Smart Ways to Avoid ATM Fees and Save More

ATM Fee Facts You Should Know

• Learn how you can avoid ATM fees, which are now about $4.77 every time you take out cash. Keep more of your money this way.
• Get to know the different types of ATM fees. These include extra charges from surcharges and using ATMs that are not from your own bank. Find out why banks or the people who own ATMs charge these fees.
• See which groups feel these fees the most, like people who take out cash often or who use ATMs outside their own bank.
• Find out more about useful banking tools, such as mobile apps, checking accounts, and ATM finders. These tools can help you cut costs.
• Look at ATM groups with no fees and smart ways to pay, like Venmo and Zelle. These are good choices instead of using cash.
• Learn how you can get money back for ATM fees from some banks. This can help you save money and avoid extra charges.

Introduction

ATM fees can slowly take money out of your account over time. In the United States, a lot of people pay more than $100 each year on ATM charges they do not need to pay. This happens when you use ATMs that are not part of your bank’s system. If you want to save some money or work with a tight budget, you need to know how ATM fees work. The right checking account, a good debit card, and smart habits can help you lower or stop these fees. This section shows ways to help you avoid ATM fees.

ATM Fees in the United States

ATM fees are a big problem for people who use banks. You get these charges when you take out money from an ATM that does not belong to your bank. Both banks and other ATM owners can make you pay these fees. These costs can be $4.77 or even higher each time you take out cash. When you know who puts these fees on you and why they do it, you can take steps to stay away from them.

What Are ATM Fees and Why Banks Charge Them

ATM fees happen when you take out money from a machine that does not belong to your bank’s network. Both your bank and the owner of the ATM can also charge you fees. The banks say they do this to get back what they spend on keeping ATMs working. This includes things like the machines, software, and keeping everything safe. ATM owners add a fee of their own. They say it is for giving you an easy way to get cash. For example, if you use an ATM that is not with your bank, you might pay $1.58 to your bank and $3.15 to the ATM owner. That means you pay almost $5 each time you take out money. These fees can add up fast. They can make it hard for you to stay on budget if you take out money a lot. Knowing about these fees can help you look for better options. This way, you may not have to pay extra costs.

Common Types of ATM Fees

ATM fees can be different based on your bank, the ATM you use, and where it is. Here are some common types:

• Out-of-network fees: Your bank will charge you when you take out money at an ATM that does not belong to your bank.
• ATM surcharges: The owner of the ATM adds this fee when you use a card from a bank not tied to their ATM.
• Extra charges for using an ATM in another country: You get charged more when you use an ATM for money in another country or a different kind of money. This fee is often between 1% and 3%.
• Fees from prepaid or limited-access accounts: Some bank accounts or cards charge more for each time you take out money.

These costs can get high over time. If you use fee-free ATMs or pick accounts that pay you back for ATM fees, you will keep more money in your account.

Who Pays the Most in ATM Fees?

Some people are more at risk of paying ATM fees. This is true for those who need to get cash often or use ATMs that are not with their own bank. These actions can lead to more fees. All these extra charges can make it hard for them to plan how to use their money.

Frequent Cash Users

People who use cash a lot to buy things often have to pay higher ATM fees. You will still need cash at small shops, local markets, and when you pay people for their work. If you keep taking out cash mainly from ATMs that do not belong to your bank, it can start to cost a lot over time. For example, if you take out money three times a week and pay $4.77 each time, you could end up losing more than $700 in fees each year. If you want to save money, you can make fewer and bigger withdrawals. Using digital apps like Venmo or PayPal is also a good way to use less cash.

People Using Out-of-Network ATMs

When you use an out-of-network ATM, your bank and the ATM owner will both charge fees. Sometimes, these fees can go over $7 for each time you take out cash. This is often true at some stores or at ATMs that are by themselves. These fees pop up a lot when you do not have good ways to get to your bank’s ATMs or while you are on the move. You can use your bank’s phone app or a tool to find an ATM. This can help you stay away from these fees. Some banks work with groups like MoneyPass or Allpoint. These let you use many ATMs without any fee.

Simple Ways to Avoid ATM Fees

You do not have to be a money expert to avoid ATM fees. You just need the right tools and some awareness. There are mobile apps, checking accounts, and locator tools that can help you find an ATM that works with your bank. This way, you will not pay extra costs that you do not need to. This section shows simple banking tools and resources. These can help you lower or get rid of ATM fees.

Helpful Banking Tools That Can Cut Fees

Having the right tools helps you stay away from ATM fees.

• Checking accounts that give you money back for some charges
• ATM finder tools on your bank’s app or website
• ATM networks that team up with your bank, like Allpoint and MoneyPass
• Bank alerts and being able to see your spending right when it happens

Using these tools often can help you take more charge of your money. You can also cut down on costs you do not want.

Where to Find Fee-Free ATM Networks

Fee-free ATM networks make it simple to get your money without paying extra fees. Some of the main networks include:

• Allpoint: You can find this at stores like Walgreens and CVS.
• MoneyPass: This is at credit unions and small banks in the U.S.

To find ATMs that do not charge extra fees, use your bank’s locator tool. You just need to type in your ZIP code. It will show you machines that are close to you. Some banks, like Alliant Credit Union, let their people use more than 80,000 free-to-use ATMs around the world.

Steps You Can Take to Stop Paying ATM Fees

Step 1: Use In-Network ATMs Whenever Possible

In-network ATMs help you avoid paying extra fees. You can use your bank’s mobile app or website to find these ATMs. When you use an ATM that is not in your bank’s group, you often pay two fees. One is $3.50 from the ATM owner and the other is $1.58 from your bank. If you stay with ATMs that are part of your own bank, you do not have to pay these extra costs. Smaller banks often join bigger networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass to offer more places for people to use.

Step 2: Opt for Accounts That Reimburse ATM Fees

Some banks and credit unions pay you back for ATM fees. Here’s how they compare:

Choosing an account that pays back your fees can help. This can be good if you take out money a lot. It helps to cut down on extra costs.

Step 3: Get Cash Back at Participating Retailers

Many stores let you get cash back when you pay with a debit card. You could buy some groceries for $10 and then ask for $20 back in cash. This way, you do not have to go to an ATM. Most stores do not ask you to pay any fees. But some may have small charges when you take out money. These fees can be from $0.50 to $3.50, depending on the store. For more safety, think about using bank ATMs. These often have more ways to keep you safe from fraud.

Step 4: Limit the Frequency of ATM Withdrawals

Going to the ATM less can help you pay fewer fees. Instead of many small withdrawals, you can take out a bigger amount when you need it. You should look at your bank’s daily withdrawal limits. These are usually between $500 and $1,000. You can use debit cards when you pay, or try digital wallets because they are easy to use. Checking your account balance often can help you avoid overdrafts. It also allows you to plan for any cash you might need.

Digital Payment Tools That Replace Cash Withdrawals

Digital payments make it easy to handle your money. You can use apps like PayPal, Zelle, and Venmo. These apps do not have fees, and they help you skip trips to the ATM. Online banking tools help people pay and send money without cash. They make this easy and safe to do.

Mobile Payment Apps and Peer-to-Peer Transfers

Apps like Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal let people send money to each other without needing to use an ATM. Zelle can be found in the banking apps of many banks. PayPal and Venmo also have features that let you buy things and send tips. These tools are great to use when you need to split bills, pay people for their help, or send money to someone fast.

Using Online Banking Features to Reduce Cash Needs

Mobile banking apps let you do many types of transactions.

• Paying bills
• Moving money between accounts
• Shopping online
• Handling regular payments

Using debit and credit cards gets rid of the need to carry cash. You do not have to take out money to pay.

Final Thoughts on How To Avoid ATM Fees

Avoiding ATM fees is a smart way to keep more of your money. It also helps you get better at handling your money. When you use only the ATMs that are part of your bank, you will not lose money to extra fees. Some accounts pay back the fees, so you can choose those as well. You can also try digital banking tools to save money. These steps help you cut extra costs. They also help you feel more sure about your choices with your money. If you want more help, talk to your bank or ask someone you trust who knows about money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get ATM fees refunded by my bank?

Yes, you can. Some banks will give you back ATM fees if you have a checking account that has special benefits. You should look at your account details on the bank’s app or website to see if you get this perk. If you only have to pay an ATM fee once, you can ask your bank to give it back as a one-time refund.

Do credit unions offer better ATM fee options?

Yes. Credit unions like Navy Federal often take part in large fee-free ATM groups. They also have plans that give money back to their members for some ATM fees. Their partnerships help you find more ATMs where you will not have to pay any extra cost. This makes them a strong choice for people who want to save on ATM use.

What should I do if I am charged an unexpected ATM fee?

Check your bank statement or look at your recent transactions. If you find a charge that you do not know about, call your bank right away. Talk to them and explain what happened. You can use your bank’s mobile app to keep track of withdrawals. This can help you avoid more surprises later.

Written by David Chu Updated July 12, 2025 by Albert Fang