While America is becoming increasingly cashless, physical currency still has its place. In 2025, close to 15% of consumers said they predominantly used cash for everyday transactions, according to the Federal Reserve, and over 80% paid for at least one purchase a month with paper money.
Withdrawing money from an ATM is easier and faster than a trip to the bank. But if the machine is outside your network, you could be paying for the privilege,
How do ATM fees work?
In exchange for the convenience of withdrawing cash from an ATM not operated by your bank, you may be hit with an out-of-network fee. The operator of that ATM may also assess you a separate surcharge.
If you're traveling outside the U.S., your bank may also charge you for converting U.S. dollars into the local currency.
The average ATM fee for out-of-network withdrawals reached a record $4.86 last year, according to Bankrate data, breaking down to $1.64 from the member's bank and $3.22 from the ATM owner.
While that might not sound like a lot, it can add up if you're not careful.
How to avoid ATM fees
It's easy to suck it up and take the financial hit, but there are fairly painless ways to avoid ATM fees.
1. Use in-network ATMs
You can locate the nearest in-network ATM using your bank's mobile app. Since they don't have physical branches where you can make withdrawals, online banks usually offer access to a larger network of in-house ATMs.
With a Chime® Checking Account,* you can get cash from over 47,000 fee-free ATMs, more than the top three national banks combined.
Chime® Checking + High-Yield Savings
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
Chime® Checking (no interest), required to enroll in Chime High-Yield Savings 3.75% APY*
Minimum balance
$0, no minimum deposit or balance
Fees
No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees. SpotMe® service with eligibility for no-fee overdraft up to $200.*
Perks
Paycheck available up to two days early with direct deposit. Automatically save part of your direct deposits of $1 or more. Round Ups feature transfers spare change from purchases to savings.
Maximum transactions
Cash withdrawals from checking up to $515 per day at any ATM or as an over-the-counter bank withdrawal. $2,500 maximum daily spend, including any withdrawals, purchases and incurred fees.
ATMs
47,000+ in-network no-fee ATMs.*
Mobile check deposit
Yes
Terms apply.
ATMs: Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over the counter advance fees may apply except at FCTI® ATMs in a 7-Eleven® or Speedway, or any Allpoint® or Visa® Plus Alliance ATM participating in the Allpoint network. SpotMe: SpotMe® on Credit is an optional, no interest/no fee overdraft line of credit tied to the Secured Deposit Account. SpotMe on Debit is an optional, no fee service attached to your Chime Checking Account (individually or collectively, ""SpotMe""). Eligibility for SpotMe requires $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account and/or their Secured Deposit Account up to $20 in total, but may be later eligible for a higher combined limit of up to $200 or more based on member's Chime account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your SpotMe Limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your SpotMe Limit. SpotMe for Credit and SpotMe on Debit share a single SpotMe limit. Your SpotMe Limit may change at any time, at Chime or its banking partners' discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions or OTC cash withdrawal fees at retailers. SpotMe won't cover non-card transactions, including ACH s, Pay Anyone s, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe terms and conditions. APY: 3.75% Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") applies if you maintain Chime Prime status, otherwise 3.00% Chime Plus APY (if eligible) or 0.75% standard APY will apply. APYs are effective as of 01/29/2026, are variable and subject to change. No min. bal. required.
2. Get an account that reimburses ATM fees
If you have an account that offers ATM fee reimbursement, it's usually credited automatically at the end of each statement. Some banks offer unlimited reimbursement, while others cap it at a certain dollar amount, generally between $10 to $20 per month.
Premium checking accounts are a good way to avoid ATM fees: Neither HSBC Premier Checking nor Chase Sapphire Banking customers are charged for going outside their network and both will reimburse fees charged by other ATM operators worldwide.
In addition, neither bank charges a conversion fee for using a foreign ATM.
HSBC Premier Checking Account
Account requirements
To waive $50 monthly fee, you need to maintain a balance of at least $100,000 across deposit, investment, retirement and business accounts, enroll $5,000 in monthly direct deposits from a non-HSBC account, have a first mortgage serviced by HSBC or have status as an HSBC Private Bank client
Eligible accounts
HSBC deposit, investment and mortgage accounts
Benefits
International banking, preferred rates, zero foreign transaction fees on debit card, shared status with family members, professional financial advice, opportunity to earn a cash bonus
Terms apply.
Chase Sapphire℠ Banking
Combined account minimum to qualify
To waive $25 monthly fee, at least $75,000 daily balance in Chase checking or qualified linked Chase accounts
Eligible accounts
Chase checking, savings and other balances
Benefits
Zero foreign transaction fees, global ATM fee reimbursement, zero wire transfer fees, sports and entertainment lounge access, early ticket and priority event seating, relationship savings rates, Chase Offers, pairs with Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Terms apply.
3. Get cash back
If you use a debit card or prepaid card to make purchases at a store, requesting cash back is another way to avoid ATM fees. Most stores won't charge a fee, but it's good to double-check.
4. Use a peer-to-peer payment app
Some places that don't accept credit cards will accept payments from peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal or Zelle. An easy, free way to send money using an email or phone number, Zelle is available on more than 2,000 banking apps.
Zelle
Cost
Free (but check with your bank to ensure it doesn't charge an additional fee)
Transfer speed
Instant: transactions typically occur in minutes when the recipient's email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle
Standout features
No need to download an extra app; Zelle is already included with most mobile banking apps
Links to accounts
Yes, to U.S. bank accounts
Availability
iOS and Android; must have U.S. bank account linked to an email address or compatible U.S. phone number
Security features
The Zelle app uses authentication and monitoring features to make your payments more secure
Terms apply.
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* Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
