Key takeaways
Here's a quick summary before you dive in.
ATM fees average around $4.86 per transaction when you use an out-of-network machine, according to Bankrate's 2025 study.
Many online banks and financial technology companies offer fee-free ATM access through large partner networks.
You can sidestep these charges by using in-network ATMs, getting cash back at retailers, or choosing a financial institution that reimburses out-of-network fees.
Going cashless with debit cards or digital wallets can reduce your need for ATM visits altogether.
ATM fees can quietly drain your budget – especially if you regularly use out-of-network machines. We'll walk you through what these charges are, how much they typically cost, and six simple ways to avoid them.
What are ATM fees?
ATM fees are charges you pay for using an ATM to withdraw cash, check your balance, or make other transactions. An out-of-network ATM is a machine your financial institution doesn't own or partner with. When you use one, you'll typically face two separate fees – one from the ATM owner and another from your own financial institution.
Regulation E requires ATM operators to disclose any fees before you complete your transaction. This federal rule covers electronic money transfers, including ATM withdrawals. The fee notice must appear on the screen or on paper before you agree to pay.
How much are ATM fees?
When you use an ATM outside of your network, you often get hit with two separate charges:
ATM owner fee: The company that owns the ATM charges you for using its machine. This fee averages $3.22.
Out-of-network fee: Your financial institution may charge you for using an ATM outside its network. This fee averages $1.64.
Here's how those two charges stack up for a single withdrawal:
Fee type | Average cost |
|---|---|
ATM owner surcharge | $3.22 |
Your institution's out-of-network fee | $1.64 |
Combined total | $4.86 |
If you withdraw cash from an out-of-network ATM once a week, you could pay about $253 a year in fees alone.
What types of ATM fees are there?
Not all ATM fees work the same way. Here are the most common types you may encounter:
ATM surcharge fee: The fee the ATM owner charges you for using its machine, which appears on screen before you finish your transaction.
Out-of-network fee: A fee your own financial institution charges when you use an ATM outside its network.
Foreign transaction fee: An extra charge that may apply at ATMs abroad. International withdrawals often add a flat fee plus 1%–3% of the amount.
Balance inquiry fee: A fee some ATM operators charge just for checking your account balance at their machine.
Ways to avoid paying ATM fees
Here are six practical strategies to help you cut ATM costs and keep more of your money.
1. Use fee-free ATMs
One of the simplest ways to skip these charges is to use a machine your financial institution owns or one in its partner network. These in-network ATMs let you withdraw cash and check your balance without extra charges.
Here's how to find fee-free ATMs near you:
ATM locator: Many online banking platforms have an in-app ATM locator that shows the closest in-network ATMs based on your location.
Online maps: Search Google Maps or Apple Maps for "no-fee ATM near me" or include your financial institution's name to find fee-free options.
2. Choose a financial institution that reimburses out-of-network ATM fees
Some financial institutions reimburse ATM fees from non-partner networks up to a certain monthly limit. Check your account terms to see how and when refunds post.
Some online banks and financial technology companies have no physical branches. Many of these companies partner with large ATM networks like Allpoint® to provide fee-free access. Chime®, for example, offers access to 47,000+ fee-free ATMs. (see disclosure 1)
3. Get cash back at retailers
You can skip the ATM by buying something with your debit card at a grocery store or pharmacy and asking for cash back. Most locations cap cash back at $100 or less per purchase.
Many stores don't charge for cash back, but some retailers do, so check before you ask. Just make sure you're buying something you actually need, not making an extra purchase only to get money in hand.
4. Take out more cash per visit
Many of these charges apply per transaction, so fewer, larger withdrawals can mean fewer charges. Taking out $100 once instead of $20 five times means you pay one set of fees instead of five.
Keep only as much cash as fits your budget. Store it somewhere safe, since you usually can't recover lost or stolen bills.
5. Plan ahead when you travel abroad
Before your trip, check your financial institution's foreign ATM fees. International withdrawals may add a flat fee plus a percentage of the amount you take out. Knowing these costs ahead of time can help you decide how much money to bring and how often to visit an ATM.
6. Skip ATMs and go cashless
You can reduce your need for ATMs by paying with debit or credit cards whenever possible. Many stores also accept digital wallet payments like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay.
Paying with a card gives you a transaction record that can help you track spending and build a budget. Some cards and digital wallets may also earn you rewards or loyalty points on everyday purchases.
Which financial institutions offer fee-free ATM access?
Your choice of financial institution can shape how much you pay to withdraw cash. Some institutions run their own ATMs, while others join partner networks at stores you may already visit.
Chime members, for example, can access 47,000+ fee-free ATMs at locations like 7-Eleven®, Walgreens, and more. (see disclosure 1) Outside a network like this, you may face the two charges we covered above.
Comparing no-fee checking accounts can help you find one that fits how you use cash. Consider these factors as you weigh your options:
Network size: How many fee-free ATMs does the institution offer?
Fee reimbursement: Does the institution reimburse out-of-network ATM fees?
Other costs: Are there monthly fees or minimum balance requirements that offset ATM savings?
Keep more of your money by avoiding ATM fees
Withdrawing cash weekly from an out-of-network ATM could cost you about $253 a year. You can keep that money by using fee-free ATMs, getting cash back at stores, or choosing a financial institution with a large ATM network. Every fee you skip is a small win for your budget.
ATM fees aren't the only charges to watch for. You can often sidestep other unexpected bank fees the same way – by knowing what triggers them before you pay.