Yes, you can use another bank's ATM, but it usually costs you money

You can walk into almost any ATM in the country and withdraw cash, even if it belongs to a different bank than yours. Your debit card will work. The machine will dispense your money. But unless your bank has a partnership with that ATM's bank, you will pay a fee — usually between $2 and $3 per transaction. That fee comes out of your account on top of the withdrawal amount.

Some banks charge you the fee. Some ATM owners charge you the fee. Many charge both, which means a single $20 withdrawal can cost you $4 or $5 in fees alone. Over time, this adds up fast. If you use an out-of-network ATM twice a week, you could pay $200 to $300 a year just to access your own money.

The good news: there are several ways to avoid these fees entirely, or to use them only when you truly have no other choice.

Key Takeaways

  • Out-of-network ATM fees typically range from $2 to $3 per withdrawal, and you may be charged by both your bank and the ATM owner.
  • Many banks offer fee-free ATM networks through partnerships, so check your bank's website to find machines you can use without paying.
  • Some banks reimburse out-of-network fees if you use them occasionally, so read your account agreement to see if yours does.
  • Getting cash back at a grocery store or retailer checkout costs nothing and works with any debit card.
  • Credit unions often share ATM networks, so joining one can give you access to thousands of machines nationwide.

How to find ATMs your bank owns or partners with

Your bank has a list of ATMs you can use without paying a fee. This list includes machines your bank owns directly, plus machines owned by other banks that have signed a partnership agreement with yours. The easiest way to find these is through your bank's website or mobile app — most have an ATM locator tool where you type in your address or zip code and it shows you nearby fee-free machines.

Some banks belong to large ATM networks. For example, many regional banks are part of the Allpoint network or the MoneyPass network, which means their customers can use tens of thousands of ATMs across the country without paying a fee. Ask your bank which network it belongs to, or look for the network logo on your debit card.

If you are moving to a new city or traveling, use the ATM locator before you leave. Write down a few addresses or take a screenshot. This takes five minutes and can save you hundreds of dollars over a year.

When your bank reimburses out-of-network fees

Some banks, particularly online banks and premium checking accounts, reimburse you for out-of-network ATM fees. This means you can use any ATM in the country, pay the fee at the moment, and your bank will credit the money back to your account later — usually within one to three business days.

This is not the same as having no fee. You still pay it upfront, and you have to wait for the reimbursement. But if you only use out-of-network ATMs occasionally, this can be a useful feature. Read your account agreement or call your bank's customer service line to ask whether your account includes this benefit. If it does not, ask whether upgrading to a different account tier would add it.

Using cash back at stores instead of ATMs

The cheapest way to get cash is to ask for it at a grocery store, pharmacy, or retailer checkout. When you buy something with your debit card, you can request cash back — the cashier will give you bills from the register and deduct the amount from your purchase. This costs nothing, regardless of which bank you use or which store you visit.

Most stores allow cash back amounts between $20 and $100, though some allow more. You do not have to buy anything expensive — a single item is fine. This method works with any debit card from any bank, so it is the most reliable option when you are traveling or in an unfamiliar area.

Credit unions and shared branching networks

If you belong to a credit union instead of a bank, you likely have access to a much larger ATM network at no cost. Most credit unions are part of the CO-OP network or the Allpoint network, which gives their members access to thousands of ATMs nationwide. Some credit unions also participate in shared branching, which means you can visit a different credit union's branch and withdraw cash as if it were your own branch.

If you do not currently belong to a credit union, this is worth considering, especially if you travel frequently or live in an area with few branches of your bank. Credit unions often have lower fees overall and may offer better rates on savings accounts and loans.

What happens when you use an out-of-network ATM

When you insert your card into an out-of-network ATM, the machine connects to your bank to verify you have enough money. Your bank approves the withdrawal. Then the ATM owner charges you a fee for using their machine, and your bank may charge you a separate fee for using someone else's machine. Both fees are deducted from your account.

You will see the fee appear in your account within one to two business days. Some banks show it as "ATM fee" or "out-of-network fee." Others label it more vaguely. Check your account online or in your app to see exactly what you were charged and by whom. If you see a fee you do not recognize, contact your bank to ask what it is.

The fee is not negotiable at the moment of withdrawal. You cannot ask the ATM to waive it or ask the bank to reverse it after the fact, though some banks will reverse a single fee if you call and ask politely. The best strategy is to avoid the situation entirely by planning ahead.

Traveling or moving to a new area

If you are traveling out of state or moving, contact your bank before you go. Ask which ATM networks it belongs to in the area you are visiting, or whether it has branches there. Many national banks have branches in most states, so you may be able to use a branch ATM instead of a standalone machine.

If your bank has no presence in the area, ask whether it reimburses out-of-network fees. If it does not, plan to get cash back at stores instead. This is free and works everywhere. You can also ask your bank whether it offers any travel benefits or temporary fee waivers for customers who are relocating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to tell my bank before I use another bank's ATM?

No. Your bank does not need advance notice. The ATM will connect to your bank automatically when you insert your card. The only time you should contact your bank in advance is if you are traveling internationally, because some banks block foreign ATM transactions for security reasons.

Can I dispute an ATM fee if I did not know I would be charged?

You can call your bank and ask them to reverse it, especially if it is your first time. Many banks will do this once as a courtesy. However, the fee is disclosed in your account agreement, so banks are not required to reverse it. The best approach is to check your account agreement now, before you need cash, so you know what to expect.

What if an ATM charges me a fee but my bank says it should be free?

Contact your bank with the ATM location and time of withdrawal. Your bank can investigate whether that ATM should have been in their fee-free network. If there was an error, they may reverse the fee. Keep your receipt from the ATM so you have proof of the transaction.

Are out-of-network fees the same everywhere?

No. Fees vary by bank and by ATM owner. Your bank's fee might be $2, while the ATM owner's fee is $1.50, for a total of $3.50. Some banks charge more, some charge less. Check your account agreement or call your bank to find out what they charge.

Can I use my credit card at an ATM to avoid out-of-network fees?

Credit cards can be used at some ATMs, but this is not a good solution. ATMs charge a cash advance fee for credit cards, which is usually higher than a debit card fee — often $3 to $5 or more. You also start paying interest when ready on the cash advance. Use your debit card or get cash back at a store instead.