Withdraw Money in New York: Tips and Information

Published on 29 January 2024,. Last updated on 24 May 2025, New York Info

New York is a city that never sleeps, and that also applies to payment transactions. Whether you get a coffee in Brooklyn or take a taxi in Manhattan, you will have to pay regularly. But how exactly does it work with withdrawing money in New York as a tourist from Europe? Do you need cash? Can you withdraw money with your European bank card or credit card? And how much does it all cost?

Based on our own travel experiences, we share the most important information and 5 practical tips about withdrawing cash in New York in this article. This way you are well prepared and you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Should I Carry Cash in New York?

Although many payments in New York are made by card, it is wise to carry some cash. Small shops, food trucks, and street vendors don’t always accept card payments. Also, cash is useful for tips, taxi rides, and emergencies.

Please note: Upon arrival, customs officers may ask how much cash you are carrying. This is to ensure you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay. If you cannot prove access to money, it may lead to further questions. Therefore, it’s smart to bring a small amount of cash (for example, $100 to $200) and be able to show you have other payment options like a debit or credit card.

How Much Cash Am I Allowed to Bring to New York?

You may carry up to $10,000 (or the equivalent in euros) in cash to the U.S. without declaring it. In practice, this is rarely necessary. For most tourists, $100 to $200 in cash is sufficient for small expenses. The rest can be withdrawn or paid by card. Make sure you can demonstrate you have enough financial means to cover your stay if customs asks.

Can You Withdraw Money in New York?

Yes, tourists can easily withdraw money in New York. ATMs are found everywhere, especially at major banks such as Chase, Citibank, and Bank of America. These bank ATMs are generally more reliable and cheaper than those found in shops or tourist spots.

Always choose an ATM from a well-known bank. The risk of extra fees is lower, and safety is better ensured.

What Does Withdrawing Money Cost in New York?

Withdrawing money in New York is rarely free. Most ATMs charge a fixed fee per transaction, usually between $2 and $5. Using an independent provider’s ATM (for example, in a shop or kiosk) can be more expensive.

Additionally, your home bank in Europe often charges a currency conversion fee of 1% to 3%.
Our advice: withdraw cash at a recognized bank and preferably one larger amount at a time instead of multiple small withdrawals. This reduces transaction fees.

Can You Pay with Your Debit Card in New York?

Many European debit cards operate via Maestro or V-Pay. These systems are not always supported in the United States. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo. These are accepted almost everywhere.

Check before you travel whether your card is enabled for worldwide use, and activate this via your banking app if necessary. Without this setting, your card may be blocked when used in the U.S.

Can I Use Credit Cards in New York?

Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in New York. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are common, both in shops, restaurants, hotels, and taxis. A credit card is also necessary for car rentals or some hotel bookings.

Credit cards are not only convenient but also offer purchase protection and can cover unexpected expenses temporarily.

Can I Pay for the Metro in New York with a Credit Card?

Since the introduction of the OMNY system, you can easily pay contactless with your credit or debit card at metro turnstiles. This means you no longer need to buy a separate metro card if you have an NFC-enabled card. This system is efficient and almost always works.

Our Experience with Withdrawing Money in New York

During our trips to New York we always prepare ourselves well for the way we pay. We make sure we have multiple means of payment with us: a credit card, a debit card that works outside Europe and a limited amount of cash.

In practice, we choose to withdraw money from well-known banks such as Chase and Citibank. These ATMs usually charge lower transaction fees than ATMs in tourist areas or in shops. This way, we limit unnecessary extra costs.

In addition, we pay with a credit card whenever possible, especially at restaurants, hotels and larger shops. This is not only convenient, but often also cheaper than using a debit card. However, we always keep some cash on hand, for example for tips, small purchases or situations where card payment is not possible – such as at food trucks or street vendors. This approach ensures that we can pay flexibly during our trip and are not faced with surprises.

Our 5 Tips for Withdrawing Cash in New York

Based on our experiences, here are 5 practical tips for withdrawing cash in New York:

1. Always withdraw from ATMs of well-known banks – Chase, Bank of America, or Citibank are reliable and cheaper.

2. Avoid ATMs in shops and tourist areas – These are often more expensive and less secure.

3. Use a credit card whenever possible – This is often more cost-effective than withdrawing cash and offers extra protection

4. Always carry a small amount of cash – For situations where card payment is not possible.

5. Check your debit card settings before departure – Enable worldwide usage through your banking app.

Conclusion

Withdrawing money in New York is straightforward, but it’s important to know what to watch out for beforehand. Make sure you carry the right combination of payment options: a debit card that works abroad, a credit card, and a small amount of cash. By withdrawing smartly and choosing where you pay carefully, you save money and avoid inconveniences during your trip.

Edward and Raziye

Authors New York Info

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