ATM fees can quietly cost you $3 to $6 per withdrawal — especially if you use out-of-network machines, travel often, or withdraw cash at convenience stores and tourist areas.
This hub explains how ATM fees work, why surcharges exist, and the simplest ways to find fee-free ATMs near you without wasting money.
Quick answer: The best way to avoid ATM fees is to use surcharge-free ATM networks, withdraw from your own bank’s ATMs, or choose an account that reimburses fees automatically.
What Are ATM Fees? (The 2 Fees Most People Don’t Realize They Pay)
ATM costs usually come from two separate sources:
- ATM surcharge: The fee charged by the ATM owner (often $2.50–$4.00).
- Out-of-network bank fee: A second fee your bank may add for using another bank’s ATM.
That means one withdrawal can trigger stacked fees — even if the ATM looks convenient.
If you want the fastest way to locate machines that don’t charge extra, start here: Fee-Free ATMs Near Me.
Why Do ATMs Charge Fees?
ATM operators charge surcharges because maintaining cash machines is expensive. Fees help cover:
- Cash replenishment and armored transport
- Machine maintenance and fraud prevention
- Network processing and transaction routing
- Convenience pricing in high-demand locations
For a deeper explanation, see: Why ATMs Charge Fees.
How to Avoid ATM Fees (Best Strategies That Actually Work)
If you withdraw cash regularly, these strategies can eliminate most ATM charges:
- Use surcharge-free networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass
- Withdraw from your own bank’s ATMs whenever possible
- Choose a bank that refunds ATM fees monthly
- Use cash back at stores instead of an out-of-network ATM
- Withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce repeated fees
Full walkthrough here: How to Withdraw Cash Without Paying ATM Fees.
Fee-Free ATM Networks (Allpoint, MoneyPass, CO-OP)
The easiest way to avoid surcharges is to use a nationwide fee-free ATM network.
| Network | Best For | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Allpoint | Online banks, retail ATM access | Allpoint ATM Near Me |
| MoneyPass | Community banks, prepaid cards | MoneyPass ATM Near Me |
| Credit Union Networks | CO-OP shared branching members | ATMs Compatible With Navy Federal |
Many of these ATMs are located inside CVS, Walgreens, Target, gas stations, and grocery stores.
Retail Locations That Commonly Charge ATM Fees
Retail-hosted ATMs are convenient, but they often come with surcharges unless your card is in-network.
- Does Walgreens ATM Charge a Fee?
- Does CVS ATM Charge a Fee?
- Does 7-Eleven ATM Charge a Fee?
- Does Sheetz ATM Charge a Fee?
- Speedway ATM Guide
Always read the fee disclosure screen before confirming a withdrawal.
Banks With the Lowest ATM Fees (And Fee Refund Policies)
Some banks reduce ATM costs through large networks or fee reimbursements.
If ATM access is important to you, choosing the right account can save hundreds per year.
International ATM Fees (Travel Warning)
ATM fees are often higher abroad due to extra network charges and currency conversion markups.
Always choose local currency when prompted to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.
ATM Fees FAQ
Are fee-free ATMs always completely free?
Not always. “Surcharge-free” means the ATM owner charges $0, but your bank may still add an out-of-network fee unless it waives or refunds it.
What is the cheapest way to withdraw cash?
Using your bank’s ATM, an in-network surcharge-free machine, or getting cash back at checkout are usually the lowest-cost options.
Do ATM fees affect withdrawal limits?
No — fees and limits are separate. Even fee-free ATMs still follow your daily cap. See: ATM Withdrawal Limits by Bank.
Related ATM Hubs
This page is designed to be your complete ATM fee reference — bookmark it anytime you want to avoid unnecessary surcharges.