- Why are ATM fees charged?
- Types of ATM fees
- ATM fees at national banks
- ATM fees at regional banks
- ATM fees at online banks
- How to avoid bank ATM fees
- FAQs
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- Many banks charge customers for using an out-of-network ATM.
- The out-of-network ATM provider usually charges you an additional fee.
- Avoid ATM fees by looking for a bank with a large network or one that refunds out-of-network fees.
Depending on where you bank, you may have to pay ATM fees for using another financial institution's ATM. If you're frequently visiting out-of-network ATMs, the fees can stack up quickly.
Here's why ATM fees are charged, how much you have to pay, and how to avoid them in the future.
Why are ATM fees charged?
Most banking institutions have free ATM networks. For example, as a Bank of America customer, you can use any Bank of America ATM for free.
Online banks generally don't have their own ATM networks, but they often partner with a large network like Allpoint or MoneyPass so you have free access to thousands of ATMs around the U.S.
Some ATM providers may charge you for either withdrawing funds or checking your balance, while others will let you check your balance for free but charge you for taking out cash.
Types of ATM fees
You may incur ATM fees if you use a machine outside of the network, including:
- Fees from the bank: The bank itself may charge you up to a few dollars for using an out-of-network ATM.
- Fees from the ATM provider: If you use an out-of-network ATM, the company servicing that machine will probably charge you an additional fee. Let's say you are a Bank of America customer who uses a non-Bank of America ATM. Bank of America would charge you $2.50, and the provider charges you $3. You'd pay $5.50 total for withdrawing money.
- International ATM fees: If you use an out-of-network ATM in a foreign country, you'll probably pay an additional fee. Some banks charge their usual out-of-network ATM fee, and some charge a higher fee. For example, you'd pay $5 to withdraw money from a foreign ATM with Bank of America instead of the usual $2.50. You'd also pay a 3% foreign transaction fee, plus any fee the ATM provider may charge.
ATM fees at national banks
Most brick-and-mortar banks charge fees for using out-of-network ATMs. National banks tend to waive ATM fees on certain checking accounts, or may offer reimbursem*nt up to a monthly limit.
If you're interested in an institution but turned off by the fee, check whether there's a zero-ATM-fee account option.
| Company | Out-of-network ATM fee |
| Bank of America | $2.50 |
| BMO | $3 |
| Chase | $3 to $5 |
| Citi | $2.50 |
| Huntington Bank | $3.50 |
| Pentagon Federal Credit Union | $1.50 |
| PNC Bank | $3 |
| Regions Bank | $3 |
| Santander Bank, National Association | $0 to $3 |
| TD Bank | $0 to $3 |
| U.S. Bank | $2.50 |
| Wells Fargo | $2.50 |
ATM fees at regional banks
Regional banks tend to charge lower ATM fees than national banks. Not all regional institutions have accounts that refund fees charged by ATM providers, though.
| Company | Out-of-network ATM fee |
| Associated Bank | $3.50 |
| Comerica | $2.50 |
| Fifth Third Bank | $3 or $3.50 |
| First Horizon Bank | $3 |
| Golden 1 Credit Union | $2 |
| KeyBank | First two transaction free, then $3 |
| Security Service Federal Credit Union | $1.50 |
| Synovus Bank | $2.50 |
| United Bank | $2 |
| VyStar Credit Union | $0 |
ATM fees at online banks
Online banks typically have the most lenient ATM fees. Many won't charge you, and it's common for them to refund some fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers.
| Company | Out-of-network ATM fee |
| Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union | None |
| Alliant Credit Union | None, $20/month refund limit for other bank or provider fees |
| Ally | None, $10/month refund limit for other bank or provider fees |
| America First Credit Union Checking Account | $1.50 |
| Axos | None, $8/month to unlimited refunds, depending on account type |
| Bank5 Connect | None, $15/month refund limit for other bank or provider fees |
| Bethpage Federal Credit Union | None |
| Betterment | None, unlimited refund for other bank or provider fees |
| BrioDirect | None, $20/month refund limit for other bank or provider fees |
| Capital One | None |
| CFG Bank | None |
| Chime | $2.50 |
| CIT Bank | None, $30/month refund limit for other bank or provider fees |
| Connexus Credit Union | None, $25/month refund limit for other bank or provider fees |
| Discover® | None |
| EverBank | None; $15 to unlimited monthly refunds for other bank or provider fees, depending on your balance |
| First Internet Bank of Indiana | None |
| LendingClub | None, unlimited refunds for other bank or provider fees |
| Axos Bank - Nationwide | None, unlimited domestic refunds for other bank or provider fees |
| NBKC Bank | None, $12/month refund limit for other bank or provider fees |
| Northern Bank | None; unlimited refund for other bank or provider fees |
| Premier Members Credit Union | None |
| Robinhood | $2.50 |
| Salem Five Direct | $0 or $15/month refund limit, depending on account type |
| Service Credit Union | $2; $30/month refund limit for other bank or provider fees depending on account type |
| SoFi | None |
| Synchrony Bank | None; $5/month refund limit for other bank or provider fees |
| TAB Bank | $1 to $4 |
| Varo Bank | $3.50 |
| Wealthfront | $2.50 |
| Wings Credit Union | First 10 withdrawals are free, then $2.50/transaction |
How to avoid bank ATM fees
Bank ATM fees can get expensive. Here are some tips for avoiding ATM fees:
- Choose a bank with no ATM fees. Not all banks charge out-of-network ATM fees. Consider exploring one of the best banks for avoiding ATM fees or finding a bank that has a checking account option with no fees.
- Choose a bank that refunds ATM fees. Even if an institution doesn't charge you for using an out-of-network ATM, the machine provider may. Some banks reimburse up to a certain amount every month in fees charged by an out-of-network provider. If you suspect you'll use non-network ATMs frequently, look for a bank that will refund you.
- Choose a bank with easily accessible ATMs. Before opening a checking account, check the bank's ATM locator to make sure you're close to enough ATMs.
- Withdraw more money at once. Another solution is just to use ATMs less often. You can withdraw more money at one time rather than visiting ATMs frequently and paying multiple fees. The downside is that you may feel uncomfortable keeping a bunch of cash on hand.
ATM fee FAQs
What are the main types of ATM fees?
Common ATM fees include a fee charged by your bank for using an out-of-network ATM and a fee charged by the ATM provider.
Why do banks charge ATM fees?
Banks charge ATM fees to cover ATM operating costs, which include the costs of processing transactions for customers that bank elsewhere.
How can I avoid paying ATM fees?
One strategy for reducing ATM charges is to only use ATMs that are part of your bank or credit union's ATM network. Also, consider using an online bank that reimburses the fees you may incur from another bank or ATM provider.
Can ATM fees affect my financial health?
ATM fees can stack up if you aren't paying attention to where and how often you withdraw cash.
Are there any banks that don't charge ATM fees?
While many banks allow customers to use ATMs for free, you may still be charged by the other bank or ATM provider as an out-of-network customer. Some banks will reimburse these charges, especially for customers with higher balances or premier accounts.
Laura Grace Tarpley, CEPF
Personal Finance Reviews Editor
Laura Grace Tarpley (she/her) is a senior editor at Personal Finance Insider. She oversees coverage about mortgage rates, refinance rates, lenders, bank accounts, and borrowing and savings tips for Personal Finance Insider. She was a writer and editor for Business Insider's "The Road to Home" series, which won a Silver award from the National Associate of Real Estate Editors. She is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF).She has written about personal finance for over seven years. Before joining the Business Insider team, she was a freelance finance writer for companies like SoFi and The Penny Hoarder, as well as an editor at FluentU. You can reach Laura Grace at ltarpley@businessinsider.com.
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