How to stop paying ATM fees
ATM fees are small but add up fast — a few simple habits let you get your cash without the surcharge.
Key takeaways
- Out-of-network ATMs charge you twice — your bank and the machine.
- Cash back at store checkout is usually free.
- Some banks reimburse ATM fees or share huge free networks.
Out-of-network ATM fees are a double hit: your bank charges you, and the ATM's owner charges you too. A couple of trips a week can quietly cost real money over a year. Here's how to stop paying them.
Simple ways to avoid ATM fees:
- Use your own bank's in-network ATMs, and check the bank app's ATM locator
- Get cash back at a store checkout when you buy something — it's usually free
- Take out a bit more, less often, to reduce the number of trips (keep it safe)
- Choose a bank that reimburses ATM fees or has a huge free network
- Use a credit union, many of which share a large surcharge-free ATM network
Also watch for the ATM's own surcharge warning on screen — if it's charging a fee, cancel and find a free option nearby. Many online banks refund ATM fees automatically each month, which effectively makes every ATM free.
None of this requires effort once it's a habit; you just stop feeding money to machines that don't need it.
What this is
Why it matters
What you can do next
Related FAQs
Common questions about this topic, answered simply.
How can I get cash without a fee?
Use your own bank's in-network ATMs, or get cash back at a store checkout when making a purchase, which is typically free. Some banks also reimburse out-of-network ATM fees automatically.
Do credit unions have free ATMs?
Many credit unions belong to shared networks with tens of thousands of surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. If you use cash often, that can make ATM fees a thing of the past.
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