Scotiabank’s standard ATM cash withdrawal limit is $1,000 per day for most personal chequing accounts. This is consistent with the limits set by the other Big Five banks (RBC and TD use the same $1,000 standard) and represents the maximum amount you can withdraw in cash from ATMs in a single day. If you regularly need more cash, Scotiabank can raise the limit by request.
ATM Withdrawal Limits by Account Type
| Account | Daily ATM Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day to Day Banking | $1,000 | Standard limit |
| Basic Bank Account | $1,000 | Standard limit |
| Preferred Package | $1,000 | Standard limit |
| Ultimate Package | $1,000 | May qualify for higher limit on request |
| Student Account | $500–$1,000 | Lower initial limit for new students |
| Youth Account | $300–$500 | Age-dependent |
The $1,000/day limit applies to cash dispensed from ATMs — it does not affect your Interac debit purchase limit ($5,000/day for most accounts) or your ability to make wire transfers or bill payments through Scotia OnLine.
Scotiabank ATM Network
Scotiabank operates 3,600+ ATMs across Canada — the third-largest ATM network among the Big Five. ATMs are found at:
- All Scotiabank branches
- Sobeys and Safeway grocery stores (Scene+ partner locations)
- Selected shopping centres and transit hubs
- Major airports across Canada
Use the ATM Locator at scotiabank.com or in the Scotiabank app to find the nearest machine. The app’s GPS-based locator is the fastest option when you are in an unfamiliar area.
Fees for Non-Scotiabank ATMs
| Transaction Type | Scotiabank Fee | Operator Surcharge | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Scotiabank ATM (Canada) | $2.00 | $2.00–$3.00 | $4.00–$5.00 |
| Non-Scotiabank ATM (international) | 2.5% FX fee | Operator surcharge | Varies |
| Scotiabank ATM | $0 | N/A | $0 |
Day to Day Banking and Basic Bank Account holders also pay $1.25 per transaction for each non-Scotiabank ATM withdrawal (in addition to the $2.00 fee above, since each ATM withdrawal counts as a transaction on those account types).
The practical takeaway: using the Scotiabank ATM network eliminates the Scotiabank $2.00 fee. The operator surcharge at non-Scotiabank machines is set by the ATM owner and cannot be waived.
How to Increase Your Scotiabank ATM Limit
Temporary Increase (Same-Day or Specific Day)
Call Scotiabank customer service at 1-800-472-6842 before the day you need the higher limit. Agents can arrange a temporary increase for a 24-hour window. This is useful for situations like picking up a vehicle, paying a contractor in cash, or withdrawing for travel.
Permanent Increase
- Call 1-800-472-6842 or visit a Scotiabank branch with government-issued photo ID
- Request a permanent ATM limit increase
- Scotiabank will review your account type, history, and relationship — most requests for modest increases (e.g., to $1,500–$2,000/day) are approved for established clients
Permanent increases are not guaranteed and are subject to Scotiabank’s assessment of your account.
Alternatives to ATM Withdrawals for Large Cash Needs
If you need more cash than the daily ATM limit allows, these options are available through Scotiabank:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Branch teller withdrawal | Unlimited; ID required; cashier’s hours apply |
| Bank draft (certified funds) | $7.50 fee; free with Ultimate Package |
| Wire transfer | Sends funds directly to another account |
| Interac debit purchase + cash back | Some retailers offer cash back on debit purchases (up to $200 at many stores) |
For amounts above your ATM limit, visiting a Scotiabank branch during business hours is the most straightforward option. Tellers can dispense any amount with proper identification and within your account’s available balance.