How much you can withdraw from your bank account and what banks are allowed to question

A common concern people have is whether there are limits on how much they are allowed to withdraw from their own bank account. You may hear stories of banks refusing to release cash or asking personal questions when someone tries to withdraw a large amount. This can leave customers confused about their rights.

The reality is that there is no law restricting how much of your own money you can withdraw. However, banks operate within strict rules on fraud prevention, cash handling and anti-money-laundering checks. These rules can result in limits, delays or safety questions — but not a legal cap on your access to your own funds.

This article explains how cash withdrawal limits work, how banks decide whether to question a withdrawal, and where the real regulations come from.

There is no legal limit on withdrawing your own money

There is no government-imposed limit on how much cash you can withdraw from your bank account.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) states that consumers have the right to access their money, and banks must ensure customers can access cash through reasonable means.
Source: https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/access-cash

However, the FCA also makes it clear that banks must take steps to prevent fraud and financial crime. This means they are allowed to question unusual or high-risk withdrawals.

Why banks limit ATM withdrawals

ATM withdrawal limits are set by banks, not by law.

Each bank chooses limits based on:

• cash availability
• machine capacity
• fraud-prevention systems
• risk management

Because ATMs hold limited cash, banks commonly restrict withdrawals to a few hundred pounds a day — but this is a policy choice, not a legal requirement.

Banks publish their own ATM limit rules.
Examples:

• Barclays withdrawal help: https://www.barclays.co.uk/help/account-services/cash-machine-limits/
• HSBC cash withdrawal guidance: https://www.hsbc.co.uk/help/money-withdrawal/

These limits apply only to ATMs. Branch withdrawals follow very different rules.

Withdrawing larger amounts inside a bank branch

Inside a branch, you can withdraw much larger sums — potentially thousands — but you may need to give advance notice.

Banks commonly request notice because:

• branches do not hold unlimited cash
• cash stock levels fluctuate daily
• safety and security protocols require controlled access to large amounts

Barclays, HSBC and other major banks all state that large withdrawals may need pre-ordering.
Source (example): https://www.hsbc.co.uk/help/money-withdrawal/

This is a practical cash-handling rule, not a restriction on your rights.

Why banks ask questions about large cash withdrawals

When you request a large withdrawal, banks are required to assess whether the transaction is suspicious or whether you may be at risk of fraud.

This obligation comes from the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017, which require banks to identify, assess and monitor potentially high-risk activity.
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/692/contents

Under these regulations, banks must:

• verify the reason for large or unusual withdrawals
• check whether a customer could be a victim of a scam
• review whether the withdrawal fits the customer’s normal behaviour
• perform enhanced checks when risk indicators exist

This is why staff may ask:

• “What is the money for?”
• “Are you making a purchase?”
• “Is anyone pressuring you to take out this cash?”

These questions are part of regulated fraud-prevention procedures.

Can a bank refuse a cash withdrawal?

A bank can delay a withdrawal, but cannot permanently deny you access to your own funds without lawful justification.

A withdrawal may be delayed if:

• the branch does not have the cash immediately
• fraud checks need to be completed
• identity verification is required
• the transaction triggers anti-money-laundering checks

Banks are required by the FCA to protect customers from scams and suspicious activity.
Source: https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/protect-yourself-scams

However, after completing the necessary checks, the bank must release the money unless there is a legitimate legal reason not to (for example, a court order or account restriction due to fraud).

Are large withdrawals reported to authorities?

Banks must file a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) if they believe a withdrawal might involve criminal activity or money laundering.

SARs are submitted to the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Source: https://www.nca.gov.uk/suspicious-activity-reports

Important points:

• A SAR does not mean you have done anything wrong.
• You are not notified when a SAR is filed.
• Large withdrawals alone do not trigger a report — only suspicious patterns or high-risk factors do.

How to avoid delays when withdrawing a large amount

To make the process smooth:

1. Call the branch in advance
   Large sums often need to be prepared.

2. Bring valid ID
   Passport or driving licence is usually required.

3. Be prepared for routine safety questions
   Staff must ensure you are not being scammed.

4. Allow time for checks
   Fraud prevention sometimes takes longer during busy hours.

5. Consider alternatives to cash
   Bank transfers are safer and easier for large sums.

Key points to remember

• There is no law limiting how much of your own money you can withdraw.
• ATM limits are set by banks for security and practicality.
• Branch withdrawals can be much higher but may require notice.
• Banks must ask questions for fraud and money-laundering compliance.
• Withdrawals may be delayed, but banks cannot deny you your money without a lawful reason.
• Suspicious Activity Reports are required only when there are legitimate concerns.

Understanding these rules helps you avoid confusion, plan large withdrawals properly and know your rights when accessing your own money.