Four Ways To Beat ATM Fees
Use these four strategies to avoid paying annoying ATM fees.


When you use an out-of-network ATM, you may be hit with a double whammy when it comes to fees, facing charges from both your bank and the ATM operator. In fact, a recent survey from Bankrate found that on average, you’ll pay a record-high $4.73 in total fees for an out-of-network transaction.
Want to hold on to that cash? Here are some tips for getting around those pesky fees.
Four ways to beat the fees
One way to beat the fees is to use ATMs within your financial institution’s network. Your bank may operate its own machines, participate in a broad network such as Allpoint or MoneyPass, or both.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Citibank customers, for example, can withdraw cash fee-free from machines at Citi branches as well as at MoneyPass ATMs. Customers of Ally Bank, an online institution, can make surcharge-free withdrawals from ATMs in the Allpoint network.
Another option is to sign up for a checking account that reimburses out-of-network fees. TD Bank, for example, refunds such charges (and waives its monthly maintenance fee) if you have a minimum of $2,500 in its Beyond Checking account Online bank Axos Bank reimburses ATM fees with its Essential, Rewards and CashBack checking accounts — and the accounts charge no monthly fees.
A third trick: While you’re shopping, see whether you can get cash back at checkout when you make a purchase with your debit card. Target and Lowe’s, for example, allow this. This option usually comes with no fee, but stores commonly impose a limit of $40 to $50 per transaction.
If triggering out-of-network fees is unavoidable, consider withdrawing larger amounts of cash at each ATM visit to reduce the number of withdrawals you make and the amount of the fees you pay. If you need only $20 now, for example, take out $100 and save the extra money for later.
Bottom line
Planning is the key to avoiding ATM fees. While most merchants take credit and debit cards, there are times when only cash is accepted. Make note of these expenses and set a reminder to get some cash at your bank’s ATM or get cash back when you make a purchase. You could also use a petty cash box to keep some money around for those days when you are short on time and can’t make it to the bank.
Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Ella Vincent is a personal finance writer who has written about credit, retirement, and employment issues. She has previously written for Motley Fool and Yahoo Finance. She enjoys going to concerts in her native Chicago and watching basketball.
-
Eight Tricks to Shop for Glasses if You're Over 50
Shopping for glasses often gets trickier — and more expensive — as you age. If you've over 50, take these steps when you set out to buy a new pair.
-
Seven Things You Should Do Before 2026 Because of One Big Beautiful Bill Changes
The new law ushers in significant changes for most taxpayers. Make these moves now to take advantage of them.
-
How to Master 'The Art of Spending Money'
Delve into Morgan Housel's new book for an understanding of the psychology that drives what we buy — and why that can lead to smarter money decisions.
-
FAFSA Advice for 2025
A new federal financial aid application drops on October 1 — and being an early bird will likely pay off.
-
'Rich' Tricks to Volunteer and Donate in Retirement
There may be some tax benefits to giving back in retirement.
-
Use Your Next Vacation to Explore Your Roots
With some research and preparation, you can design a meaningful tour of your family’s ancestral home.
-
4 Career Moves to Make Now if You're Worried About a Recession
Worried about a recession? These steps to protect your job prospects will help you professionally whether a downturn develops or not.
-
How StoryCorps Works and How You Can Tell Your Story
StoryCorps has recorded conversations between thousands of people, and anyone can participate. National facilitator Alan Jinich explains how to share your story.