Can I Withdraw Cash From the Bank Even When My Card Is Lost?

No matter how much money you have in the bank, it's important to safeguard your ATM card. If you face a stolen or lost bank card, a thief could use it to make unauthorized withdrawals from your account. And if your ATM card carries the Visa logo, a thief could also use the card to make purchases at local and online merchants, even without knowing your PIN. If your card is lost, you must contact the bank immediately to report the loss, but you can still get cash through your bank while your lost card is being replaced.

While you can get cash without a debit card, it will take some work and travel on your part. If you need to withdraw money before you receive your replacement ATM card, you'll have to visit your local branch. You can fill out a withdrawal slip with your account number, the amount, your name and date and hand it to the teller. If you don't know the account number, check your past bank statements sent through the mail or log in to your online banking account and look for it there. The teller can also help you look it up.

You have to supply photo ID to verify your identity and withdraw the money. The teller will compare your signature to the signature card on file to ensure you're the registered owner of the account.

You can continue to write checks against your account while your ATM card is being replaced. Be sure to sign and date each check before you send it, and watch your bank statement carefully for any fraudulent charges.

If the person who finds your lost ATM card attempts to use it, any transactions show up on your monthly statement. Contact the bank immediately if you spot any suspicious activity on your account.

You can also continue to send money electronically through your online banking account, and this can help you withdraw money. For example, you could transfer funds to another bank account you have, and use your ATM card for that bank once the transfer completes. You can also send money to others and make online bill payments this way.

While you're at the bank, request a replacement for your lost or stolen card. When you complete the paperwork to report your card lost, you can also request that a replacement card be issued. That replacement card is then mailed to your home, typically in an envelope that doesn't contain the name or return address of the bank.

You should receive a separate mailing a few days later with your temporary ATM PIN. You can then take the ATM card and the PIN to a local branch and select the personal identification number of your choice.

Your bank might require you to complete a special form verifying that your ATM card has been lost or stolen. Contact your bank the minute you realize your card is missing. Even if the bank is closed, banks usually offer a special toll-free number you can use to report the loss or theft of your card. You can find this phone number on your bank statements and possibly on the bank's website as well.

Some banks allow you to submit your request but could restrict your account. For example, if you lost your Chime card and need money, you'd have to disable transactions entirely and call to report the need for another card. In the meantime, you'd have to wait for a card to access your money altogether.

Reporting the loss of your card promptly protects your rights and limits your potential losses in the event the card is used fraudulently or a thief attempts to withdraw money from your account.