The average out-of-network ATM transaction costs $4.50–$6.00 in total fees — a combination of the ATM operator’s surcharge and your own bank’s out-of-network fee. Airport and casino ATMs can charge $5–$10 in surcharges alone. These fees are entirely avoidable with the right bank account or withdrawal strategy.
For strategies to eliminate ATM fees, see how to avoid ATM fees. For the full ATM reference, see the ATM Guide 2026.
The Two ATM Fees You Pay
Every non-network ATM transaction can trigger two separate fees:
| Fee | Who Charges It | Average Cost | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATM surcharge | ATM owner | $2.50–$5.00 | When you use a non-customer machine |
| Out-of-network fee | Your bank | $1.50–$3.00 | When you use an ATM outside your bank’s network |
Total average: ~$4.00–$6.00 per withdrawal. Both fees appear as separate line items on your bank statement. The ATM surcharge shows up as “ATM FEE” or “SURCHARGE” and the bank’s fee shows as “NON-NETWORK ATM FEE” or similar.
Worked example: You use a standalone ATM at a gas station. The machine charges a $3.50 surcharge. Your bank (Chase) charges a $2.50 out-of-network fee. You withdraw $60. Your total debit: $66.00. The $6.00 in fees is 10% of the transaction — for a $20 withdrawal it would be 30%.
Average ATM Fees by Bank (2026)
| Bank | Out-of-Network Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | $2.50 | Per domestic out-of-network withdrawal |
| Chase | $2.50 | Per domestic out-of-network withdrawal |
| Wells Fargo | $2.50 | Per domestic out-of-network withdrawal |
| Citibank | $2.50 | Varies by account |
| PNC Bank | $3.00 | Standard checking |
| TD Bank | $3.00 | Standard account |
| US Bank | $2.50 | Standard account |
| Ally Bank | $0 (reimburses up to $10/month) | Reimburses ATM surcharges |
| Axos Rewards Checking | $0 (unlimited reimbursement) | Reimburses all domestic surcharges |
| Charles Schwab | $0 (unlimited worldwide) | Reimburses all global ATM fees |
ATM Surcharges by Machine Type
The surcharge you pay depends heavily on where the ATM is located:
| ATM Location | Typical Surcharge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bank branch (your bank) | $0 | No fee for own customers |
| Bank branch (other bank) | $0–$3.00 | Some banks don’t surcharge non-customers |
| Retail (CVS, Walgreens) | $2.50–$3.50 | Most common non-bank machine |
| Convenience store | $2.50–$4.00 | 7-Eleven, Circle K, etc. |
| Gas station | $3.00–$4.50 | Higher than retail |
| Airport (domestic) | $3.50–$6.00 | Premium surcharges in airports |
| Casino | $4.00–$10.00 | Highest surcharges in the US |
| Hotel lobby | $3.50–$6.00 | Comparable to airport |
| International (foreign machine) | $3–$5 equivalent | Plus currency conversion costs |
ATM Fees Over Time: What You Spend Annually
| Usage Pattern | Monthly Fee Estimate | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 4 out-of-network withdrawals/month | ~$20–$24 | $240–$288/year |
| 2 out-of-network withdrawals/month | ~$10–$12 | $120–$144/year |
| 1 out-of-network withdrawal/month | ~$5–$6 | $60–$72/year |
| 0 out-of-network withdrawals | $0 | $0 |
Even infrequent out-of-network ATM use adds up. Two non-network withdrawals per month at $5–$6 each costs $120–$144 per year — money that could be avoided entirely by switching to a fee-reimbursement account or using in-network ATMs.
International ATM Fees
Using an ATM abroad involves multiple charges that stack:
| Fee Component | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Foreign ATM surcharge | $3–$5 (or local equivalent) |
| Your bank’s international ATM fee | $3–$5 (many banks charge this) |
| Foreign transaction fee | 1–3% of withdrawal amount |
| Currency conversion spread | 0.5–2% above mid-market rate |
Example: Withdrawing $200 equivalent in euros at a Spanish ATM with a traditional bank card could cost $15–$20 in total fees — nearly 10% of the withdrawal. Banks that eliminate all of these: Charles Schwab (no foreign transaction fee, unlimited worldwide ATM reimbursement) and Fidelity Cash Management (same policy).
Free ATM Network Fees
If your bank participates in Allpoint or MoneyPass, using those network ATMs is surcharge-free. But verify whether your bank also waives its own out-of-network fee at network machines:
| Network | ATM Count | Surcharge | Your Bank’s Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allpoint | 55,000+ | $0 for members | Check your account |
| MoneyPass | 40,000+ | $0 for members | Check your account |
Most online banks that use these networks as their primary ATM strategy waive their own fee at network machines — but confirm with your bank.
How to Pay $0 in ATM Fees
The most effective strategies, ranked by impact:
- Use your bank’s own ATM network — always $0
- Switch to a fee-reimbursement account (Schwab, Fidelity, Axos) — $0 at any machine
- Use Allpoint or MoneyPass machines if your bank participates — $0 within the network
- Get cash back at checkout — free at Walmart, Target, Kroger, CVS with debit purchase
- Withdraw larger amounts less often — reduces fee frequency even if you can’t eliminate them
See the full how to avoid ATM fees guide for all 12 strategies and the banks that offer the best ATM access. For accounts with unlimited reimbursement, see banks that reimburse ATM fees.
Bottom Line
The average ATM fee is $4.50–$6.00 per out-of-network withdrawal — real money that compounds to $100–$300/year for regular users. Understanding both fee types (operator surcharge and bank out-of-network fee) is the first step to eliminating them. The simplest solution: use a bank that reimburses ATM fees, or rely on free networks like Allpoint and MoneyPass.
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