In 2025, QR codes are rapidly changing how we interact with banks and ATMs. Traditional card-based access is being replaced—or at least supplemented—by quick, secure QR code technology. With a simple scan from a banking app, customers can withdraw money, access account features, and verify their identity without using a physical card or entering a PIN.

Banks around the world are adopting QR code ATM withdrawals and account login systems to improve user experience, reduce fraud, and meet the demand for contactless solutions. In this guide, we’ll explore how QR codes are used at ATMs, how they enhance account access, the benefits and risks, and how to get started.

How QR Code ATM Withdrawals Work

Using a QR code to withdraw money from an ATM involves a simple, secure process that eliminates the need for a debit card or PIN. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Generate a QR Code in Your Banking App: The user logs into their banking app and selects “Cardless Withdrawal” or “QR Withdrawal.” A unique, time-limited QR code is generated.
2. Scan the Code at the ATM: At a supported ATM, the user selects the QR withdrawal option and scans the code using the ATM’s reader or camera.
3. Confirm the Transaction: The banking app may request biometric verification (fingerprint or facial recognition) before confirming the amount.
4. Cash Dispensed: Once verified, the ATM releases the cash without needing a card or PIN entry.

This process reduces physical contact, prevents card skimming, and improves convenience—especially for mobile-first users.

What Makes QR Code Account Access More Secure?

QR code-based account access offers several layers of security that are often more reliable than traditional login or ATM authentication:

• Time-sensitive QR codes: QR codes expire after a short window, minimizing the risk of code reuse.
• Device binding: QR codes can only be scanned using a verified device tied to the user’s bank account.
• Encrypted payloads: The QR code contains encrypted session data, not static account information.
• Biometric verification: Apps often require fingerprint or facial recognition before approving a transaction.
• Reduced human error: No typing or PIN entry reduces the chances of phishing or shoulder-surfing attacks.

🔗 Related: How Secure Are QR Code Payments? Risks & Protections

Benefits of Using QR Codes for ATM Withdrawals

Implementing QR codes for ATM withdrawals offers significant advantages for both banks and customers:

For Users:

• Cardless access anywhere with compatible ATMs
• No risk of card skimming or PIN theft
• Faster transactions with minimal steps
• Easy access for mobile-first users with digital wallets

For Banks:

• Reduced ATM maintenance costs (fewer card reader repairs)
• Enhanced security with dynamic, one-time codes
• Increased adoption of mobile banking apps
• Reduced fraud and chargebacks

QR-based withdrawals are ideal for customers who lose their cards, prefer digital-first services, or want to avoid contact-based systems.

Real-World Examples: Banks Offering QR Code ATM Access

Global banks are quickly rolling out QR code functionality across their networks. Here are some notable examples:

• Wells Fargo (USA): Offers QR-based withdrawals via their mobile app at over 13,000 ATMs.
• ICICI Bank (India): Enables customers to withdraw cash card-free with a mobile-generated QR code.
• BBVA (Spain and Latin America): Uses QR codes for ATM access and two-factor authentication.
• UOB and DBS (Singapore): Provide secure QR scanning for withdrawals and branch services.

The growing adoption of QR technology in banking is a clear sign that cardless ATMs will soon become a standard feature globally.

🔗 Related: How Banks Use QR Codes for Secure Transactions

How to Enable QR Code Withdrawals Through Your Banking App

If your bank offers QR code-enabled ATMs, setting it up is simple:

1. Update Your Mobile App: Ensure you’re using the latest version of your bank’s official app.
2. Enable Cardless ATM Access: Navigate to the ATM or payments section and look for “QR Withdrawal” or similar.
3. Verify Your Identity: Most banks require initial biometric verification or a secure PIN to activate the feature.
4. Generate QR Codes on Demand: Each withdrawal session produces a one-time-use QR code valid for a short time.

Some banks may also offer scheduled withdrawals, where you can generate a QR code in advance and use it within a defined time window.

QR Codes for Account Access and Two-Factor Authentication

Beyond ATM withdrawals, QR codes are now being used for secure account access, including:

• Login verification on desktop: Scan a QR code on your bank’s website using your mobile app to log in.
• Transaction authentication: Confirm transfers, bill payments, or account changes by scanning a QR code presented on-screen or in a branch.
• KYC and onboarding: QR codes can be used to complete remote identity verification during new account setup.

These use cases eliminate the need for email-based 2FA codes or SMS verification—which are increasingly vulnerable to phishing and SIM-swapping attacks.

Potential Risks and How Banks Mitigate Them

Like any technology, QR code-based ATM withdrawals and account access come with risks, but modern banking systems include robust protection:

Common Threats:

• QR Code Spoofing: Hackers could place fake QR codes over legitimate ones.
• Device Theft: If someone accesses your mobile app, they could generate fraudulent withdrawals.
• Session Hijacking: Poorly secured apps could expose session tokens.

How Banks Address Them:

• QR codes expire in seconds
• Encrypted, tokenized QR payloads
• A biometric or app PIN is required for withdrawal confirmation
• QR scans are only accepted from verified, bound devices

Banks using QR codes must continuously educate customers on safe practices while improving their app security frameworks.

🔗 More security tips: How to Accept Payments via QR Codes

Best Practices for QR Code ATM and Account Access

To ensure a secure, user-friendly experience, banks and users should follow these best practices:

For Banks:

• Use dynamic, encrypted QR codes
• Include visible expiry timers on generated codes
• Bind QR code scanning to verified devices only
• Implement biometric verification for all QR-initiated actions
• Educate users with in-app tutorials

For Customers:

• Only use official banking apps
• Do not scan ATM QR codes with third-party apps
• Enable fingerprint or face ID in your app
• Avoid scanning codes on unfamiliar ATMs
• Immediately report device loss to your bank

🔗 Related: QR Code Analytics and Tracking

What’s Next: The Future of Cardless ATM Access

Looking ahead, QR code technology will continue evolving in the banking industry. Emerging innovations include:

• Voice and QR combo authentication for additional security layers
• AI-based behavioral analytics for QR scan behavior and fraud prevention
• Cross-platform QR integration between ATMs, mobile apps, and wearable tech
• Universal QR standards for interoperable ATM networks across countries

As banking becomes more digital and decentralized, QR code-based authentication will remain a core part of the secure, mobile-first experience.

Final Thoughts: Why QR Code Withdrawals Are Here to Stay

QR codes are changing the way customers access their money and accounts. Cardless ATM withdrawals offer not just convenience but also improved security and faster authentication. For mobile-savvy users and banks seeking to modernize, QR code transactions represent the future of accessible, secure banking.

Qrizo’s QR code technology already supports dynamic, branded, and trackable codes for payments—solutions banks can easily adopt and scale for authentication, transactions, and customer onboarding.

The financial sector is going digital. QR codes are the bridge between trust, security, and innovation.

Internal Links

• QR Code Generator
• How Banks Use QR Codes for Secure Transactions
• QR Code Payment Apps Compared
• QR Code Analytics and Tracking
• Best QR Code Payment Solutions for Small Businesses