Guide to How Much ATMs Charge

It’s a common (and frustrating) experience to have to pay a fee when you access your cash at an out-of-network ATM. Especially considering how much ATM fees are.

While there are different ATM fees for different banks, currently, an ATM withdrawal will cost you $4.77 on average. When you are just trying to take out $20, that can be a lot! But no matter how much cash you are withdrawing, ATM fees can be costly.

To better understand ATM fees and avoid paying them, read on. You’ll learn typical costs and smart ways to avert those ATM charges and keep more of your hard-earned cash.

What Are the Different Types of ATM Fees?

Bank account holders typically pay no fees for using in-network ATMs. However, these machines may not always be conveniently located.

Indeed, approximately 60% of ATMs today are owned and serviced by independent operators and their affiliates — not banks. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you could end up paying a fee to your bank, as well as a fee to the ATM operator.

How much ATMs charge depends on the type of fees your bank and the owner of the ATM impose. Here are some typical charges for using an ATM:

The “Out-of-Network” Fee (From Your Bank)

This fee can be charged by your bank for using a non-branded or non-partner ATM. It’s kind of like going to a doctor that’s not on your insurance plan — you might be able to do it, but it could be more expensive.

On average, this charge accounts for about $1.58 of the total fee, according to Bankrate. The fee can apply to any type of transaction performed at an ATM, including withdrawals, transfers, and even balance inquiries. Typically, you will be told about such a fee — with a message that pops up on the screen — before you finalize your ATM transaction.

The Surcharge Fee (From the ATM Owner)

This one comes from the ATM owner, and can be thought of as a convenience charge for using an out-of-network ATM. The average ATM surcharge in the U.S. currently runs $3.19, according to Bankrate. However, surcharges can vary by state and venue, and you may encounter higher amounts in places where ATMs are in greater demand.

If you’re at an entertainment venue or theme park in a popular tourist destination, for instance, you could pay considerably more.

When using an ATM that isn’t part of your bank’s network of machines, the machine should notify you about a fee charged by the bank or company that operates the ATM.

International and Foreign Transaction Fees

Traveling overseas can come with even more fees to watch out for, such as foreign transaction fees on both purchases and ATM withdrawals.

When using an ATM in a foreign country, you can incur a fee of around 1% to 3% of the transaction amount. Some financial institutions, however, have no foreign transaction fees, and can be worth looking at if you frequently travel overseas.

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How Much Are ATM Fees in 2025?

As mentioned above, ATM fees can take a bite out of your money. Here are specifics on how much ATMs charge, as of September 2025:

•  The average out-of-network fee that a bank charges its customers is $1.58.

•  The average surcharge by the ATM’s owner/operator when you use an out-of-network terminal is $3.19.

•  The total average out-of-network fee is approximately $4.77 per transaction.

Why Do Banks and ATM Owners Charge These Fees?

Banks and ATM owners typically charge these fees for several reasons, including to help cover the cost of operating ATMs and to process ATM transactions. For example, the surcharge fee charged by the ATM owner compensates them for the use of their machine. This fee typically goes for the operation and maintenance of the machines as well as to transaction processing costs. It also allows the ATM owner to make a profit.

If you use an out-of-network ATM, your bank may charge you for using an ATM that’s not in their network. This fee may also be a way to encourage you to use in-network ATMs.

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6 Smart Ways to Avoid or Minimize ATM Fees

If having to pay money to access your money frustrates you, there’s some good news — it is possible to avoid ATM fees or at least encounter them less frequently.

Here are some strategies to help you avoid these fees.

1. Use Your Own Bank’s Branded ATMs

Finding out where your financial institution’s ATMs are located in your area, or wherever you are traveling to, can save you money and hassle. These may be ATMs branded with the institution’s name and logo, or in a network of partner ATMs, such as Allpoint or Cirrus.

You can research this information on your bank’s website or app. For example, you can find fee-free ATMs via the SoFi app with just a few clicks on your phone.

Find a Bank With a Large Fee-Free ATM Network

When you’re choosing a bank, find out how big their ATM network is. The bigger the ATM network, the easier it should be to access an ATM, even when you’re traveling. For instance, SoFi makes it easy to find a fee-free ATM near you. When you open a SoFi checking account you have fee-free access to more than 55,000 ATMs worldwide.

3. Choose a Bank That Reimburses Out-of-Network Fees

Not all banks charge out-of-network ATM fees, so it can be in your best interest to shop around and compare ATM fees of different institutions. Look for a bank that doesn’t charge ATM fees, and/or a bank that refunds ATM fees charged by machine providers.

Online vs. traditional banks often have more lenient policies regarding ATM fees. They typically don’t have their own ATM networks, but will partner with large networks and may refund some fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers.

Another thing to consider as you’re choosing a bank is that some banks also charge fees for depositing cash at an ATM, especially out-of-network ATMs. Find out if any bank you’re considering does this, and search for an institution that doesn’t impose this fee. (While SoFi members are not able to deposit cash at ATMs, they can deposit money at participating retailers using the Green Dot Network. Just note that the retailers charge a small fee for this.)

4. Get Cash Back at the Point of Sale

Many retailers and convenience stores offer cash back when you make a purchase using a debit card. This can be a convenient way to get cash without paying an ATM fee. It can be a good idea, however, to make sure that neither the retailer, nor your bank, charges a cash-back fee.

That’s one difference between an ATM card vs. a debit card — with an ATM card you can only make ATM transactions, while a debit card allows you to make purchases at retailers and withdraw money at an ATM. However, you may still be charged ATM fees for withdrawing money with a debit card.

5. Use Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps to Pay People Directly

With a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App — or a similar service offered by your financial institution — you can easily pay your friends via P2P transfers with just a few taps on your phone. That way you can avoid a trip to the ATM entirely.

Not only is sending money to friends online generally more convenient than having to go to the ATM, it also means you won’t have to carry sums of cash around.

6. Plan Ahead and Withdraw Larger Amounts Less Often

Fees are typically charged per transaction, so one way to avoid charges is to withdraw more cash than you need, whether you’re using your card or making a cardless withdrawal, whenever you go to the ATM. This can also yield significant savings when you are traveling overseas, where surcharges can be much higher than domestic ATM fees.

You may want to keep in mind, however, that there are usually some ATM withdrawal limits.

The Takeaway

ATM fees can be expensive and they can add up over time. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these fees. Choose a bank with a large ATM network and use those in-network ATMs whenever you can. If your current bank charges ATM fees, consider switching to one that doesn’t, or look for a bank that reimburses you for these fees. A few simple steps like this can help you keep more of your cash.

FAQ

Do ATMs charge a fee just to check your balance?

ATMs may charge a fee to check your balance, especially if you use an out-of-network ATM. Before you check your balance at an ATM, find out if you will be charged for the service before proceeding.

Are ATM fees higher at airports?

ATM fees are often higher at busy locations like airports that get a lot of foot traffic. Since not all banks or ATM networks are located at airports, the ATMs that are there may charge higher fees for the convenience of using them.

Why do some ATMs have higher fees than others?

ATMs in popular areas that get a lot of traffic, such as airports or bars, for instance, may charge higher fees for the convenience and easy access they provide. Fees may also vary based on different operational costs ATMs or their networks might have.

How do I find in-network ATMs for my bank?

To find in-network ATMs for your bank, check your bank’s website or mobile app.Typically, there will be an ATM locator on the app or website where you can plug in your location and find in-network ATMs near you.

What Is the difference between a surcharge and an out-of-network fee?

A surcharge is a fee charged by an ATM owner when non-customers use their machines for transactions. An out-of-network fee is charged by banks when you use an ATM that’s not in their network.

Essentially, both fees are related to using an ATM out of your bank’s network. That’s why it’s a good idea to use in-network ATMs whenever you can.

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