ATM fees can quietly drain your balance, especially if you use out-of-network machines or travel often. Some banks keep these fees low, while others charge more but offer large networks or reimbursements. This guide compares ATM fee policies at major banks and shows you how to minimize or avoid fees altogether.
If you care more about never paying ATM fees at all, see our guide to the best no-fee ATMs nationwide.
Types of ATM Fees You Might Pay
Before comparing banks, it helps to understand the different fees that can appear on a single withdrawal:
- In-network ATM fee: What your bank charges when you use its own machines (often $0).
- Out-of-network ATM fee: What your bank charges when you use another bank’s ATM.
- Surcharge from ATM owner: A separate fee the machine owner charges on-screen.
- International ATM fee: Extra costs for foreign ATMs and currency conversion.
Your total cost per withdrawal is usually the bank fee + the ATM owner’s surcharge. The cheapest banks either keep their own fees low, offer big fee-free networks, or refund those third-party surcharges.
ATM Fee Comparison: Major Banks
The table below summarizes general ATM fee behavior for the most common U.S. banks. Exact dollar amounts can change, so treat this as a comparison of patterns and policies, not fixed pricing.
| Bank | In-Network ATM Fees | Out-of-Network Bank Fee* | Fee Refunds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | Typically $0 at Chase ATMs | Moderate per withdrawal | Limited, varies by account tier | Large ATM and branch footprint; best if you stay in-network. |
| Bank of America | $0 at Bank of America ATMs | Moderate to higher | Improves with certain rewards tiers | Big network; higher out-of-network costs if you do not plan ahead. |
| Wells Fargo | $0 at Wells Fargo ATMs | Moderate | Some premium accounts offer relief | Common in many regions; watch out-of-network usage. |
| Citibank | $0 at Citi ATMs | Moderate to higher | Better for higher-tier clients | Coverage strongest in major metro areas. |
| US Bank | $0 at US Bank ATMs | Moderate | Higher tiers may get discounts | Regional strength; cost-effective if you live near branches. |
| PNC Bank | $0 at PNC ATMs | Moderate to higher | Varies by checking package | Out-of-network withdrawals can add up quickly. |
| Truist | $0 at Truist ATMs | Moderate | Some accounts reduce costs | Good choice if you stay inside its regional network. |
| Capital One | $0 at Capital One + many Allpoint ATMs | Generally lower than many big banks | Some accounts reimburse limited fees | Strong blend of fee-free network and modern online tools. |
| TD Bank | $0 at TD ATMs | Moderate | Certain accounts offer partial refunds | Good East Coast presence; fees rise out-of-network. |
| Charles Schwab Bank | $0 at any ATM | None from Schwab | Refunds all ATM fees (domestic, often international) | Excellent for travelers; effectively turns any ATM into a no-fee ATM. |
| Ally Bank | $0 at Allpoint ATMs | Low, plus monthly reimbursement | Refunds up to a set amount per month | Great for online banking users near Allpoint locations. |
*Bank’s own out-of-network fee only. The ATM owner may still charge a separate surcharge.
Banks With the Lowest Overall ATM Costs
When you combine bank fees, ATM owner surcharges, and how often you use cash, a few patterns stand out:
- Best for heavy ATM users and travelers: Banks that refund fees, like Charles Schwab Bank, can be the cheapest long term.
- Best for online banking with strong networks: Options like Ally Bank plus the Allpoint network keep most withdrawals free.
- Best among big brick-and-mortar banks: If you prefer large national brands, keeping your withdrawals at in-network ATMs with Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo keeps costs lowest.
For a pure “no-fee everywhere” experience, see our guide to fee-free ATMs and reimbursement banks.
How to Reduce or Avoid ATM Fees
- Use your bank’s ATM locator: Apps and online maps show in-network, fee-free machines and often list deposit options.
- Withdraw less often: Taking out slightly larger amounts less frequently reduces the number of times you pay fees.
- Get cash back at checkout: Many grocery stores and big-box retailers let you take cash at the register with no extra ATM fee.
- Choose banks with refunds: A bank that reimburses ATM fees can be cheaper even if its posted out-of-network fee looks high.
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion: When using ATMs abroad, choose to be charged in the local currency instead of “your home currency.”
- Read our full guide: Navigating ATM fees and avoiding extra charges.
FAQs About Cheap ATM Fees
Which bank has the cheapest ATM fees overall?
Banks that refund ATM fees, such as Charles Schwab Bank and some online banks, often end up cheapest because they cover what other banks and ATM owners charge.
How can I see the total ATM fee before I withdraw?
The ATM screen is required to show any surcharge from the machine owner. Your bank’s fee will appear later on your statement or app, but many banks list their out-of-network fee clearly in the account terms.
Are in-network ATMs always free?
Most checking accounts do not charge fees at in-network ATMs, but some specialty or prepaid cards may. Always review your account’s fee schedule.
What is the cheapest way to get cash while traveling?
Use a bank that refunds ATM fees, withdraw from in-network machines when possible, and avoid converting currency at airport kiosks or high-fee ATMs.
Key Takeaway
The cheapest ATM option is usually a bank that combines a large fee-free network with strong reimbursement policies. If you withdraw cash often, focus less on small differences between banks’ posted fees and more on whether they refund surcharges and give you plenty of in-network ATMs where you live, work, and travel.
Next, compare banks that focus on free access instead of low posted fees: best no-fee ATMs nationwide.
