Yes, you can use another bank's ATM, but it usually costs you money

You can walk into almost any ATM in the country and withdraw cash, even if it belongs to a different bank than yours. But the bank that owns the machine will charge you a fee — usually between $2 and $3 — for letting you use it. Your own bank may charge you an additional fee on top of that. So a single $20 withdrawal can cost you $4 or $5 in fees if you're not careful.

The fee happens because ATM networks aren't free to run. The bank that owns the machine has to maintain it, stock it with cash, and pay for the network that connects it to other banks. They pass that cost to you when you use someone else's machine.

The good news is that there are several ways to avoid these fees entirely, or at least use them less often. Understanding your options means you can keep more of your money.

Key Takeaways

  • Using another bank's ATM costs between $2 and $3 per transaction, plus any fee your own bank charges on top of that.
  • Your own bank's ATMs are always free, so the cheapest option is to plan ahead and use your bank's machines.
  • Many banks offer fee reimbursement programs if you use out-of-network ATMs, but you have to check your account type to see if yours does.
  • ATM networks like Allpoint and MoneyPass let you use thousands of machines for free if your bank is part of the network.
  • Getting cash back at a store checkout costs nothing and works just as well as an ATM for everyday withdrawals.

How ATM fees work and who charges them

When you use an ATM that doesn't belong to your bank, two separate fees can hit your account. The first is the surcharge — the fee the ATM's owner charges you for using their machine. This typically ranges from $2 to $3. The second is the out-of-network fee — a fee your own bank charges you for using someone else's ATM. Not all banks charge this second fee, but many do, and it's usually $1 to $2.

So if you withdraw $40 from a competitor's ATM, you might pay $3 to them and $1.50 to your bank, losing $4.50 of your $40. That's more than 10 percent of your withdrawal gone in fees.

Your bank's own ATMs never charge you a surcharge or out-of-network fee. Using your bank's machines is always free, no matter how many times you withdraw.

Free ATM networks: how to find machines you can use without paying

Many banks belong to ATM networks that let their customers use thousands of machines for free. The two largest networks are Allpoint and MoneyPass. If your bank is part of one of these networks, you can use any ATM in that network without paying a surcharge or out-of-network fee.

To learn about your bank is part of a network, call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking account and look for ATM network information. You can also visit Allpoint.com or MoneyPass.com and search for your bank by name. If your bank is listed, you can use their ATM locator tool to find free machines near you.

Credit unions often belong to shared branching networks, which means you can use ATMs and teller services at other credit unions in the network for free. If you bank at a credit union, ask whether they're part of a shared branching network and get a list of participating locations.

Fee reimbursement: some banks pay you back for out-of-network ATM charges

A growing number of banks offer ATM fee reimbursement programs, especially online banks and banks that don't have many physical branches. With this program, you can use any ATM you want, and your bank refunds the surcharge and out-of-network fees at the end of the month.

This doesn't mean the fees disappear — they still come out of your account when you withdraw. But at the end of the month, your bank credits them back. The catch is that this benefit usually only comes with certain account types, often premium checking accounts or accounts with a minimum balance.

Check your account documents or call your bank to ask whether your account includes ATM fee reimbursement. If it doesn't, ask what account types do offer it and whether switching would be worth it for your situation.

Getting cash back at checkout: the easiest way to avoid ATM fees

The simplest way to avoid ATM fees is to not use an ATM at all. When you buy something at a grocery store, pharmacy, or other retailer, you can ask the cashier for cash back. They'll deduct the amount from your debit card purchase, and you'll get bills in return. This costs you nothing — no fee from the store, no fee from your bank.

Cash back works at almost any store that accepts debit cards, and it's often faster than finding an ATM. The only limit is that most stores cap cash back at $100 or $200 per transaction, though some allow more. If you need a larger amount, you can make multiple purchases or ask the manager.

Planning your cash withdrawals around your shopping trips means you rarely need to use an ATM outside your bank's network.

What to do if you need cash and don't have options

Sometimes you're in a situation where you need cash, you're far from your bank's ATMs, and there's no store nearby. In that case, using an out-of-network ATM is the right choice, even if it costs you a fee. A $3 fee is worth it if you genuinely need the cash and have no other way to get it.

But this should be rare. Most people can avoid these situations by planning ahead: withdrawing cash from your bank's ATM before you leave home, using cash back at stores, or choosing a bank that's part of a large ATM network or offers fee reimbursement.

If you find yourself paying ATM fees regularly, it's a sign that your current banking setup isn't working for you. That might mean switching to a bank with more branches, joining a bank that's part of a larger network, or opening an account with an online bank that reimburses fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any ATM I want if I have a debit card?

Yes, you can use any ATM with your debit card. The machine will work regardless of which bank owns it. The question is whether you'll pay a fee, not whether you're allowed to use it. Your bank's ATMs are always free; other banks' ATMs usually cost $2 to $3.

Do all banks charge out-of-network ATM fees?

No. Many online banks and some traditional banks don't charge out-of-network fees to their customers. However, you'll still pay the surcharge that the ATM owner charges. Some banks reimburse both fees, but this usually requires a premium account or minimum balance.

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

A surcharge is the fee the ATM's owner charges you for using their machine — usually $2 to $3. An out-of-network fee is what your own bank charges you for using someone else's ATM — usually $1 to $2. Both can explore to a single withdrawal.

Is cash back at a store really free?

Yes. The store doesn't charge you, and your bank doesn't charge you. You only pay for the items you're buying. Cash back is one of the best ways to get money without ATM fees.

What happens if I use an ATM from a bank that's closed?

You can still use the ATM — ATMs work 24/7 even when the bank branch is closed. You'll still pay the surcharge, but the transaction will go through normally. The fee will appear on your account statement within a day or two.