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

Most ATMs in the United States are open to customers of other banks. When you insert your card into an ATM that is not run by your bank, the transaction goes through — but your bank charges you a fee, the ATM operator charges you a fee, or both. The amount varies by bank and by ATM network. Some banks charge $2 to $3 per out-of-network withdrawal; some ATM operators charge an additional $1 to $3 on top of that. A few banks waive out-of-network fees entirely or reimburse them at the end of the month, but this is not standard.

The fee appears on your statement as a separate charge, usually within one business day of the withdrawal. You will see it labeled as an "out-of-network ATM fee," "foreign ATM fee," or "ATM surcharge." The money you withdrew is separate from the fee — if you withdraw $100 and pay a $3 fee, you get $100 in cash and $3 is deducted from your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Out-of-network ATM fees typically range from $2 to $6 per withdrawal when you combine your bank's fee and the ATM operator's surcharge.
  • ATM networks like Allpoint, MoneyPass, and CO-OP connect thousands of ATMs across the country, and using an ATM within your bank's network costs nothing.
  • Some banks reimburse out-of-network fees monthly or charge no fee at all, so checking your account terms before opening an account can save you money.
  • If you use out-of-network ATMs frequently, the cumulative fees can exceed $100 per year, making it worth switching banks or finding a branch location closer to you.

How ATM networks work and which ones are free

Your bank belongs to an ATM network — a group of banks that share ATMs with each other at no charge to their customers. The largest networks are CO-OP (used by credit unions and community banks), Allpoint (used by online banks and some regional banks), and MoneyPass (used by smaller regional and community banks). If you use an ATM owned by another bank in your network, there is no fee.

To find out which network your bank uses, log into your online banking portal or call your bank's customer service line. They will tell you the network name and often provide a map or search tool showing which ATMs are free to use. Some banks belong to multiple networks, which expands your free ATM options. For example, a credit union might belong to both CO-OP and a regional network, giving you access to tens of thousands of ATMs nationwide.

If you use an ATM outside your network — one run by a bank that is not part of your network — you pay both your bank's fee and the ATM operator's surcharge. This is called a "double fee" situation and is the most expensive type of out-of-network withdrawal.

Fees charged by your bank versus the ATM operator

Two separate fees can hit your account when you use an out-of-network ATM. Your bank charges you for using someone else's machine. The ATM operator (the bank or company that owns the ATM) charges you for letting you use their machine. These are independent charges and both appear on your statement.

Your bank's out-of-network fee is set by your bank and ranges from $0 to $3 per transaction. Some banks charge nothing; others charge $2.50 or $3. The ATM operator's surcharge is set by whoever owns the ATM and typically ranges from $1 to $3. A few high-traffic ATMs in airports, casinos, or nightclubs charge $4 or $5. The ATM screen will display the surcharge before you complete the withdrawal and give you the option to cancel.

If you proceed, you see the surcharge amount on your receipt. Your bank's fee posts separately, usually within one business day. Check your account online or your statement to see both charges listed.

Banks and accounts that waive out-of-network fees

Some banks and account types do not charge out-of-network ATM fees at all. Online banks like Charles Schwab, Ally, and Fidelity reimburse all out-of-network ATM fees at the end of the month, regardless of how many you incur. This means you pay the surcharge at the time of withdrawal, but the fee is credited back to your account automatically.

Some regional banks and credit unions waive out-of-network fees for customers who maintain a minimum balance or have a premium account tier. For example, a bank might waive fees if you keep $10,000 or more in your checking account, or if you have a premium membership. Check your account agreement or call your bank to see if you may have access to.

A few banks charge no out-of-network fees at all, with no conditions. These are rare, but they exist. If you use out-of-network ATMs frequently, switching to one of these banks can save you $50 to $150 per year.

What happens if you use an ATM in a different state or country

Using an out-of-network ATM in a different state works the same way as using one locally — you pay your bank's fee and the ATM operator's surcharge. The fees do not change based on distance. However, if you travel internationally, additional charges apply. Foreign ATM withdrawals often include a currency conversion fee (usually 1% to 3% of the amount withdrawn) on top of the standard out-of-network fees. Some banks charge a flat foreign transaction fee of $5 to $10 per withdrawal.

Before traveling abroad, contact your bank to ask about their foreign ATM fees and whether they have partner banks or networks in the countries you are visiting. Some banks have agreements with international networks that reduce or eliminate fees in certain countries. Bringing cash or using a credit card for larger purchases often costs less than multiple foreign ATM withdrawals.

How to avoid out-of-network ATM fees

The simplest way to avoid fees is to use ATMs owned by your bank or within your bank's network. Most banks operate dozens to hundreds of ATMs, and network ATMs number in the tens of thousands. Before opening an account, check how many free ATMs are available near your home, work, and places you visit regularly.

If your bank has few ATMs in your area, ask about their network partnerships. A bank with a small branch network but membership in a large ATM network may offer better access than a bank with more branches but no network membership. You can also request cash back when you make a debit card purchase at a grocery store, pharmacy, or retailer — this costs nothing and counts as a withdrawal from your account.

If you travel frequently or live in an area with limited ATM access from your bank, switching to an online bank that reimburses out-of-network fees or belongs to a large network may be worth the change. Calculate how many out-of-network withdrawals you make per month and multiply by the average fee. If the total exceeds $10 to $15 per month, a fee-free alternative could save you money.

What to do if you are charged an incorrect ATM fee

If you see an out-of-network ATM fee on your statement that you believe is wrong — for example, you used an ATM you thought was in your network, or you were charged twice for one withdrawal — contact your bank within 30 days. Most banks have a dispute process for ATM fees. You will need to provide the date of the withdrawal, the ATM location, and the amount of the fee.

Your bank will investigate by checking the ATM network records and the transaction receipt. If the fee was applied in error, the bank will reverse it within 5 to 10 business days. If the fee was correct, the bank will explain why and deny the dispute. Keep your ATM receipt for at least 30 days so you have proof of the transaction if you need to dispute it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card at an out-of-network ATM?

No. ATMs only accept debit cards and cards specifically labeled as ATM cards. Credit cards cannot be used to withdraw cash at an ATM. If you need cash and do not have a debit card, use a credit card to make a purchase and request cash back, or visit a bank branch and ask a teller to withdraw cash from your credit card account (this may incur a cash advance fee).

Do I get charged a fee if I decline the withdrawal after seeing the surcharge?

No. If you see the surcharge amount on the ATM screen and choose to cancel the transaction, no fee is charged. The cancellation costs nothing. You only pay fees if you complete the withdrawal.

Will my bank refund an out-of-network fee if I ask?

Some banks will refund one or two out-of-network fees per year if you call and ask, especially if you have been a customer for a long time or maintain a high balance. There is no harm in asking, but do not expect it. Most banks treat out-of-network fees as a standard charge and do not refund them as a courtesy.

What if the ATM does not dispense cash after I am charged?

Contact your bank immediately. Explain that you were charged but did not receive cash. The bank will review the ATM transaction record and the ATM operator's records. If the ATM malfunctioned, the bank will reverse the withdrawal charge and the fee within 3 to 5 business days. Keep your receipt as proof of the transaction.

Are there ATMs that charge no surcharge at all?

Yes. ATMs owned by your bank and ATMs within your bank's network charge no surcharge. Some retailers like Walmart and Target operate ATMs that charge no surcharge to any customer. However, your bank may still charge you an out-of-network fee even if the ATM operator does not. Check with your bank about which ATMs are truly free to use.