How to Increase ATM Withdrawal Limit in ABL

Have you ever reached your ATM withdrawal limit just when you needed more cash the most? You’re not alone. Many ABL (Allied Bank Limited) customers experience this, especially during weekends, holidays, or emergencies. But there’s good news: you can increase your ATM withdrawal limit. Let’s dive into how you can do it, step by step, and why you should consider requesting an increase.

The Dilemma of Low Withdrawal Limits

Imagine this: it’s a Friday night, and you’re heading out with friends, only to realize that your ATM withdrawal limit won’t cover your expenses. Or maybe it's an emergency, and the cash you need exceeds your current limit. This is a common frustration among ABL customers who may have set low daily withdrawal limits or are bound by the bank’s default cap.

But this doesn’t have to be your experience. Increasing your withdrawal limit is a straightforward process once you understand the steps involved. In this guide, we’ll not only discuss how to make this request but also delve into the benefits, potential drawbacks, and things you should consider before making this change.

Step 1: Know Your Current Limit

Before attempting to increase your ATM withdrawal limit, it’s crucial to know what your current limit is. Most ABL accounts come with preset limits, which can vary depending on your account type. Typically, the daily withdrawal limit ranges between PKR 25,000 to PKR 100,000, but these limits can be customized according to your needs.

How to Check Your Limit

There are several ways to check your current ATM withdrawal limit:

• ABL Mobile App: This is the easiest way. Simply log in and check your account settings for withdrawal limits.
• Internet Banking: You can also log into ABL’s internet banking portal, where your account details, including limits, are available.
• Customer Service: If you're not tech-savvy, ABL’s customer service can assist you via phone or in-branch.

Knowing this information will prepare you for the next step, which is to determine how much of an increase you actually need.

Step 2: Understand Why You Need the Increase

This step may seem trivial, but understanding why you need a higher withdrawal limit can help you determine the right increase for your circumstances. If you only occasionally require more cash for special events, travel, or emergencies, a moderate increase may suffice. However, if you regularly need larger sums of cash, you may want to consider a more substantial increase.

Here are some reasons you might need a higher limit:

• Frequent Travel: If you’re someone who travels a lot, especially to areas where card payments are not reliable, having access to larger cash sums can be essential.
• Large Purchases: Are you planning a big purchase, or do you regularly make larger payments? In these cases, a higher ATM limit will come in handy.
• Emergencies: During an emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is not having enough cash on hand. Having a higher withdrawal limit offers peace of mind.

Step 3: Make the Request

Now that you know your current limit and have a clear understanding of why you need an increase, it’s time to make the request. Fortunately, ABL provides multiple ways to request an increase in your ATM withdrawal limit.

Methods to Request an Increase:

1. Through the ABL Mobile App:
   • Log into the ABL Mobile App.
   • Navigate to “Services” and select “ATM Withdrawal Limit.”
   • Enter the amount you want to increase the limit to and submit the request.
   • Wait for confirmation. This process can be immediate, but in some cases, it may take up to 24 hours.
2. Via Customer Support:
   • Call ABL’s customer service helpline and request an increase. You’ll likely be asked some security questions and then guided through the process.
3. At Your Local Branch:
   • You can visit any ABL branch to request an increase in person. Don’t forget to bring your CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) and your ATM card for verification.
4. Through Internet Banking:
   • If you prefer to do it online, log into your ABL internet banking account, navigate to the “Services” section, and submit a request to increase your ATM limit.

Step 4: Understand the Pros and Cons

While increasing your ATM withdrawal limit offers several benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks.

Benefits:

• More Flexibility: You won’t be constrained by a small limit, which is especially useful during emergencies or when traveling.
• Convenience: No need to make multiple withdrawals or rely on other sources of cash.
• Time-Saving: Fewer trips to the ATM mean less time spent withdrawing money.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Increased Risk of Loss: If your ATM card is lost or stolen, a higher withdrawal limit means a potential thief could withdraw more money before the card is blocked.
• Higher Fees: Some accounts may charge higher fees for withdrawals above certain amounts. Be sure to check ABL’s fee structure before making the change.

Step 5: Monitor Your Account

After you’ve increased your limit, it’s important to monitor your account regularly to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. Using tools like SMS alerts and transaction notifications can help you stay on top of your account activity.

Tips for Account Monitoring:

• Enable SMS Alerts: Set up alerts to receive a notification every time your account is accessed.
• Check Regularly: Make it a habit to check your account activity via the mobile app or internet banking.
• Set Limits on POS (Point of Sale) Transactions: If your concern is primarily ATM withdrawals, ensure that your POS transaction limits remain appropriately set to avoid unnecessary risks.

Additional Considerations

Increasing your ATM withdrawal limit isn’t just about convenience. It’s also about strategic financial management. Here are a few additional considerations you should keep in mind:

• Credit Rating: Some banks factor in your credit rating when approving requests for higher withdrawal limits. Make sure your credit standing is in good shape.
• Linked Accounts: If you have multiple accounts linked to a single card, your withdrawal limit might be shared across these accounts. Be mindful of this when determining how much of an increase to request.
• Daily vs. Weekly Limits: Some banks, including ABL, may offer the option to increase weekly limits instead of daily ones. This can provide more flexibility without the risk of having too much cash available at once.

Conclusion

Increasing your ATM withdrawal limit with ABL is a smart move if you find yourself frequently bumping up against the default cap. By understanding your current limits, evaluating your financial needs, and following the steps laid out in this guide, you can easily make the change. Just be sure to consider the pros and cons carefully, and keep a close eye on your account for any unauthorized activity.

For ABL customers looking to have greater flexibility in accessing their funds, this process is quick, easy, and potentially lifesaving in emergencies. Don’t wait until you’re caught off guard—increase your withdrawal limit today.