Yes, you can use another bank's ATM, but you will usually pay a fee

Most banks let you withdraw cash from ATMs owned by other banks. Your bank will process the withdrawal from your account, but the ATM owner will charge you a fee for using their machine. This fee comes out of your account on top of the amount you withdraw. The fee typically ranges from $1 to $3.50 per transaction, though some ATMs in airports, casinos, or tourist areas charge more.

Your own bank may also charge you a fee for using an out-of-network ATM. Some banks charge nothing; others charge $1 to $2 per transaction. You could end up paying two fees — one from the ATM owner and one from your bank — on a single withdrawal. The exact cost depends on which bank you use and which ATM network the other bank belongs to.

The fastest way to avoid these fees is to use an ATM owned by your bank or by a bank in your bank's network. Many banks belong to shared ATM networks that let customers use each other's machines for free. Ask your bank which network it belongs to and which other banks are included.

Key Takeaways

  • Out-of-network ATM fees usually range from $1 to $3.50 per withdrawal, charged by the ATM owner, your bank, or both.
  • Your bank may belong to a shared ATM network that lets you use other banks' machines without paying a fee.
  • The fee appears in your account when ready or within one business day, just like any other transaction.
  • Some banks offer accounts with no out-of-network ATM fees, though these accounts may have other requirements or costs.

How the fee gets charged to your account

When you use another bank's ATM, the transaction happens in two stages. First, the ATM processes your withdrawal and sends it to your bank through the ATM network. Your bank deducts the amount from your account when ready. Second, the ATM owner's bank sends a separate fee transaction to your bank, which deducts the fee from your account.

You will see both transactions in your account history. The withdrawal appears as a normal debit, and the fee appears as a separate line item, usually labeled "ATM fee" or "out-of-network fee." The fee typically posts within one business day, though some banks post it the same day. If you use an ATM late in the evening or on a weekend, the fee may not appear until the next business day.

Some banks refund out-of-network ATM fees if you meet certain conditions — for example, if you maintain a minimum balance or have direct deposit set up. Check your account terms or call your bank to find out whether you are may be able to access for fee refunds.

ATM networks and fee-free options

Many banks belong to shared ATM networks that let their customers use each other's machines without paying a fee. The largest networks in the United States are Allpoint, MoneyPass, and CO-OP. If your bank belongs to one of these networks, you can use thousands of ATMs across the country without paying an out-of-network fee.

Credit unions often belong to the CO-OP or Shared Branch networks, which means their members can use ATMs at other credit unions in the network for free. Banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and some online banks reimburse all out-of-network ATM fees, so you pay nothing regardless of which ATM you use. These banks make up for the cost by charging higher fees elsewhere or by offering lower interest rates on savings accounts.

To find out which network your bank belongs to, log into your online banking account or call your bank's customer service line. Ask them to list all the ATM networks you can access for free. You can then search those networks' websites to find ATMs near you.

What happens if you use an ATM from a different country

International ATM fees work differently than domestic out-of-network fees. When you use an ATM outside the United States, you will pay a fee from the ATM owner, a fee from your bank, and possibly a currency conversion fee. The total cost is usually between $3 and $5 per withdrawal, though some banks charge more.

Your bank will also convert the foreign currency to US dollars at an exchange rate. This rate is usually not the mid-market rate you see online — it includes a markup that your bank keeps. The markup typically ranges from 1% to 3%, though some banks charge more. You will see the converted amount in your account statement.

Before traveling, call your bank and ask about their international ATM fees and exchange rates. Some banks waive ATM fees for customers traveling abroad, and some offer better exchange rates than others. Bringing cash from home or using a travel-specific card may be cheaper than using ATMs in some countries.

Overdraft risk when using out-of-network ATMs

If your account balance is close to zero, an out-of-network ATM fee can push you into overdraft. The withdrawal itself may go through, but the fee that posts later can trigger an overdraft charge if your balance is not high enough to cover it. This means you could pay both an ATM fee and an overdraft fee on the same transaction.

For example, if you have $50 in your account and withdraw $50 from an out-of-network ATM, the withdrawal goes through. But when the $2 ATM fee posts the next day, your balance is now negative $2, and your bank charges you an overdraft fee of $25 to $35. You end up paying $27 to $37 in fees on a $50 withdrawal.

To avoid this, check your balance before using an out-of-network ATM. If your balance is low, use an ATM owned by your bank or a bank in your network instead. Some banks let you set up alerts that notify you when your balance drops below a certain amount, which can help you catch this problem before it happens.

Disputing an ATM fee if it was charged in error

If you were charged an ATM fee by mistake — for example, if you used an ATM that should have been fee-free, or if you were charged twice for the same withdrawal — you can contact your bank and ask them to reverse it. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or log into your online banking account and look for a "dispute a transaction" option.

Explain what happened and provide the date, time, and location of the ATM transaction. Your bank will investigate the charge and usually respond within 5 to 10 business days. If they find that the fee was charged in error, they will refund it to your account. If the fee was charged correctly according to your account terms, they will deny the dispute.

Keep your receipts from ATM withdrawals so you have proof of the transaction if you need to dispute a fee later. The receipt shows the exact time and location of the ATM, which helps your bank track down the transaction in their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PIN to use another bank's ATM?

Yes, you need your PIN just like you would at your own bank's ATM. The other bank's ATM will ask for your PIN to verify that you own the account. If you do not have a PIN, contact your bank and ask them to set one up for you.

Can I deposit cash at another bank's ATM?

Some ATMs let you deposit cash, but most out-of-network ATMs do not accept deposits. Even if the ATM has a deposit slot, your bank may not process the deposit if it comes from another bank's machine. Check with your bank before trying to deposit at an out-of-network ATM. Your own bank's ATMs will always accept deposits.

What if the ATM takes my card?

If an ATM keeps your card, contact your bank when ready. Most banks will cancel the card and mail you a replacement within 5 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can use your online banking account to transfer money or set up a temporary digital wallet to make purchases. Some banks can issue a temporary card number over the phone.

Will using another bank's ATM affect my credit score?

No, ATM fees and out-of-network transactions do not appear on your credit report and do not affect your credit score. Only credit-related activities like loans, credit cards, and payment history affect your score. ATM fees only affect your bank account balance.