How Do You Withdraw Money From A Savings Account? (2024)

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Savings accounts are a smart place to keep money for your short- and long-term financial goals, such as a future home down-payment or starting a business. However, sometimes you may need to access your savings earlier than expected. Withdrawing money from your savings account is relatively straightforward, but the process depends on your bank’s specific policies.

How To Withdraw Money From a Savings Account

There are several ways to withdraw money from a savings account. Remember that all withdrawals count toward your monthly withdrawal limits, which your bank sets.

Take Money Out at an ATM

One of the quickest ways to withdraw money from a savings account is at an ATM. Depending on your bank, you can use your physical debit card or mobile wallet to access the funds in your account. Keep in mind there may be fees to take out money from a savings account at an out-of-network ATM.

Visit Your Local Branch

You can visit your local bank branch during regular business hours and speak with a teller to withdraw money from your savings account. Be sure to bring a form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID.

Write a Check

If your savings account comes with checks, you can withdraw money from your account by writing a check out to cash. Write “cash” next to “Pay to the order of,” then complete the rest of the check as you normally would.

Transfer Money Into Your Checking Account

An online transfer from your savings into your checking account may be more convenient, especially if no in-network ATMs or physical bank branches are nearby. If you keep your savings at an online bank, an online transfer may be the quickest option.

Why Can’t I Transfer Money From Savings To Checking?

Most banks allow transfers from savings to checking accounts, but there may be instances when you’re unable to. The factors below may affect your ability to complete a transfer from your savings to your checking account.

Regulation D Limits

Regulation D is a federal regulation that restricts the number of transfers and withdrawals you can make from your savings account within any given statement cycle. These limitations are intended to encourage consumers to use savings accounts for saving money rather than for frequent withdrawals.

Many banks did away with Regulation D requirements during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, some banks still enforce Regulation D withdrawal limits. Reach out to your bank or visit their website for the most up-to-date information.

Timing

Depending on when you request a transfer or withdrawal, you may not receive the funds right away. Each bank has its own cutoff times. For example, some banks offer same-day online transfers on weekdays before 5:00 p.m. If you initiate a transfer on the weekend, you may not receive the funds until the following business day. Visiting an ATM may be the quickest option if you need cash immediately.

Why Are There Limits on Payments From Your Savings Account?

The payment limits on savings accounts exist for several reasons:

  • Regulation D requirements. Regulation D limits the number of monthly withdrawals and transfers you can make from a savings account. If you repeatedly exceed the withdrawal limit, your bank may charge an over-the-limit fee for each additional withdrawal or, in some cases, close your account.
  • To discourage withdrawals. Money in a savings account is meant to be saved, not spent. Limiting the number of withdrawals may deter people from spending their savings unless necessary.
  • To manage bank reserves. Banks must maintain adequate cash to handle customer demands and potential economic fluctuations. Limiting payments from savings accounts helps banks manage their cash flow, ensuring they always have sufficient funds available.

Steps To Withdraw From a Savings Account

Here are the steps to withdraw money from a savings account.

  1. Ensure sufficient funds. Confirm you have enough money in savings to cover the amount you wish to withdraw. Writing a check for an amount exceeding your account balance can result in overdraft fees or a bounced check.
  2. Review your withdrawal limits. Many banks limit the frequency of savings withdrawals to six per month. Exceeding the limit can result in fees and potential account closure. Reviewing your bank’s withdrawal limits is crucial to avoid these consequences.
  3. Choose your withdrawal method. Depending on your bank and type of savings account, you can withdraw cash from an ATM, over the phone, in person or via online transfer to your checking account.

Bottom Line

The money in your savings account is meant for your financial goals, but life happens, and sometimes withdrawals are necessary to handle emergencies and other financial needs. By understanding your bank’s withdrawal options and restrictions, you ensure easy access to your money when you need it.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much can I withdraw from a savings account?

You can withdraw as much as needed from a savings account up to the available balance. However, the frequency at which you can withdraw funds depends on the policies and withdrawal limits in place at your bank.

Can I withdraw from my savings at an ATM?

In many cases, yes. You should be able to withdraw money from your savings account at an ATM. After you insert your card and punch in your PIN, you should be able to choose the account to withdraw money from, such as your savings or checking account.

Do savings accounts come with a debit card?

Typically, no, because savings accounts are designed for saving money and earning interest, not frequent transactions. Debit cards are more common with checking accounts and money market savings accounts. However, several savings accounts—such as Synchrony Bank’s and Axos Bank’s high-yield savings accounts—include ATM cards, allowing you to withdraw cash from ATMs.

How often can you withdraw from a savings account?

Many banks enforce Regulation D requirements, which restrict savings account withdrawals to six per month.

How Do You Withdraw Money From A Savings Account? (2024)

FAQs

How Do You Withdraw Money From A Savings Account? ›

You'll go to a teller, provide your account information, and tell them you want to take out money from your savings account. Transfer money to a checking account: If you use online banking, you can transfer money to your checking account. That way, you can use your account's debit card to access to your money.

How do you take money out of a savings account? ›

To withdraw funds from your savings account, you can get cash at an ATM, go to a bank branch or transfer money to your checking account. Before taking money out of your savings account, however, weigh the purpose against your long-term financial goals.

Can you withdraw from your savings account at an ATM? ›

One of the quickest ways to withdraw money from a savings account is at an ATM. Depending on your bank, you can use your physical debit card or mobile wallet to access the funds in your account. Keep in mind there may be fees to take out money from a savings account at an out-of-network ATM.

Can you withdraw money from a regular savings account? ›

Access to your money

Make up to 3 withdrawals during the 12 month account term without impacting your interest rate. Make 4 or more withdrawals and your rate will drop to 2.15% AER/gross a year (variable) for the rest of the term. We'll apply the lower rate on the day you make your fourth withdrawal.

How much can I take out of my savings account? ›

Unless your bank has set a withdrawal limit of its own, you are free to take as much out of your bank account as you would like. It is, after all, your money. Here's the catch: If you withdraw $10,000 or more, it will trigger federal reporting requirements.

Why can't I withdraw money from my savings account? ›

Savings accounts may have monthly transaction limits per federal rule Regulation D, which stated that banks must penalize consumers for withdrawing from savings more than six times per month. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve amended Regulation D during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Is there a fee to withdraw money from a savings account? ›

Ordinarily, no, there is no fee. However, some banks might impose a limit on the number of free withdrawals in a month, or there may be a minimum balance required in the account to avoid a monthly service charge.

How to transfer money from savings to checking? ›

Visit your local branch and fill out a transfer form to specify which accounts you're transferring money out of and into, and how much you want to transfer. Then give the form to the bank teller to complete your transaction. You'll need to know both account numbers and routing numbers to conduct the transaction.

Is there a limit on savings account withdrawals? ›

It is generally set at a lower threshold than the account's total withdrawal capacity. This limit enhances security by minimising potential losses due to theft or unauthorised account access. For instance, a bank might cap ATM withdrawals at ₹25,000 daily.

Can I use my savings account with my debit card? ›

And most banks allow you to link your savings account to a debit card if you also have a checking account. You won't be able to make debit card purchases from your savings account, but you can transfer money to your linked checking account to complete the transaction.

What are the disadvantages of a savings account? ›

Cons of Savings Accounts
  • Interest Rates Can Vary. Interest rates for both traditional and high-yield savings accounts can vary along with the federal funds rate, the benchmark interest rate set by the Federal Reserve. ...
  • May Have Minimum Balance Requirements. ...
  • May Charge Fees. ...
  • Interest Is Taxable.
Sep 11, 2023

Can you spend money out of your savings account? ›

With few exceptions, you can't spend money directly out of your savings account. Instead, money in savings needs to be moved to another account. Even then, financial institutions often limit the number of withdrawals or transfers account holders can make from savings accounts during each statement period.

What kind of savings account can you not withdraw from? ›

With a certificate of deposit (CD) your money is stuck for a set time of your choosing — usually anywhere from one month to five years — while it earns a fixed interest rate. It's more restricting than a traditional savings account because you can't access your money until the term is finished.

Can banks ask why you are withdrawing money? ›

ask me for additional information when I make a large deposit or withdrawal? Yes. The bank may be asking for additional information because federal law requires banks to complete forms for large and/or suspicious transactions as a way to flag possible money laundering.

How much money can you safely keep in a savings account? ›

“Individuals should limit the amount of money in savings accounts to the amount they need to live for two months as long as they can easily access their funds in a safe money market account that pays much higher interest,” said accredited financial counselor Camille Gaines, founder of Retire Certain.

How much amount can be withdrawn from a savings account? ›

The maximum limit differs from one bank to another and depends on the type of account. For instance, some banks may allow a maximum withdrawal limit of Rs. 25,000 per day on the basic account type. On the other hand, others may offer a daily withdrawal limit of Rs. 40,000 on their basic account.

Can I transfer money from savings to checking? ›

Typically, yes. A federal regulation on the number of outgoing transfers allowed from savings accounts each month has been suspended, but your bank may still have limits.

Can I take money out of my savings account without a card? ›

Using your bank's mobile app, scan the QR code on the ATM's screen and withdraw cash. Biometric verification. Relying on fingerprint or facial recognition, an ATM equipped with biometric technology verifies your identity and then allows you to withdraw cash without inserting a plastic card.

How much money should you keep in a savings account? ›

Generally, experts recommend saving three to six months' worth of living expenses in an emergency fund. Ginty, however, suggests that people with children or dependents save more than that. “If you're a single parent, I'd recommend at least six months, but somewhere between six and 12 months.

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