Here’s how to use cardless cash

Cardless cash is a feature offered by some Australian banks which allows customers to withdraw cash from an ATM using their smartphone, instead of their debit card. This feature is a safe and convenient way to access cash for when you leave your wallet at home.

Learn how to use cardless cash in this guide, and compare bank accounts that offer this handy feature below.

Compare debit cards with cardless cash

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Name	Product	Card access	ATM Withdrawal Fee	Fee Free Deposit p.m.	Monthly Account Fee
ANZ Access Advantage		Visa	$0	$2,000		Pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay & Samsung Pay. $5 waivable monthly account fee. Monthly account fee waived if you deposit at least $2,000 a month, are under 25 or if you meet other eligibility criteria.	More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Commonwealth Bank Smart Access		Mastercard	$0	$2,000		Get unlimited CBA electronic transactions using internet banking, phone banking, ATM and EFTPOS.	More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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What is cardless cash and how does it work?

Cardless cash allows you to withdraw money from an ATM without using your debit card. Instead, you can opt to receive a unique code from your bank to your phone (either by text message or within your mobile banking app) that you can then use at an eligible ATM to verify your cash withdrawal. If your bank offers cardless cash, you can access the feature within your mobile banking app. You need to select how much cash you'd like to withdraw within the app, and you can only use an ATM that supports the cardless cash feature.

Follow these steps to use cardless cash.

1. Correct transaction account. Make sure you have an everyday transaction account that offers the cardless cash feature. You can see these accounts in the table above. Also make sure your device is compatible with the bank's mobile banking app.

2. Select cardless cash in your mobile banking app. Select the cardless cash option within your mobile banking app, and enter the amount of cash you'd like to withdraw. There are daily withdrawal limits, as noted in the table above.

3. Receive your unique code. After confirming your cardless cash request you'll be sent a unique code as a text message or on the screen in your mobile banking app (or both). For security, this code will expire after a short amount of time.

4. Locate a cardless cash ATM. Navigate to the closest ATM within your bank's network that's compatible with cardless cash. You may be able to locate your closest ATM using your mobile banking app. When you get there, select the cardless cash option on the ATM and enter your unique code when prompted to receive your cash.

Why use cardless cash?

Cardless cash is a safe and convenient way to access money when you're out-and-about without your debit card. For example if you forgot your wallet, or if you're out for a run with just your phone on you. You can also use cardless cash as a way of helping family members access money if they're ever in need, by providing them the unique code so they can withdraw the money from a nearby eligible ATM.

How to compare debit cards with cardless cash

While there are only a few banks that offer cardless cash options, it's still important compare the following to help make choosing an account easier.

How does the bank ensure cardless cash transactions are secure?

You want to ensure that your money is protected. Check what security measures are in place to ensure that no one else can use the app to gain access to your account.

How easy is it to use the app?

It is hard to beat the ease of sliding a card into a machine, entering a code, and pulling out your cash. With an app, you want to make sure that the process is just as simple.

How extensive is the ATM network?

Check to see how extensive the ATM network is for each bank. Since this app requires some pre-planning, you don’t want to get your code and then have no ATM to use it at. Also, you need to use an ATM that offers this feature which may be harder to find.

Handset compatibility: does your device work with the app?

The app will need to work on your current mobile device. Look carefully at the specifications when making your comparisons.

Sharing options

Check to see if you can nominate someone else to pick up the cash on your behalf. In some cases, you just need to provide the app with the appropriate person’s mobile phone number.

What are the limits on cardless cash withdrawals?

You're limited to the amount of money you can withdraw daily from your account.

Is a time limit applied?

As an added security measure, check to see how long the code is valid after receiving it. For example with Commonwealth Bank, the code is only valid for 30 minutes.

Which banks offer cardless cash?

Only CBA, Westpac, St.George, Bank SA and Bank of Melbourne offer cardless cash in Australia. NAB and ANZ do not yet offer this cardless cash to customers, nor does ING, Bankwest or Bendigo Bank.

Does my phone support the cardless cash feature?

Does ANZ offer Cardless Cash?

ANZ doesn't offer the same Cardless Cash feature as Westpac and CommBank, but it does offer a version of this feature. ANZ customers can link their ANZ debit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay and withdraw cash at any ANZ ATM using their digital wallet instead of their debit card.

How to get cash without your ANZ debit card:

1. Make sure your ANZ debit card is linked to either Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
2. Locate your nearest ANZ ATM.
3. Go into your digital wallet app and select your ANZ debit card.
4. Tap your phone on the contactless symbol on the ATM and enter your PIN (it's like using your debit card, but with your phone instead!).

Cardless cash versus Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay

Digital wallet solutions like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay also allow you to make purchases using your phone without your wallet. However, these services are for tap and go EFTPOS transactions only, and don't enable you to withdraw cash. Cardless cash is helpful if you need to make a cash payment, for example at a store that only accepts cash.

What are the benefits of using cardless cash?

• The convenience of travelling light. With cardless cash, you have the ability to travel light when you need to.
• In cases of emergencies. You can continue to access your cash even if you've left your wallet at home.
• You can share it with your trusted family and friends. This makes it easier to give family members limited access to the account when they need it. Rather than paying for extra debit cards or worrying about how much they withdraw, you can control their spending by using the app.
• No additional costs for using it. The app works the same as a debit card when withdrawing money. So long as you are using ATMs in your bank’s network, you should not be charged any additional fees.
• Increased security. In some ways, the app provides more security as the code is for one use only, rather than a debit card which prompts you for the same code each time you use it.

What are the drawbacks of using cardless cash?

• Only available with a few bank accounts. Right now, there are only a few banks in Australia that offer this feature with their accounts.
• Limited ATMs. Not all ATMs offer this feature. Plus, if the ATM network is down, you will not be able to use the code to withdraw money until it is up and running again.

How to keep your bank account safe when using cardless cash

With any product or device that provides access to your money, either online or offline, you need to be careful about its security. To best protect your money when using cardless cash, avoid the following:

• Protect your online banking details

Never share the password to your online bank account. With the password, people could gain access to your app and make cardless cash withdrawals without your consent.

• Monitor suspicious transactions on your account

Although banks take precautions to protect your information, there is always the possibility of a hack. If you notice unauthorised withdrawals from your account using cardless cash, notify the bank immediately.

• Only share the code with people you trust

The ability to share the code with family and friends if they're ever stuck and in need of cash is a major benefit. Just be sure to only share the code with people you trust.

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