The average out-of-network ATM withdrawal in the United States now costs about $4.77 in fees, according to a Bankrate survey. That is the highest figure on record, and it can feel like a tax on your own money.
An ATM fee is the charge you pay for using an automated teller machine, usually when that machine is not part of your bank's network. The frustrating part is that you can be charged twice for the same withdrawal: once by your bank and once by the ATM owner. Knowing where each fee comes from is the first step to avoiding both.
What an ATM Fee Actually Is
An ATM fee is a service charge tied to using an ATM. It usually covers the cost of operating the machine, processing the transaction, and routing the money through the card networks.
There are two main kinds. A surcharge is what the ATM owner charges any non-customer who uses the machine. An out-of-network fee is what your own bank charges you for using a machine outside its system. Both can apply to a single withdrawal, and both will show up on your account balance within a day or two.
The Out-of-Network Fee from Your Bank
When you use an ATM that does not belong to your bank, your bank may add an out-of-network fee. This fee usually runs $2.50 to $5 per transaction and shows up on your statement as something like "non-bank ATM fee." If you pay these often, it is worth comparing it to your standard maintenance fee to see how much your account really costs you each month.
The fee applies whether you withdraw $20 or $200. Even balance inquiries and declined transactions can trigger a charge at some banks, so check your fee schedule before tapping a button.
The Surcharge from the ATM Operator
The surcharge is what the ATM owner collects for letting you use their machine. By law, the screen has to display the surcharge and let you cancel before the transaction completes.
Surcharges typically range from $3 to $5, but standalone ATMs in bars, hotels, and convenience stores can charge $6 or more. If both your bank and the ATM owner charge fees, a quick $40 withdrawal can cost $7 to $10 in total.
Foreign ATM Fees
Using an ATM overseas brings extra costs. On top of the surcharge and out-of-network fee, your bank may add a foreign transaction fee of 1% to 3% of the withdrawal. Some banks also charge a flat international ATM fee of $5.
If you travel often, it is worth opening a checking account that reimburses international ATM fees or waives foreign transaction charges. Online accounts like Current advertise nationwide fee-free ATM access through large partner networks, which can keep more of your cash in your pocket.
Current Banking
Current Banking
Current is a mobile-first banking app with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Members can earn up to 4.00% APY with a qualifying direct deposit of $200, receive direct-deposit paychecks up to 2 days early, and overdraft up to $200 fee-free.
Standout feature
4.00% APY on Savings Pods (with a $200+ qualifying direct deposit) plus paycheck up to 2 days early — both included on the standard account for free
Fees
Free
Pros
$0 monthly fee; up to 4.00% APY on Savings Pods with qualifying direct deposit; paycheck up to 2 days early;
Cons
No physical branches
How to Avoid ATM Fees
The simplest fix is to use an ATM inside your bank's own network. Most banks list a free ATM locator on their app, and many partner with shared networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass that include tens of thousands of free machines. Big banks structure these networks differently, and the Chase bank monthly fee page goes deeper on what a national footprint costs.
If you cannot find an in-network ATM, a few other tactics work well. Getting cash back at the grocery store checkout is one of the most reliable ways to skip an ATM fee entirely. Many debit cards allow $20 to $100 cash back at the register with no extra charge.
Pick an Account That Refunds Fees
Some online banks reimburse a set dollar amount of out-of-network ATM fees each month. Others reimburse all ATM fees nationwide, and a few even reimburse international fees on premium accounts. Pulling cash from an out-of-network ATM also affects your current balance vs available balance right away, even before the fee posts.
When comparing accounts, look for three things: the size of the in-network ATM footprint, whether the bank charges its own out-of-network fee, and whether it refunds surcharges from the ATM operator. An account that does all three is the closest thing to fee-free cash.
Tips That Save Real Money
A few small changes add up over a year. Withdraw larger amounts less often instead of $20 at a time, so you spread the fee across more cash. Plan a single in-network ATM stop into your weekly routine.
Avoid balance inquiries at out-of-network ATMs, since some banks charge for those too. Use your bank's mobile app to check balances for free. And keep an eye on standalone ATMs in tourist areas, which often have the highest surcharges of any machine you will see.
When ATM Fees Are Worth Paying
Sometimes the fee is unavoidable, like an emergency cash need late at night. In those cases, withdraw enough to cover the next few days so you do not pay a second fee tomorrow. If you have ever been hit with an unexpected fee, our guide on how to get overdraft fees refunded covers the same conversation you can have about ATM charges.
If you regularly run into the same fee, it is a sign your account does not match your lifestyle. Switching to an account with a larger ATM network or fee reimbursements can pay for itself in a single month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I being charged two ATM fees for one withdrawal?
One fee is from the ATM owner (the surcharge) and the other is from your bank (the out-of-network fee). Both can apply to the same transaction. The ATM screen must disclose the surcharge before you confirm, but your bank's fee shows up later on your statement.
Can I get an ATM fee refunded?
Your own bank may refund a fee as a one-time courtesy if you call and ask politely. The ATM operator's surcharge is much harder to refund, since you agreed to it on the screen. Choosing an account that automatically refunds these fees is the steadier solution.
Do credit unions charge lower ATM fees?
Many credit unions are part of the CO-OP Shared Branch and Allpoint networks, which give members access to roughly 30,000 free ATMs nationwide. That is often a larger free footprint than what a single big bank offers on its own.
Is there a way to avoid ATM fees while traveling internationally?
Look for a checking account that waives or refunds international ATM fees and skips the foreign transaction fee. Withdrawing larger amounts less often also keeps your per-withdrawal cost down. Confirm with your bank before the trip so you know exactly which fees still apply.
