Yes, you can use another bank's ATM, but you will usually pay a fee

Most ATMs accept cards from banks other than the one that owns the machine. When you insert your card, the ATM checks whether your bank has a relationship with that machine's network. If it does, the transaction goes through. If it doesn't, you still get the cash—but both your bank and the ATM's bank charge you a fee for the out-of-network transaction.

The fee structure works like this: your bank charges you a foreign ATM fee (usually $1 to $3), and the ATM's bank charges an operator surcharge (usually $1 to $3). Some ATMs display both fees on the screen before you confirm the withdrawal. Others show only the surcharge. Your bank's fee appears later on your statement.

The total cost of using an out-of-network ATM typically ranges from $2 to $6 per transaction, depending on your bank and the ATM owner. Over time, these fees add up—especially if you withdraw cash frequently from machines outside your bank's network.

Key Takeaways

  • You can withdraw cash from another bank's ATM, but you will pay a fee from both your bank and the ATM operator unless they have a network agreement.
  • ATM networks like Allpoint, MoneyPass, and Surcharge-Free Network let you use thousands of machines without paying out-of-network fees if your bank participates.
  • Your bank's ATM network membership determines which machines are free to use; check your bank's website or app to find surcharge-free ATMs near you.
  • Declining the surcharge offer on the ATM screen does not prevent your bank from charging you—you will still see a fee on your statement.

How ATM networks reduce or eliminate fees

Large ATM networks operate as shared systems where multiple banks agree to let their customers use each other's machines without charging extra. The three largest networks in the United States are Allpoint, MoneyPass, and the Surcharge-Free Network. If your bank belongs to one of these networks, you can use tens of thousands of ATMs nationwide without paying an out-of-network fee.

Regional networks also exist. For example, the CO-OP Network serves credit unions across the country, and the Shared Branch Network lets credit union members conduct transactions at other credit unions' branches. Banks and credit unions choose which networks to join based on their size and geographic footprint.

To find out which network your bank uses, log into your online banking portal or call customer service. Most banks list surcharge-free ATM locations on their website or mobile app. You can search by address or zip code to see which machines near you charge no fee.

What happens when you use an out-of-network ATM

When you insert your card into an ATM that does not belong to your bank's network, the machine connects to a payment processor that routes your request to your bank. Your bank verifies that you have sufficient funds and approves the withdrawal. The ATM then dispenses cash and records the transaction.

Before the cash comes out, the ATM screen usually displays the surcharge amount and asks you to confirm. This is your chance to cancel the transaction and find a surcharge-free machine instead. If you tap "Continue" or "OK," you accept the fee and the withdrawal proceeds.

Importantly, canceling at this screen does not prevent your bank from charging you. Some banks charge a small fee even for declined or cancelled out-of-network attempts. Check your account statement a few days after the transaction to see both fees appear—one from your bank and one from the ATM operator.

Finding surcharge-free ATMs when you travel or move

If you travel frequently or relocate to a new area, out-of-network fees can become a real expense. Before you travel, use your bank's ATM locator tool to find machines in your destination. Many banks also partner with convenience stores, grocery chains, and pharmacies that host ATMs in their networks. For example, some banks offer surcharge-free access at CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart ATMs through network agreements.

If your bank has limited ATM coverage in your new location, consider switching to a bank or credit union with stronger presence there. Online banks often belong to large networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass, which can give you access to more machines than traditional regional banks.

When traveling internationally, out-of-network fees are typically much higher, and your bank may also charge a foreign transaction fee on top of the ATM fee. Some banks waive ATM fees for customers with premium accounts or high balances. Ask your bank whether you may have access to for fee waivers before you travel.

Why some banks charge more than others

Banks set their own foreign ATM fees based on their business model and customer base. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically charge $2 to $3 per out-of-network withdrawal. Smaller regional banks and credit unions often charge $1 to $2. Online banks frequently charge $0 to $2 because they have fewer physical branches and expect customers to use ATM networks instead.

Some banks offer tiered fee structures: customers with checking accounts pay one fee, while savings account holders pay a higher fee. Premium or high-balance customers may have out-of-network fees waived entirely. A few banks—mostly online institutions and some credit unions—do not charge foreign ATM fees at all, though this is less common.

The ATM operator's surcharge also varies. Machines in high-traffic locations like airports, casinos, and nightclubs often charge $3 to $5 per transaction because they expect fewer repeat customers. Machines in grocery stores or pharmacies typically charge $1 to $2.

Strategies to avoid out-of-network fees

The simplest way to avoid fees is to plan ahead. Withdraw cash from your bank's ATM or a surcharge-free network machine before you need it. If you know you will be in an area without access to your bank's machines, withdraw a larger amount at once rather than making multiple small withdrawals—you pay the fee once instead of three or four times.

Use your bank's mobile app or website to locate surcharge-free ATMs before you leave home. Many apps show real-time availability and let you filter by location type (grocery store, bank branch, etc.). Some apps even notify you when you are near a surcharge-free machine.

If you use cash frequently, consider whether switching to a bank with better ATM coverage makes financial sense. If you pay $3 per withdrawal twice a week, that is roughly $300 per year in fees. A bank with a larger network or lower fees could save you that amount.

What to do if you are charged an unexpected fee

If you see an out-of-network fee on your statement that you did not expect, contact your bank's customer service. Explain when and where you made the withdrawal. Some banks will reverse a single unexpected fee as a courtesy, especially if you have been a customer for a long time or maintain a high balance.

If the fee was charged for a transaction you cancelled at the ATM screen, mention that you declined the transaction. Some banks will remove the fee in this case because you never received the cash. If the fee appears to be a duplicate charge, provide your bank with the transaction date and time so they can investigate.

Keep in mind that banks are not required to reverse out-of-network fees. If your bank declines to remove the fee, you have limited recourse. The best approach is to avoid the situation by using surcharge-free machines going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card at an ATM to withdraw cash?

Yes, but it works differently than a debit card. Credit card cash advances charge a higher fee (often 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn) plus interest that starts accruing immediately. ATM fees still apply on top of that. Cash advances are expensive and should be a last resort.

What if an ATM charges a fee but my bank says it should be surcharge-free?

Contact your bank with the ATM location and transaction details. The machine may have recently left your bank's network, or there may be a processing error. Your bank can investigate and may reverse the fee if the ATM should have been surcharge-free.

Do I pay a fee if I just check my balance at another bank's ATM?

Most banks do not charge a fee for balance inquiries or other non-withdrawal transactions at out-of-network ATMs. However, some banks charge a small fee for any ATM use outside their network, regardless of the transaction type. Check your account agreement or call customer service to confirm your bank's policy.

Will declining the surcharge on the ATM screen prevent me from being charged?

Declining the surcharge will stop the ATM from dispensing cash, but your bank may still charge you a fee for the attempted transaction. The surcharge shown on screen is only the ATM operator's fee—your bank's fee is separate and appears on your statement later.

Can I use a debit card from one bank at an ATM owned by a completely different bank?

Yes, as long as both banks participate in the same ATM network or have a direct agreement. If they do not, you will pay out-of-network fees from both banks. The ATM will process the transaction regardless, but the fees make it expensive.