How To Find Surcharge-Free ATMs Near You

When you need cash quickly, having access to an ATM is convenient, and today you can find them pretty much anywhere you go — from gas stations to drug stores. That convenience comes with a price, so remember to check the fees before you swipe your card. Businesses make money when people pay a fee to use ATMs in their location — the average ATM fee in 2023 was $4.73.

Fortunately, it is possible to avoid paying ATM fees if you know how to find a surcharge-free ATM. Read on to learn what to do next time you ask, “Where is a free ATM near me?”

What ATM Does Not Charge a Fee?

When you use an in-network ATM — one that your bank partners with — you usually do not pay a fee for the service. To find an in-network ATM, you can check your bank’s website or look at the back of your ATM or debit card.

This step helps you avoid the fee your bank charges for out-of-network ATM transactions. The owner of the ATM — which can be your bank, the business hosting the ATM or a private company  — also may charge you for using the machine.

Typically, your bank does not charge you to use an ATM it owns, but you may have to pay a fee when you use an ATM at another bank  — even if it partners with the same network your bank has.

How Can I Get Cash Without Paying ATM Fees?

In addition to using your bank or credit union’s ATMs, there are other ways you can access your cash without having to pay ATM fees. Here are some options to consider.

1. Make Purchases and Get Cash Back

When purchasing items at the supermarket, pet store, gas station or other retail stores, you can ask for cash back before your debit card is charged. The extra amount is added to your total sale price.

Typically, most retailers will allow you to get between $20 and $100 cash back over your purchase price. Although many retailers offer a cash-back option at checkout, be aware that some merchants charge a fee for this service.

2. Become Familiar With Affiliate Banks When You Travel

While abroad, check to see if there’s a bank affiliated with your U.S. bank. Before leaving for your trip, ask your financial institution to provide you with a list of surcharge-free, foreign affiliates at your travel destination. By doing this, you can avoid paying a foreign ATM fee as well as the surcharge, which adds up and takes a chunk out of your travel budget.

3. Find a Bank That Will Reimburse ATM Surcharges

Since online banks don’t have physical locations or ATMs, many of them will reimburse all ATM surcharge fees for their customers. You typically only need to have a basic checking account to be eligible for this ATM fee reimbursement benefit.

4. Get the Cash App Card

If you use the Cash App payment app, you can use your Cash App Cash Card* and PIN to make ATM withdrawals for free at any in-network ATM and be reimbursed for one out-of-network ATM fee every 31 days. But, there’s a catch. You must have at least $300 from your paycheck directly deposited into your Cash App account each month.

Tips for Finding ATMs That Don’t Charge Fees

You have several ways to find in-network, free ATMs whether you’re at home or on the go.

1. Choose an ATM at One of Your Bank’s Locations

If you open a bank account at a brick-and-mortar institution, go to one of its physical locations to use the ATM. It’s wise to do business with a financial institution that has several nationwide branch locations.

2. Use Your Bank’s Website or Mobile App To Find In-Network ATM Locations Near You

A little planning can go a long way in saving you from paying ATM surcharges at an out-of-network location. To have all of your bank’s in-network locations at your fingertips, be sure to download the bank’s app on your mobile device. It’s prudent to check for these locations in advance so that you’ll know exactly where to go when you’re out and about, especially in an unfamiliar area.

3. Find Out if Your Bank Is Part of a Surcharge-Free ATM Network

Some financial institutions have agreements with no-fee ATM networks in which customers can use these ATMs without incurring fees. You can find out if your bank participates in a surcharge-free ATM network by visiting or calling a branch office or searching the bank’s website or mobile app.

Here’s a list of some popular, surcharge-free ATM networks and the number of participating ATMs nationwide and worldwide.

Final Take

Using an ATM at your bank to take out cash is the easiest way to avoid paying surcharge fees, but it’s not the only way. You also can use an ATM that’s part of your bank’s ATM network — check the ATM locator on its website or in the mobile app or check the back of your ATM or debit card. If you frequently use ATMs, the number and location of surcharge-free ATMs are important consideration when evaluating a bank’s overall offerings, including features like CD rates.

FAQ

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about withdrawing money.

• Where can I withdraw money from my debit card for free?

  • You can use your debit card at an ATM owned by your bank or a partner bank through its ATM network. Many stores also allow you to select cash back at the terminal when you pay for your purchase. Note that some stores charge a convenience fee for this service, so pay attention when you check out.

• Is Walgreens ATM free for Cash App?

  • Cash App does not provide a detailed list of the ATM networks its partner banks belong to. However, it will reimburse you for one out-of-network ATM withdrawal if you have a Cash App card and receive a direct deposit of at least $300 per month. If you don't receive the direct deposit, you will pay a $2.50 fee in addition to the charges from the ATM owner.

• Can you withdraw money from a savings account at an ATM?

  • Yes, you can access the money in your savings account at an ATM if the bank allows it and the card is linked to the account. These withdrawals will likely count toward your monthly withdrawal limit.

Kathy Evans contributed to the reporting for this article.

*Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How To Find Surcharge-Free ATMs Near You