How to Avoid ATM Fees: 7 Simple Ways

Q: How much are ATM fees?

Out-of-network ATM fees have climbed to a record high, averaging roughly $4.77 to $4.86 per withdrawal according to recent Bankrate data. That total is actually made up of two separate charges: a fee from your own bank for using an out-of-network machine (averaging around $1.58) plus a surcharge from the ATM's owner (averaging around $3.14 to $3.22). So a single withdrawal from the wrong ATM can cost you nearly $5 on top of the cash you take out. These fees have been rising steadily for years, driven partly by the cost of maintaining ATMs and partly by the fact that fewer people use cash, so operators charge more per transaction to stay profitable. While $5 might not sound like much in the moment, it adds up fast: if you used an out-of-network ATM just once a week, you'd pay around $250 in fees over a year. International ATM withdrawals can cost even more, often adding a foreign transaction fee of 1% to 3% of the amount on top of the standard fees. The good news is that with a little planning, these fees are almost always avoidable.

Q: How can I withdraw cash without paying an ATM fee?

The most reliable way to withdraw cash without a fee is to use an ATM that's in your bank's network. Banks and credit unions don't charge you for using their own ATMs, and many — especially online banks — partner with large surcharge-free networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass that give you tens of thousands of fee-free machines. Use your bank's mobile app or website to locate an in-network ATM before you need cash. Beyond that, one of the easiest fee-free options is to get cash back at checkout: when you pay with your debit card at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers, you can request cash back, usually for free (though a few retailers charge a small fee). You can also walk into a branch and withdraw cash from a teller, which is free, or plan ahead so you're not forced to use whatever ATM is nearby in a pinch. If you frequently find yourself away from in-network ATMs, consider switching to a bank that reimburses out-of-network fees. Combining a couple of these habits means most people can avoid ATM fees almost entirely.

Q: Do banks reimburse ATM fees?

Yes, many banks and credit unions — particularly online-only banks — offer checking accounts that reimburse out-of-network ATM fees, and this can be one of the most convenient ways to never worry about them again. With these accounts, if you're charged a fee at another bank's ATM, your bank automatically credits it back to you, usually at the end of your statement period. Some accounts offer unlimited reimbursement, while others cap it at a set amount per month, commonly in the $10 to $20 range. Online banks tend to be especially generous here because they don't operate their own branch ATM networks, so refunding fees is how they make up for it. Separately, many traditional banks offer premium checking accounts that either waive ATM fees entirely or reimburse them worldwide — but these accounts often carry a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet requirements like a high minimum balance. If ATM access matters to you, it's worth comparing accounts specifically for their ATM fee policies before you open one. For frequent travelers or people who live outside their bank's footprint, a fee-reimbursing account can easily save more than a hundred dollars a year.

Q: Does getting cash back at a store have a fee?

Getting cash back at checkout is usually free, which makes it one of the best ways to avoid ATM fees. When you pay for a purchase with your debit card at many grocery stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, and big-box retailers, you can request an additional amount in cash, and most major retailers don't charge for this service. It comes straight out of your checking account like a normal debit transaction, with no ATM surcharge involved. There are a few things to keep in mind: some retailers, particularly certain dollar stores and smaller shops, may charge a small fee (often somewhere between $0.50 and $3.50), so it's worth checking. Cash-back amounts are also typically limited, often ranging from $20 up to a few hundred dollars per transaction depending on the store. And of course, you generally need to make a purchase to get cash back. Even with those minor caveats, grabbing cash while you're already buying groceries is convenient, saves you a separate trip to an ATM, and helps you sidestep those rising out-of-network fees entirely. Just make sure you have enough in your account to cover both the purchase and the cash back.

A person at an ATM checking their phone banking app to find a fee-free machine

Quick answer

Out-of-network ATM fees average nearly $5 per withdrawal (your bank's fee + the ATM owner's surcharge). Avoid them by: (1) using in-network ATMs (find them in your bank app); (2) getting cash back at checkout (usually free); (3) withdrawing larger amounts less often; (4) choosing a bank that reimburses ATM fees (common with online banks); (5) using a teller; (6) using digital payments to need less cash; (7) planning ahead. Watch for 1–3% foreign fees abroad.

What ATM Fees Actually Cost

When you use an ATM outside your bank's network, you typically get hit with two separate charges: a fee from your own bank for going out-of-network, and a surcharge from whoever owns the ATM. Together they've climbed to a record high.

Average out-of-network ATM fee

~$4.77

Your bank's out-of-network fee~$1.58

ATM owner's surcharge~$3.14

Cost if used weekly for a year~$250

Nearly $5 for a single withdrawal may not feel like much in the moment, but it adds up fast — use the wrong ATM once a week and you'll pay around $250 a year just to access your own cash. These fees have risen steadily as fewer people use cash and operators charge more to keep machines profitable. Here's how to stop paying them.

7 Ways to Avoid ATM Fees

Use in-network ATMs

The number-one fix: use ATMs owned by your bank or credit union — those are free. Many banks (especially online ones) also partner with big surcharge-free networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass, giving you tens of thousands of fee-free machines. Use your bank's app or website to find the nearest in-network ATM before you need cash.

Get cash back at checkout

When you pay with your debit card at grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers, you can usually request cash back for free. It comes straight from your checking account with no ATM surcharge. A few retailers (some dollar stores) charge a small fee, so check — but for most stores it's the easiest free cash there is.

Withdraw larger amounts, less often

ATM fees are usually the same whether you take out $20 or $200. So if you must use an out-of-network machine, take out more at once to cut the number of fee-charging trips. Just mind your daily withdrawal limit (often $500–$1,000) and keep the cash somewhere safe.

Choose a bank that reimburses fees

Many banks and credit unions — especially online banks — offer checking accounts that automatically refund out-of-network ATM fees, sometimes unlimited, sometimes capped around $10–$20/month. If you're often away from your bank's ATMs, this is a game-changer. Compare accounts specifically on ATM policy; our guide to free checking accounts is a good place to start.

Use a teller for in-person withdrawals

If you're near a branch, walk in and withdraw cash from a teller — it's free, secure, and you can even request specific bills. A nice option when there's no in-network ATM nearby but a branch is handy.

Go digital to need less cash

Apps like Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, and Cash App let you pay people and split bills without cash, cutting how often you need an ATM at all. One caveat: some services charge for ATM withdrawals with their own debit cards (for example, a Venmo debit ATM withdrawal runs about $2.50), so read the terms.

Plan ahead

Most ATM fees come from being caught cash-short with no in-network machine around. Keep a little cash on hand for cash-only spots, and pull out what you'll need during a planned in-network trip. A minute of planning beats a $5 surprise.

Traveling abroad? International ATM withdrawals often add a foreign transaction fee of 1%–3% of the amount, on top of the usual out-of-network and surcharge fees. Before a trip, ask your bank about international fees, check whether they have partner banks overseas, and consider a debit card or account that waives foreign fees. Using an ATM abroad still usually beats airport currency-exchange counters on the exchange rate.

One more move worth making: If you're regularly paying ATM fees, that's a sign your current account may not fit your life. It can be worth a quick call to your bank to ask about fee waivers or better account options — or switching banks altogether to one with a bigger ATM network or fee reimbursement. The same goes for other sneaky charges; see our guide to avoiding overdraft fees.

The bottom line: ATM fees are one of the most avoidable expenses in personal finance. Stick to in-network ATMs, grab cash back at the checkout, withdraw a bit more at a time, and — if you're frequently caught out — switch to an account that reimburses fees or waives them. A couple of small habits can save you well over $100 a year, all for the simple act of accessing your own money. Take two minutes to find your bank's ATM locator in its app today, and you'll rarely pay a surcharge again.

Sarah Mitchell

Personal Finance Writer & Former Credit Counselor

Sarah spent 6 years as a nonprofit credit counselor, where she saw how "small" recurring fees — ATM surcharges, overdrafts, maintenance charges — quietly drained tight budgets. She's a big believer that avoiding fees is some of the easiest money anyone can save. Every guide is cross-referenced with primary sources like Bankrate's fee studies. Full bio →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are ATM fees?

Out-of-network ATM fees have hit a record high, averaging roughly $4.77–$4.86 per withdrawal per recent Bankrate data. That total is two charges: your own bank's out-of-network fee (averaging ~$1.58) plus the ATM owner's surcharge (~$3.14–$3.22). So one withdrawal from the wrong ATM can cost nearly $5 on top of your cash. Fees have risen for years, driven by ATM maintenance costs and fewer people using cash, so operators charge more per transaction. While $5 seems small, it adds up: an out-of-network ATM once a week runs about $250/year. International withdrawals can cost more, often adding a 1%–3% foreign transaction fee. The good news: with a little planning, these fees are almost always avoidable.

How can I withdraw cash without paying an ATM fee?

The most reliable way is to use an ATM in your bank's network — banks and credit unions don't charge for their own ATMs, and many (especially online banks) partner with surcharge-free networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass for tens of thousands of free machines. Use your bank's app to locate one before you need cash. One of the easiest free options is cash back at checkout: paying with your debit card at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers lets you request cash back, usually free (a few charge a small fee). You can also withdraw from a teller for free, or plan ahead so you're not forced onto a random ATM. If you're often away from in-network ATMs, switch to a bank that reimburses out-of-network fees. Combining a couple of these habits lets most people avoid fees almost entirely.

Do banks reimburse ATM fees?

Yes — many banks and credit unions, particularly online-only banks, offer checking accounts that reimburse out-of-network ATM fees, which can be one of the most convenient fixes. If you're charged at another bank's ATM, your bank credits it back, usually at the end of the statement period. Some accounts offer unlimited reimbursement; others cap it around $10–$20/month. Online banks are especially generous because they don't run branch ATM networks. Separately, many traditional banks offer premium checking accounts that waive or worldwide-reimburse ATM fees — but those often carry a monthly fee unless you meet requirements like a high balance. If ATM access matters, compare accounts specifically on their ATM fee policy. For frequent travelers or people outside their bank's footprint, a fee-reimbursing account can easily save over $100 a year.

Does getting cash back at a store have a fee?

Usually it's free, which makes it one of the best ways to avoid ATM fees. Paying with your debit card at many grocery stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, and big-box retailers lets you request cash back, and most major retailers don't charge — it comes from your checking account like a normal debit transaction with no ATM surcharge. A few things to note: some retailers (certain dollar stores, smaller shops) may charge a small fee, often $0.50–$3.50, so check. Cash-back amounts are typically limited, often $20 up to a few hundred dollars per transaction depending on the store. And you generally need to make a purchase. Even so, grabbing cash while buying groceries is convenient, saves a separate ATM trip, and sidesteps rising fees — just keep enough in your account to cover both the purchase and the cash back.

Sources & References

Financial disclaimer: This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not financial advice. ATM fee amounts are averages that change over time and vary by bank, ATM operator, and location; account features and reimbursement policies differ by institution. Always check your bank's current fee schedule and account terms. This is not financial advice. Last updated July 2026.