Bank ATMs let you withdraw cash and check your balance without visiting a teller, but the machine you use and the bank that owns it affect whether you pay a fee

A bank ATM is a machine owned and operated by a specific bank or credit union. When you use an ATM owned by your own bank, you typically withdraw cash for free. When you use an ATM owned by a different bank — called an out-of-network ATM — you may pay a fee to that bank, and your own bank may charge you a second fee for using a competitor's machine. The amount varies by bank and location.

Most bank ATMs are part of a shared network. Your bank may belong to a network like Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP, which means you can use thousands of ATMs nationwide without a fee, even though you do not own those machines. Before opening an account, you can ask the bank which network it belongs to and find a map of free ATMs near your home and work.

Key Takeaways

  • Using your own bank's ATM is free; using another bank's ATM usually costs between $2 and $3 per transaction, sometimes split between two fees.
  • Many banks belong to shared networks like Allpoint or CO-OP that let you use thousands of ATMs for free, even if you do not own them.
  • Some banks charge no out-of-network fees at all, while others charge fees at every ATM that is not theirs.
  • ATM fees add up quickly if you withdraw cash frequently from out-of-network machines, so knowing your bank's policy before you open an account matters.

In-network ATMs and how they work

When you use an ATM owned by your bank, the transaction is free. Your bank owns the machine, maintains it, and processes the withdrawal directly through your account. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and deposit checks — all without paying a fee.

If your bank is part of a shared network, you can also use ATMs owned by other banks in that network for free. For example, if your bank belongs to the Allpoint network, you can use any Allpoint ATM without a fee, even though your bank does not own it. The networks exist so banks can share machines and reduce the cost of maintaining their own ATM fleet. Your bank's website or mobile app usually has a locator tool that shows you which network it belongs to and where the nearest free ATMs are.

Out-of-network ATM fees and how they stack

When you use an ATM that is not owned by your bank and not part of your bank's network, you may pay two separate fees. The ATM operator — the bank or company that owns the machine — charges you a fee to use it, typically $2 to $3. Your own bank may also charge you a fee for using an out-of-network machine, usually $1 to $3. A single withdrawal can cost you $4 to $6 in fees.

Some banks charge no out-of-network fees at all, meaning you only pay the ATM operator's fee. Other banks charge a fee every time you use an out-of-network ATM. A few banks reimburse out-of-network fees up to a certain amount per month, though this is less common. The fee structure depends on the bank you choose, so it is worth comparing before you open an account, especially if you travel frequently or live in an area with few of your bank's ATMs.

ATM networks and how to find free machines

The largest shared networks are Allpoint, MoneyPass, and CO-OP. Allpoint has over 55,000 ATMs worldwide and is used by many online banks and credit unions. MoneyPass has around 40,000 ATMs in the United States. CO-OP is a network of credit unions with tens of thousands of ATMs. If your bank belongs to one of these networks, you can find a free ATM near you by searching the network's website or using your bank's mobile app.

Some banks also partner with retail chains. For example, certain banks let you withdraw cash at the register in grocery stores or pharmacies without paying a fee, even though those are not traditional ATMs. This is called cash back and is free at the point of sale. If you shop at these stores regularly, cash back may mean you never need to visit an ATM.

Comparing ATM access when choosing a bank

Before opening a bank account, ask the bank three questions: Which network does it belong to? How many ATMs are in that network near your home, work, and places you travel? What does it charge for out-of-network withdrawals?

If you live in a city with many branches of your bank, ATM access may not matter much. If you travel frequently, live in a rural area, or move often, a bank with a large shared network or no out-of-network fees may save you money. Online banks often belong to large networks like Allpoint because they have no physical branches, so you can withdraw cash almost anywhere. Traditional banks with many local branches may charge higher out-of-network fees because they assume you will use their own machines.

What happens when you use an ATM

When you insert your debit card and enter your PIN, the ATM connects to your bank's system to verify your identity and check your balance. If you request cash, the machine counts out the bills and deducts the amount from your account. The transaction is processed when ready, so the money leaves your account right away. If the ATM is out of service or the network is down, the machine will tell you and will not dispense cash.

Most ATMs let you withdraw between $300 and $500 per transaction, though some allow more. Your bank may also set a daily limit on how much you can withdraw across all ATMs, typically $500 to $1,000. These limits exist to protect you from fraud. If you need to withdraw more than your limit, you can visit a bank branch and withdraw cash from a teller, which is always free.

ATM safety and protecting your account

When you use an ATM, shield the keypad with your hand while you enter your PIN so cameras or people nearby cannot see it. Check the machine before you use it — if the card slot looks loose, cracked, or like something is stuck in it, use a different ATM. Criminals sometimes attach skimming devices to ATMs to steal card information.

Use ATMs in well-lit, busy locations, especially at night. If you are withdrawing a large amount of cash, be aware of your surroundings before and after the transaction. Never share your PIN with anyone, including bank employees. If your card is lost or stolen, call your bank when ready to freeze the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay a fee if I use my bank's ATM?

No. Using an ATM owned by your bank is always free. You only pay fees when you use an ATM owned by a different bank or company, unless that ATM is part of your bank's shared network.

Can I avoid out-of-network fees?

Yes. Choose a bank that belongs to a large shared network like Allpoint or CO-OP, or choose a bank that does not charge out-of-network fees. You can also use cash back at stores instead of visiting an ATM. Before opening an account, check the bank's ATM network and fee policy.

What is the difference between my bank's fee and the ATM operator's fee?

The ATM operator owns the machine and charges you to use it. Your bank charges you a separate fee for using a competitor's machine. Both fees are deducted from your account in a single transaction, so you may see one combined charge or two separate charges depending on your bank.

Can I withdraw money from an ATM if I do not have a debit card?

Most ATMs require a debit card or credit card with a PIN. Some banks let you withdraw cash using your phone number and a one-time code sent to your phone, but this is less common. If you do not have a debit card, visit a bank branch and withdraw cash from a teller.

What should I do if an ATM keeps my card?

Call your bank when ready. ATMs sometimes retain cards for security reasons — for example, if you enter the wrong PIN too many times. Your bank can tell you why the card was retained and can issue you a new one. Do not leave the ATM area until you have called your bank.