You can withdraw from Ally savings through their mobile app, website, ATM network, or by transferring to another bank account

Ally is an online bank with no physical branches, so you cannot walk into a location and ask a teller for cash. Instead, you have four main routes: use the Ally mobile app or website to move money to a linked external account, withdraw cash at an ATM using your Ally debit card, request a wire transfer, or have Ally mail you a check. The fastest method is usually a transfer to another bank account you control, which takes one to two business days. ATM withdrawals are when ready but limited to the daily amount your card allows.

Ally does not charge a fee for most withdrawals. However, if you use an ATM outside the Allpoint or MoneyPass networks—the two networks Ally partners with—you may pay a fee charged by that ATM's operator. Ally will not refund those fees. Wire transfers and check requests are also free, though a wire takes a few hours to a day to arrive at the receiving bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Transfers from Ally to another bank account you own take one to two business days and are free.
  • ATM withdrawals using your Ally debit card are when ready at Allpoint or MoneyPass network machines, with no Ally fee, but out-of-network ATMs may charge you.
  • Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day and cost nothing through Ally.
  • Ally charges no withdrawal fees, but you cannot withdraw from a physical branch because Ally has no branches.

Transferring money to another bank account

This is the most common way to move money out of Ally. You link an external bank account—one at another bank that you own—and then transfer funds from Ally to that account through the Ally app or website. The transfer typically arrives in one to two business days, depending on the receiving bank's processing speed.

To set up the transfer, open the Ally app or go to ally.com, log in, and navigate to the Transfers section. Select "Transfer to external account" and choose the account you want to send money to. If you have not linked an account yet, you will need to add one by providing the account number and routing number. Ally will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under one dollar each) into it, then asking you to confirm those amounts. This verification takes one to two business days. Once verified, you can transfer when ready.

There is no limit on how much you can transfer at once, but Ally may flag unusually large transfers for review. If that happens, customer service may contact you to confirm the transfer is legitimate before it goes through.

Using ATMs to withdraw cash

Ally provides a debit card with every savings account. You can use this card to withdraw cash at ATMs in the Allpoint or MoneyPass networks, which together cover over 55,000 ATMs in the United States. Withdrawals are when ready and free at these machines. Your daily ATM withdrawal limit is typically $500, though this can vary based on your account history and Ally's fraud detection systems.

To find an Allpoint or MoneyPass ATM near you, use the ATM locator on the Ally website or app. Search by your location, and the app will show you the nearest participating machines. If you use an ATM outside these networks—for example, at a bank branch or independent ATM operator—that ATM's owner will charge you a fee, usually between $2 and $3. Ally does not refund these out-of-network fees.

If you reach your daily limit and need more cash, you will have to wait until the next calendar day for the limit to reset. Some ATMs may also have their own daily withdrawal limits separate from Ally's limit, so you could hit both restrictions on the same day.

Requesting a wire transfer

A wire transfer moves money directly from your Ally account to another bank account, usually the same day or next business day. This method is faster than a standard transfer and is useful when you need money to arrive quickly or when you are sending money to an account at a different bank that you do not have set up for regular transfers.

To request a wire, log into your Ally account on the website or app and look for the Transfers or Wire Transfer section. You will need the receiving bank's name, routing number, the account number, and the account holder's name. Ally will ask you to confirm these details before processing. Wire transfers are free through Ally, though some receiving banks may charge a fee on their end to accept the wire.

Wires typically process within a few hours during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time). If you request a wire after hours or on a weekend, it will process the next business day. Once a wire is sent, it cannot be recalled, so double-check the receiving account details before confirming.

Requesting a check by mail

You can ask Ally to mail you a check drawn on your savings account. This is the slowest method—the check takes five to seven business days to arrive by mail, and then the receiving bank needs time to clear it. However, it is useful if you need to pay someone who does not have a bank account or if you prefer not to share your account details electronically.

To request a check, contact Ally customer service through the app, website, or by phone at 1-855-435-2559. Tell them the amount you want and confirm your mailing address. Ally will mail the check to the address on file. There is no fee for this service. Once the check arrives, you can deposit it into another account, cash it at a bank, or give it to someone else to deposit.

Understanding daily limits and holds

Ally sets a daily ATM withdrawal limit of $500 by default, though this can be higher or lower depending on your account history and Ally's fraud detection. If you need to withdraw more than $500 in a single day, you have two options: wait until the next calendar day for the limit to reset, or use a transfer or wire instead, which do not have the same daily limits.

Ally may also place a temporary hold on your account if it detects unusual activity—for example, if you suddenly withdraw a large amount or request multiple transfers in quick succession. These holds are usually lifted within 24 hours once Ally's fraud team reviews the activity. If you think a hold is blocking a legitimate transaction, contact customer service to explain.

Savings account withdrawals are also subject to federal regulations that historically limited withdrawals to six per month, though this rule has been relaxed in recent years. Ally does not currently enforce a withdrawal limit, but the rule could be reinstated, so it is worth checking Ally's current policies if you plan to make many withdrawals in a short period.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it through the Ally website or app by clicking "Forgot password" and following the prompts. Ally will send a reset link to your email address. If you do not have access to your email, contact Ally customer service at 1-855-435-2559 or through the app's messaging feature.

If your debit card is lost or stolen, contact Ally when ready to report it. You can do this through the app, website, or by calling customer service. Ally will deactivate the card right away and mail you a replacement, which typically arrives within five to seven business days. Until the new card arrives, you can still transfer money out of your account using the app or website, or you can request a wire transfer.

If you are locked out of your account due to too many failed login attempts, Ally will temporarily block access for security reasons. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and try again, or contact customer service to unlock your account faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to transfer money from Ally to another bank?

Standard transfers take one to two business days. Wire transfers are faster, usually arriving the same day or next business day if requested during business hours. Checks take five to seven business days to arrive by mail, plus additional time for the receiving bank to clear the check.

Can I withdraw money at any ATM?

You can withdraw free at Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs. At other ATMs, the ATM operator will charge you a fee, usually $2 to $3, which Ally does not refund. Use the Ally app's ATM locator to find free machines near you.

What is the maximum amount I can withdraw in one day?

ATM withdrawals are limited to $500 per day by default, though this can vary. Transfers and wire transfers do not have the same daily limit. If you need more than $500 in cash, you can request a transfer to another account and then withdraw from that account, or wait until the next day.

Does Ally charge fees for withdrawals?

Ally does not charge fees for transfers, wire transfers, ATM withdrawals at Allpoint or MoneyPass machines, or checks. You may be charged by out-of-network ATM operators, and some receiving banks may charge a fee to accept a wire transfer.

What should I do if my transfer is taking longer than expected?

Contact Ally customer service through the app, website, or by phone at 1-855-435-2559. Provide the transfer details, and they can check the status. Delays sometimes happen if the receiving bank is processing slowly or if Ally's fraud team is reviewing the transaction.