New ATM Cash Withdrawal Limit in Germany

According to Fenix Magazine, a new upper limit for cash payments is being proposed: in the future, cash payments will only be permitted up to €10,000. Additionally, proof of the origin of funds is already required for amounts over €3,000.

What About ATMs?

How much money can customers withdraw from ATMs in a single day? While restrictions do exist, they vary from bank to bank, Fenix reports.

Maximum Daily ATM Withdrawal Limits

There is no universal rule regarding daily ATM withdrawal limits in Germany. Each bank sets its policies, and these limits can vary between branches of the same bank.

For example, Sparkasse clients in Berlin can withdraw up to €1,000 per day, whereas in other Sparkasse branches the limit may be even €500. In many cases, customers can adjust their daily withdrawal limit themselves, either increasing or decreasing it. According to Sparkasse, "some banks allow withdrawals of up to €25,000."

At Deutsche Bank, Postbank, DKB, and ING DiBa, the daily ATM withdrawal limit is typically €1,000. Volksbank customers can withdraw up to €1,000 twice a day, for a total of €2,000. Commerzbank allows daily withdrawals of up to €2,000.

Need a Higher Amount? Go to the Counter

If you need to withdraw a large sum of cash, it's best to do so at a bank branch. Sparkasse advises:

“Attention: If you need a large amount of cash, contact your branch in advance. Not every branch is always supplied with sufficient cash.”

Why Are Limits in Place?

Volksbank explains that withdrawal limits are designed to protect customers, particularly from fraud. "Every time you withdraw cash at an ATM, register, or counter, the system automatically checks whether the allowed limit has been exceeded." In addition to daily limits, many banks also impose weekly and monthly limits.

Different Rules for Non-Customers

Banks often apply additional restrictions to users withdrawing money from their ATMs without being account holders. As Volksbank notes:

“At many ATMs, non-customers can only withdraw lower three-digit amounts. The maximum amount can vary from one ATM to another.”