options depending on your bank.

Some banks let you withdraw cash at a branch with your ID, even without your card. Others offer cardless ATM withdrawals through their mobile app — you request a withdrawal in the app, and the ATM generates a one-time code you enter at the machine. This feature is separate from Apple Pay and works at most banks' ATMs, though not all.

If your bank offers cardless withdrawals, set it up before you need it. The process varies by bank, but usually involves opening your mobile app, selecting "withdraw cash," and choosing an ATM near you. The bank sends you a code valid for a limited time.

How to check if your bank's ATMs accept Apple Pay

Call your bank's customer service number — the one on the back of your debit card or on your statement. Ask whether their ATMs accept Apple Pay and whether the feature is available at the locations you use most often. They can tell you which machines have been upgraded.

You can also visit your bank's website and search for "Apple Pay ATM" or "contactless ATM." Many banks have published lists of which machines support it. If the information is not online, a phone call is faster than visiting a branch.

If you use multiple banks or credit unions, check each one separately. A machine at Bank A might accept Apple Pay while an identical machine at Bank B does not, even if they use the same network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple Pay to withdraw cash from any ATM?

No. Most ATMs still require a physical card. Only machines that have been upgraded to accept contactless payments will work with Apple Pay, and these are not yet widespread. Your bank's website or customer service can tell you which of their machines support it.

Do I still need to enter my PIN if I use Apple Pay at an ATM?

Yes. Even if the ATM accepts Apple Pay, you will still enter your PIN on the keypad for security. Apple Pay handles the card identification, but the PIN is your second factor of authentication.

What if I do not have my card and my bank's ATMs do not accept Apple Pay?

Ask your bank about cardless ATM withdrawals through their mobile app. This feature lets you request a withdrawal in the app, and the ATM generates a code you enter at the machine. Not all banks offer it, but many do, and it works at most ATMs.

Will all ATMs eventually accept Apple Pay?

Probably not all, but more will over time. Banks are upgrading machines gradually, starting with high-traffic locations. Older machines in rural areas or small branches may never be upgraded. Carrying your physical card remains the most reliable option.

Is Apple Pay at ATMs more secure than using a card?

They are equally secure. Both methods require your PIN, and both use encryption. Apple Pay adds a layer of authentication through your phone, but the ATM still protects your transaction the same way it always has.