You can use ATMs outside your bank, but you will usually pay a fee unless the ATM is part of your bank's network
Most banks let you withdraw money from any ATM, but the cost depends on whether that ATM belongs to your bank, belongs to a network your bank has joined, or is independent. Your own bank's ATMs are free. ATMs in a shared network—like Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP—are usually free if your bank participates. ATMs that don't belong to your bank or any network your bank uses will charge you a fee, typically $2 to $3 per transaction, sometimes more.
The fee structure has two parts: your bank may charge you for using an out-of-network ATM, and the ATM operator may charge you as well. Both fees appear on your statement. Some banks waive out-of-network fees if you meet certain conditions—maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or holding a premium account—so check your account terms.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's own ATMs are always free; using another bank's ATM will cost you unless it is part of a network your bank has joined.
- Large banks belong to networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass that let you use thousands of ATMs for free; credit unions often belong to CO-OP or Surcharge-Free networks.
- Out-of-network ATM fees usually range from $2 to $3 per withdrawal and may be charged by both your bank and the ATM operator.
- Some banks waive out-of-network fees for customers who meet account requirements like direct deposit or a minimum balance.
- You can find your bank's ATM network and locations through your bank's website or mobile app before you need cash.
How bank ATM networks work
Banks join networks to let their customers use thousands of ATMs without paying a surcharge. The largest networks are Allpoint (used by banks like Charles Schwab, Ally, and others), MoneyPass (used by regional banks and online banks), and CO-OP (used by credit unions). When your bank belongs to one of these networks, you can use any ATM in that network for free, even though the ATM is owned by a different bank or operator.
Each network has a different set of member banks and ATM locations. Your bank may belong to one network, multiple networks, or none at all. Some banks operate their own ATM networks—Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo each have thousands of ATMs—and let their customers use those for free. If you use an ATM outside all these networks, you pay the surcharge.
You can check which network your bank uses by logging into your online banking portal, calling customer service, or looking at your bank's website. Most banks list their ATM network and show you a map of free ATM locations near you.
What happens when you use an out-of-network ATM
When you insert your card into an ATM that is not part of your bank's network, the ATM operator checks whether your bank will allow the transaction. If it does, the ATM shows you the surcharge before you confirm the withdrawal. You can cancel at that point if you do not want to pay.
If you proceed, your bank sends the money to the ATM operator, and both may charge you a fee. Your bank's out-of-network fee (usually $1 to $3) appears on your statement as a separate line item. The ATM operator's surcharge (usually $1 to $3) may also appear, or it may be deducted from the amount you receive. Some ATMs charge higher fees—$4 or more—especially in airports, casinos, or tourist areas.
These fees add up quickly if you regularly use out-of-network ATMs. Using an out-of-network ATM four times a month at $3 per transaction costs you $144 a year in fees alone.
ATM networks by bank type
| Bank Type | Common Networks | Number of Free ATMs |
|---|---|---|
| Large national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) | Own network plus Allpoint or MoneyPass | Thousands (own network) plus thousands more through partner networks |
| Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) | Allpoint, MoneyPass, or both | 30,000+ combined across networks |
| Regional banks | MoneyPass, Allpoint, or regional networks | Varies; typically 5,000 to 15,000 |
| Credit unions | CO-OP, Surcharge-Free Network, or both | 30,000+ combined across networks |
| Online-only banks and neobanks | Allpoint or MoneyPass | 30,000+ combined |
Banks that waive out-of-network fees
Some banks reimburse you for out-of-network ATM fees if you meet account requirements. Charles Schwab reimburses all out-of-network ATM fees worldwide with no conditions. Ally reimburses domestic out-of-network fees. Fidelity reimburses out-of-network fees for customers with certain account types. These banks market this as a benefit to offset the fact that they have no physical branches.
Other banks waive out-of-network fees only for premium account holders or customers who maintain a high balance. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders get some fee reimbursement. Bank of America waives fees for Preferred Rewards members at certain tiers. Check your account terms or call your bank to see whether you may have access to.
If your bank does not waive fees, the best strategy is to plan ahead and use your bank's own ATMs or network ATMs whenever possible. Carrying a small amount of cash also reduces how often you need to withdraw.
Finding ATMs before you need them
Most banks have a mobile app or website feature that shows you nearby ATM locations and tells you whether each one is in your network. Open your bank's app, look for "ATM locator" or "find an ATM," enter your location, and the app shows you free options nearby. You can also search by address if you know where you will be—before traveling, at work, or near a store you visit regularly.
If you use multiple banks or accounts, you may have access to multiple networks. For example, if you have a checking account at a credit union and a savings account at an online bank, you can use ATMs from both the CO-OP network and the Allpoint network. Knowing this ahead of time saves you from paying a surprise fee.
Some ATM operators, like Allpoint and MoneyPass, also have their own locator tools on their websites. You can search by location and see all participating ATMs in that area, regardless of which bank you use.
International ATM use and fees
Using an ATM outside the United States usually costs more than using one at home. Your bank typically charges a foreign transaction fee ($3 to $5) in addition to the ATM operator's surcharge. Some banks waive these fees for premium customers or reimburse them after the fact.
Before traveling, contact your bank to ask about international ATM fees and whether they reimburse them. Some banks have partnerships with banks in other countries that let you use their ATMs for free or at a reduced rate. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and some online banks offer better rates for international withdrawals than traditional banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my debit card at any ATM?
You can insert your card into any ATM, but you will pay a fee if the ATM is not part of your bank's network. The ATM will show you the fee before you confirm the withdrawal, so you can cancel if you do not want to pay.
Do credit unions have access to more ATMs than banks?
Credit unions often have access to more ATMs than you might expect because they belong to large networks like CO-OP and Surcharge-Free Network. These networks include tens of thousands of ATMs. However, a credit union's total network access depends on which networks it has joined, so check with your specific credit union.
What is the difference between a surcharge and a foreign transaction fee?
A surcharge is the fee charged by the ATM operator for using their machine. A foreign transaction fee is charged by your bank when you use an ATM in another country. Both can explore to the same withdrawal if you are traveling internationally.
Will my bank let me use an ATM if I do not have enough money?
Most ATMs will not dispense cash if your account balance is too low, but some may allow the withdrawal and charge you an overdraft fee. Check your account terms or contact your bank to understand your overdraft policy.
Can I get cash back at a store instead of using an ATM?
Yes. Most grocery stores, pharmacies, and retailers let you get cash back when you make a purchase with your debit card, and this is usually free. This is often the cheapest way to get cash if you are shopping anyway.