Hate paying ATM fees? You do not have to. With a little planning, you can find fee-free ATMs near you in most cities. This guide explains how to locate surcharge-free machines, which networks and banks usually offer the best access, and how to avoid stacked fees at home or while traveling.
Need to see every ATM around you, not just fee-free ones? Start with our ATM Near Me hub for a live map of nearby machines, then use this guide to identify the ATMs that should cost you $0 in fees.
Who Has the Best Fee-Free ATMs Near Me?
If you are asking “who has the best fee-free ATMs near me?” the real answer depends on your bank and which ATM networks your card is eligible to use. Some banks own large ATM fleets. Others plug you into nationwide surcharge-free networks like Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP. Here are some of the most useful options:
| Network / Bank | Approx. ATMs | Where You Will Find Them | Why It Is Good |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allpoint Network | 55,000+ | CVS, Walgreens, Target, and many convenience stores | Huge retail footprint; often surcharge-free for partner banks |
| MoneyPass Network | 40,000+ | Regional banks, credit unions, and select retailers | Great if your community bank or credit union participates |
| CO-OP Credit Union Network | 30,000+ | Credit unions and partner locations | Strong option for credit union members |
| Major banks (Chase, Wells Fargo, etc.) | Thousands each | Branches, vestibules, and drive-thru lanes | No surcharges for customers; many support contactless or cardless access |
| Accounts that reimburse ATM fees | Varies | Any ATM (reimbursement rules apply) | Some refund surcharges up to a monthly cap |
For many people, Allpoint and MoneyPass are the easiest path to fee-free cash nationwide. If your bank participates in either network (or refunds ATM surcharges), you can often withdraw cash with $0 in fees in most areas.
What “Fee-Free” Really Means (3 Types of ATM Costs)
- Surcharge-free: The ATM owner does not charge a fee at the machine. You should see $0.00 on the surcharge screen before you accept.
- Bank fee-free: Your bank does not add its own out-of-network fee to the withdrawal.
- Refunded fees: You may be charged at the ATM, but your bank reimburses surcharges automatically (often up to a monthly limit).
A truly fee-free ATM usually means either (1) no surcharge and no bank fee, or (2) the fee is charged but refunded. Understanding these layers helps you avoid surprises and pick the right account if you withdraw cash often.
How to Find Fee-Free ATMs Quickly
- Use your bank’s ATM locator: Filter for “in network,” “surcharge-free,” or “no fee” ATMs in your app or online banking.
- Check major networks: Use Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP locators to confirm which ATMs are free for your card.
- Look in retail stores: CVS, Walgreens, Target, grocery stores, and some gas stations host network ATMs that can be fee-free for partner banks.
- Plan before you travel: Save a few in-network ATMs in your maps app so you are not stuck using the first expensive machine you see.
- Use our ATM map, then verify: Start with ATM Near Me, then confirm in-network status using your bank app before withdrawing.
Banks and Accounts That Help You Avoid ATM Fees
Not all checking accounts are equal for ATM access. Many “fee-free” benefits come from the account itself. Common perks include:
- Surcharge reimbursements: Your bank refunds ATM fees you pay elsewhere (up to a monthly dollar or transaction cap).
- Large in-network footprint: Big banks often have wide ATM coverage with no surcharges for customers.
- Network partnerships: Smaller banks and credit unions may offer free withdrawals through Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP.
If you regularly pay $3 to $5 per withdrawal, switching to an account with fee reimbursements or better in-network coverage can save real money over time.
How to Avoid ATM Fees (Step by Step)
- 1. Start in-network: Check your bank app first and choose ATMs marked “in network” or “no fee.”
- 2. Read the surcharge screen: The ATM must show the fee before you confirm. If it is not $0.00, cancel and try a different machine.
- 3. Use cash back: If the only nearby ATMs charge fees, cash back at checkout can be cheaper.
- 4. Withdraw less often: If you must pay a fee, taking out a larger amount once usually costs less than multiple small withdrawals.
- 5. Use modern options when available: Many newer ATMs support cardless or tap-based access. See Cardless ATMs Near Me and Contactless ATMs Near Me.
- 6. Choose a better account: If you travel or use out-of-network ATMs often, prioritize banks that refund ATM fees or have strong network partners.
Know Your Withdrawal Limits (Even at Fee-Free ATMs)
Fee-free does not mean unlimited. Your bank still sets daily ATM withdrawal limits based on your account and risk profile. Before a trip or a large cash need, check your limit in your bank app and request a temporary increase if available.
For typical ranges and bank-specific details, see: ATM Withdrawal Limits by Bank.
International Fee-Free ATM Tips
- Choose local currency: If an ATM asks “charge in USD or local currency,” pick local currency to avoid poor conversion rates.
- Use partner banks abroad: Some U.S. banks list foreign partners with reduced fees.
- Watch for stacked fees: You may see a local bank fee plus a home-bank fee. Review your bank’s foreign ATM policy before traveling.
- Bring a backup card: If a card is declined or retained, you will still have access to cash.
FAQs About Fee-Free ATMs
Are fee-free ATMs always completely free?
No. “Surcharge-free” only means the ATM operator does not charge a fee at the machine. Your bank can still add its own out-of-network fee unless your account waives or refunds it.
How do I know if an ATM is fee-free before using it?
Use your bank’s locator to find in-network ATMs, then read the surcharge screen carefully. If it shows anything other than $0.00, cancel and use a different ATM.
Do Allpoint or MoneyPass ATMs ever charge fees?
They can. These networks are usually surcharge-free only for cards issued by participating banks and credit unions. If your card is not eligible, you may still see a fee prompt.
Can I deposit at fee-free ATMs?
Sometimes. Many retail-hosted network ATMs are withdrawal-only. If you need deposits, use your bank’s locator and filter for deposit-enabled ATMs.
Is cash back at checkout better than using an ATM?
If your only nearby ATMs charge a surcharge (and your bank also charges a fee), cash back can be cheaper. If the ATM is truly fee-free, either option can work based on convenience.
Related Guides
- ATM Near Me (Main Locator)
- ATM Withdrawal Limits by Bank
- How to Increase Your ATM Withdrawal Limit
- How to Withdraw Cash Without Paying Fees
- Cardless ATMs Near Me
- Contactless ATMs Near Me
Bookmark this page so you can quickly find fee-free ATMs near you and stop paying unnecessary cash withdrawal fees.
