The average out-of-network ATM withdrawal costs $4.77—and if you use ATMs weekly, that’s $250+ per year in fees. Here are 12 strategies to get cash without paying a dime in fees.
The True Cost of ATM Fees
How ATM Fees Add Up
| Fee Type | Typical Cost | Who Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Surcharge (ATM owner) | $2.50-$3.50 | The ATM operator |
| Out-of-network fee (your bank) | $2.00-$3.00 | Your bank |
| Total per withdrawal | $4.50-$6.50 | Both parties |
Annual Cost by Usage
| Withdrawals | Fee/Withdrawal | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | $4.77 | $248 |
| Twice weekly | $4.77 | $496 |
| Monthly | $4.77 | $57 |
| Twice monthly | $4.77 | $114 |
International ATM Fees
| Fee Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Foreign ATM surcharge | $3-$5 |
| Your bank’s foreign ATM fee | $3-$5 |
| Foreign transaction fee | 1-3% of amount |
| $200 withdrawal abroad | $12-$20 in fees |
Strategy 1: Use Your Bank’s In-Network ATMs
The simplest solution: use ATMs your bank owns or partners with.
Major Bank ATM Networks
| Bank | Own ATMs | Partner Networks | Total Free ATMs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase | 16,000+ | — | 16,000+ |
| Bank of America | 16,000+ | — | 16,000+ |
| Wells Fargo | 13,000+ | — | 13,000+ |
| Citi | 2,400+ | — | 2,400+ |
| PNC | 9,500+ | — | 9,500+ |
| TD Bank | 1,200+ | — | 1,200+ |
| U.S. Bank | 4,700+ | — | 4,700+ |
Online Bank ATM Networks
| Bank | Partner Network | Free ATMs |
|---|---|---|
| Ally Bank | Allpoint | 43,000+ |
| Capital One | Allpoint + MoneyPass | 70,000+ |
| Discover | Allpoint + MoneyPass | 60,000+ |
| Chime | Allpoint + MoneyPass | 60,000+ |
| SoFi | Allpoint | 55,000+ |
How to Find In-Network ATMs
| Method | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Bank’s app | Use ATM locator feature |
| Bank’s website | ATM finder tool |
| Allpoint app | If your bank uses Allpoint |
| Google Maps | Search “[bank name] ATM near me” |
Strategy 2: Switch to a Fee-Reimbursing Bank
Some banks refund ATM fees charged by any ATM.
Banks With ATM Fee Reimbursement
| Bank | Monthly Reimbursement | Geographic Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Schwab | Unlimited | Worldwide |
| Fidelity | Unlimited | Worldwide |
| Axos Bank | $8/month | Domestic |
| Ally Bank | $10/month | Domestic (fee-free at Allpoint) |
| Alliant Credit Union | $20/month | Domestic |
| USAA | $15/month | Domestic + $15 international |
| Betterment | Unlimited | Domestic |
How Reimbursement Works
- Use any ATM anywhere
- Pay whatever fees are charged
- Fees refunded at end of month (automatically)
- Net cost: $0
Best Unlimited Reimbursement Options
| Bank | Account Type | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Schwab | Checking + Brokerage | Linked brokerage account |
| Fidelity | Cash Management | Linked brokerage |
| Betterment | Checking | Investment account |
Charles Schwab is particularly popular for travelers because it reimburses fees worldwide with no limit.
Strategy 3: Use Large ATM Networks
The Allpoint Network (55,000+ ATMs)
Allpoint ATMs are free with these banks:
- Ally Bank
- Chime
- Capital One
- Discover
- SoFi
- Varo
- Many credit unions
Where to find Allpoint ATMs:
- Target
- CVS
- Walgreens
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Costco
- Many grocery stores
The MoneyPass Network (32,000+ ATMs)
MoneyPass ATMs are free with:
- Capital One
- Discover
- Chime
- Many regional banks
Where to find MoneyPass ATMs:
- 7-Eleven
- CVS
- Dunkin’ (some locations)
- Select grocery stores
The CO-OP Network (30,000+ ATMs)
For credit union members only.
If you belong to a credit union, you likely have access to 30,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide through CO-OP Shared Branch.
Strategy 4: Get Cash Back at Stores
Best fee-free cash source: cash back with purchase.
Stores That Offer Cash Back
| Store | Cash Back Limit | Purchase Required |
|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $100 | Yes (any amount) |
| Target | $40 | Yes (any amount) |
| Kroger | $100 | Debit purchase |
| Safeway | $100 | Debit purchase |
| CVS | $35 | Yes |
| Walgreens | $20 | Yes |
| Dollar General | $40 | Yes |
| Amazon (Whole Foods) | $100 | Yes |
Cash Back Strategy
Instead of ATM:
- Buy something you need anyway (groceries, household items)
- Ask for cash back
- Get cash with $0 fees
Example: Need $60 cash
- ATM fee: $4.77
- Cash back at grocery store: $0
- Savings: $4.77
When Cash Back Makes Sense
| Situation | Cash Back | ATM |
|---|---|---|
| Near a store | ✓ | |
| Need >$100 | ✓ (may need multiple transactions) | |
| In a hurry | ✓ | |
| No purchase needed | ✓ (or use fee-free ATM) |
Strategy 5: Plan Your Withdrawals
Fewer withdrawals = fewer potential fees.
Withdrawal Planning Strategy
| Instead of | Do This | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| $40 weekly (4x/mo) | $160 monthly (1x/mo) | ~$14/month |
| $60 twice weekly | $240 biweekly | ~$10/month |
| Random small withdrawals | Planned larger withdrawals | Variable |
The “Cash Envelope” Approach
- Determine weekly/monthly cash needs
- Withdraw in one larger transaction
- Portion into envelopes for different spending categories
- Avoid mid-week ATM trips
Strategy 6: Use Credit Cards More
Less cash needed = fewer ATM visits.
Where to Use Cards Instead of Cash
| Traditional Cash Use | Card Alternative |
|---|---|
| Coffee shops | Mobile pay, tap to pay |
| Small purchases | Contactless cards |
| Farmers markets | Many accept Venmo/cards now |
| Tipping | Add to card bill |
| Street vendors | Some accept payment apps |
Exceptions (Still Need Cash)
| Situation | Cash Still Needed |
|---|---|
| Some small businesses | Check first |
| Splitting bills | Sometimes |
| Tipping cash-preferred workers | Yes |
| Emergencies | Keep some on hand |
| Cash-only establishments | Yes |
Strategy 7: Use Payment Apps
Pay friends and vendors without cash.
Person-to-Person Payments
| App | Best For | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Zelle | Bank transfers | Free |
| Venmo | Friends, some businesses | Free (debit) |
| Cash App | Friends, some businesses | Free (debit) |
| PayPal | Everyone | Free (balance/debit) |
How This Reduces ATM Needs
| Traditional Use | App Alternative |
|---|---|
| Pay friend back | Venmo or Zelle |
| Split dinner bill | Venmo request |
| Pay babysitter | Zelle or Venmo |
| Yard sale purchase | Cash App |
Strategy 8: Keep Emergency Cash at Home
Reduce urgent ATM trips by keeping cash on hand.
Home Cash Reserve
| Purpose | Suggested Amount |
|---|---|
| Small emergencies | $100-$200 |
| Power outage backup | $200-$300 |
| Home cash envelope system | Per your budget |
Safe Storage
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Home safe | Secure, fire-resistant | Cost |
| Hidden location | Free | Less secure |
| Divided among locations | Reduces total loss risk | Harder to track |
Strategy 9: Credit Union Shared Branching
Credit union members: access 30,000+ free ATMs and branches.
How CO-OP Works
If your credit union participates in CO-OP:
- Use any CO-OP ATM fee-free
- Use any CO-OP branch for deposits/withdrawals
- Nationwide access even with local credit union
Find Your Network
| Network | How to Check |
|---|---|
| CO-OP | co-opsharedbranch.org |
| CULIANCE | Check with your credit union |
| Allpoint | Many credit unions participate |
Strategy 10: Negotiate Fee Waivers
Some banks will waive occasional ATM fees.
How to Request Waiver
“Hi, I noticed an out-of-network ATM fee on my recent statement. I was traveling and couldn’t find an in-network ATM. I’ve been a customer for [X years]—would you be able to waive this fee as a courtesy?”
Success Factors
| Factor | Impact on Success |
|---|---|
| First request | High chance |
| Long-term customer | Helps |
| Small fee | Usually waived |
| Frequent requests | Less likely |
Strategy 11: Time Your International Cash
Traveling abroad? Plan cash strategically.
International ATM Fee Reduction
| Strategy | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Withdraw larger amounts less often | Fewer per-transaction fees |
| Use Schwab checking | Unlimited worldwide reimbursement |
| Exchange at home first | Avoid urgent foreign ATM needs |
| Use cards when possible | Fewer cash needs |
Best Cards for International ATMs
| Card | Foreign ATM Fee | Foreign Transaction Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Schwab | Reimbursed | None |
| Fidelity | Reimbursed | None |
| USAA | $15/mo reimbursed | None |
| Capital One | In-network free | None |
| Ally | $10/mo reimbursed | None |
Strategy 12: Switch Banks Entirely
The permanent solution: a bank with no ATM fees.
Best Banks for ATM Fee Avoidance
| Bank | Network Access | Reimbursement | Monthly Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Schwab | Any ATM worldwide | Unlimited | $0 |
| Capital One | 70,000+ free ATMs | N/A | $0 |
| Ally | 43,000+ Allpoint | $10/mo additional | $0 |
| Chime | 60,000+ | N/A | $0 |
| Fidelity | Any ATM | Unlimited | $0 |
Switching Considerations
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Direct deposit | Easy to switch |
| Bill pay | Update automatic payments |
| Checks | Most people rarely need |
| Branches | Online banks have none |
ATM Fee Elimination Checklist
Immediate Actions
- Find your bank’s in-network ATMs (download app)
- Check if your bank participates in Allpoint or MoneyPass
- Plan cash back at your next store purchase
- Check current cash needs vs. card usage
This Month
- Research fee-reimbursing banks
- Calculate your current ATM fee spending
- Set up Zelle for person-to-person payments
- Build small emergency cash reserve at home
If Fees Continue
- Consider switching to Schwab, Capital One, or Ally
- Set up credit union account for CO-OP access
- Reduce cash reliance where possible
The Bottom Line
ATM fees are one of the easiest bank costs to eliminate. The best strategies:
- Use in-network ATMs (check your bank’s app)
- Get cash back at stores (with purchases you’d make anyway)
- Switch to a fee-reimbursing bank (Schwab reimburses worldwide)
- Use the Allpoint network (55,000+ free ATMs)
The average person who eliminates ATM fees saves $100-$250 per year. Over a decade, that’s $1,000-$2,500—real money that should stay in your account.
Related guides: How to Avoid Bank Fees | How to Avoid Overdraft Fees | Best Banks With No Fees | Best Online Banks