ATM fees can quietly drain your cash. A single out-of-network withdrawal can cost $5 to $8 once bank fees and ATM surcharges are combined. The good news is that no-fee ATMs are widely available — if you know how to find them and understand how ATM networks work.
This guide explains what no-fee ATMs are, where to find them, which ATM networks offer free withdrawals, and the smartest ways to avoid paying unnecessary ATM fees.
What Is a No-Fee ATM?
A no-fee ATM is a machine that does not charge you to withdraw cash. This can happen in three main situations:
- The ATM is owned by your bank.
- The ATM is part of a surcharge-free partner network.
- Your bank reimburses ATM fees after the transaction.
To truly avoid fees, you need to avoid both types of charges:
- ATM operator surcharge charged by the machine owner.
- Out-of-network fee charged by your bank.
Types of ATMs That Don’t Charge Fees
You can usually withdraw cash without fees at the following types of ATMs:
- Your bank’s ATMs: Most banks do not charge customers to use their own machines.
- Surcharge-free ATM networks: Large networks partner with banks to provide free access.
- Fee-reimbursement accounts: Some banks refund ATM fees at the end of each month.
Common surcharge-free ATM networks include:
- Allpoint
- MoneyPass
- CO-OP Network (credit unions)
Online banks and fintech accounts often rely on these networks to provide nationwide no-fee ATM access.
How to Find No-Fee ATMs Near You
Finding a no-fee ATM is usually quick if you use the right tools:
- Your bank’s mobile app: Most apps highlight surcharge-free ATMs.
- ATM network locators: Allpoint, MoneyPass, and CO-OP allow searches by ZIP code or city.
- Map searches: Searching “no-fee ATMs near me” can surface nearby options.
- Third-party ATM finder apps: Some apps identify machines that don’t charge surcharges.
If you want a deeper breakdown of network coverage, see our guide to the best no-fee ATM networks.
How Much ATM Fees Usually Cost
ATM fees vary by bank and location, but most users encounter two charges:
- ATM operator surcharge: Typically $2 to $5 per withdrawal.
- Bank out-of-network fee: Often $2 to $3 per transaction.
Combined, a single out-of-network withdrawal can cost $5 to $8 — every time.
For a full breakdown of how these fees work and how to reduce them, see our guide on avoiding ATM fees.
Smart Ways to Avoid ATM Fees Completely
Using no-fee ATMs is only part of the solution. These strategies can help eliminate ATM fees altogether:
- Stay in-network: Use your bank’s ATMs or partner networks.
- Withdraw larger amounts less often: Fewer transactions reduce fee exposure.
- Use cash back at checkout: Many retailers offer fee-free cash back with debit purchases.
- Understand withdrawal limits: Limits can force extra transactions and fees.
- Plan ahead when traveling: Fees are often higher when using unfamiliar ATMs.
If you regularly use another bank’s ATM, our guide to using an ATM at a different bank explains when fees apply and when they don’t.
No-Fee Options for Special Situations
Some situations require extra planning to avoid fees:
- Withdrawal limits: Daily caps can force multiple withdrawals. See ATM withdrawal limits and our cash withdrawal limits guide.
- Public benefits: Some EBT cards allow free withdrawals at specific ATMs. See our EBT cash withdrawal guide.
- International travel: Exchange rates and foreign ATM fees can significantly increase costs.
If you travel abroad, review how ATM exchange rates work before withdrawing cash.
Bottom Line
No-fee ATMs are easier to find than most people realize. By understanding your bank’s ATM network, using surcharge-free machines, and planning withdrawals strategically, you can avoid unnecessary fees and keep more of your money.
To continue learning, explore our guides on no-fee ATM networks and how to avoid ATM fees.