Guide
Your bank's app or ATM isn't working. What now?
Short answer: An outage alone doesn't mean your money is gone. In the event of a bank failure, deposits are insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, for each account ownership category, and credit union accounts get the same coverage per member at NCUA-insured credit unions. The problem is access, so use cash for essentials and get updates only from your bank's official channels.
First 30 minutes
- 1Check that it's the bank, not you. Try the bank's website on another device, or a different network. If only your phone is failing, restart the app or phone.
- 2Get updates from official channels only. That means the bank's website, its verified social media accounts, or the phone number on the back of your card. Don't trust links in texts or posts from strangers.
- 3Write down what you can still see: balances, recent transactions, and upcoming bill dates. A screenshot works too.
- 4Switch to cash for essentials and put off anything that can wait. Ready.gov warns ATMs and cards may not work in a disaster when you need food or fuel.We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.See cash boxes in the Shop →
Watch for scams
Scammers use outages. CISA saw it happen in the July 2024 outage, with phishing riding on the news. Real banks won't call, text, or email asking for your PIN, password, or a one-time code. They also won't ask you to install a new app from a link. If a message claims to be from your bank, hang up or close it and call the number on your card yourself.
If it lasts more than a day
- ATMs: Don't spend the day driving between machines. Use the cash you keep at home.
- Bills: Note what's due. Contact the company once systems are back. Some companies waive late fees after a widespread outage, so ask instead of assuming.
- Paychecks and transfers: Direct deposits and transfers may show up late. Keep a written log of what you're expecting and what you've spent.
- Branches: Some open with limited service. Call first if you can.
Before the next one
- Keep a few days of cash at home in small bills.We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.See cash boxes in the Shop →
- Keep a paper sheet with your bank's phone number and key bill due dates. Don't write down passwords or full account numbers.
- Consider a second account at a different bank, so one bank's outage doesn't cut off everything.
Related
What to buy
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Sources
- FDIC: Deposit Insurance. Deposits are insured to at least $250,000 at each FDIC-insured bank.
- NCUA: Share Insurance Fund. At least $250,000 of coverage per member at insured credit unions.
- FTC: How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams. Scam messages often pose as your bank and ask you to click a link or confirm details.
- CISA: Widespread IT Outage Due to CrowdStrike Update (July 2024). Scammers used a real outage for phishing; CISA advised following only legitimate sources.
Last reviewed: November 2, 2026