Yes, but the method and cost depend on which bank owns the ATM and whether you have a relationship with that bank

You can withdraw cash from another bank's ATM in most cases, but you will usually pay a fee unless you belong to a shared network. The fee comes from your own bank, the other bank, or both—and the amount varies. If you walk into a branch of a bank where you don't have an account, they will not let you withdraw at the teller window; you must use an ATM. The fastest and cheapest option is to find an ATM in your bank's network or a shared network your bank belongs to.

The cost of an out-of-network withdrawal typically ranges from $1 to $3 per transaction from your bank alone, and the ATM operator may add another $1 to $3 on top of that. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the amount withdrawn. You will see the fee amount on the ATM screen before you confirm the transaction, and you can cancel if you choose not to pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks charge an out-of-network ATM fee (typically $1 to $3) when you withdraw from another bank's machine, and the other bank may charge a fee too.
  • Your bank may belong to a shared network like Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP that lets you use thousands of ATMs nationwide without a fee.
  • You cannot withdraw cash at a teller window in a bank branch where you don't have an account; ATMs are your only option at another bank's location.
  • Some banks reimburse out-of-network ATM fees if you meet certain conditions, such as maintaining a minimum balance or having direct deposit.

ATM networks and fee-free withdrawal options

Your bank likely belongs to at least one ATM network that includes thousands of machines nationwide. The largest shared networks are Allpoint (which includes banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and many credit unions), MoneyPass, CO-OP, and Surcharge-Free Network. If your bank is part of one of these, you can withdraw cash from any ATM in that network without paying an out-of-network fee. Check your bank's website or call customer service to find out which networks your account has access to.

Some banks also have reciprocal agreements with specific other banks. For example, if you bank with one regional bank, you may be able to use another regional bank's ATMs for free. These agreements vary by institution and region, so ask your bank directly whether they have partnerships with banks in your area. You can also search your bank's ATM locator tool online—it will show you which machines are fee-free for your account.

Using an ATM at another bank

Walk up to any ATM at another bank and insert your debit card. The machine will ask whether you want to perform a balance inquiry, withdrawal, transfer, or other transaction. Select withdrawal and enter the amount. The ATM will then display the fee you will be charged and ask you to confirm. If you accept, the machine will dispense the cash and deduct both the withdrawal amount and the fee from your account.

The transaction posts to your account within one business day, though the fee may appear separately from the withdrawal itself. Some banks batch ATM fees and show them as a single charge at the end of the day or week. Check your account online or through your bank's app to see the exact charges. If the ATM declines your card, it may be because your bank has flagged the transaction as unusual, your account has insufficient funds, or your card is expired or locked. Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your card) to troubleshoot. Do not try the same ATM repeatedly, as multiple failed attempts can temporarily lock your card.

Why you cannot withdraw at another bank's teller window

Banks only allow customers with accounts at that branch to withdraw cash from a teller. This is a standard policy across nearly all banks in the United States. The teller needs to verify your identity and account status in their system, and they can only do that if you have an account with them. Even if you have a large sum of cash waiting for you, the teller cannot process the withdrawal without an account.

The only exception is if you are a customer of a bank that has a branch-sharing agreement with another bank. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks participate in shared branching networks, which allow members to conduct basic transactions (including withdrawals) at partner branches. Ask your bank whether they participate in shared branching. If they do, you can use a partner branch's teller just as you would your own bank's branch.

Fee reimbursement programs

Some banks reimburse out-of-network ATM fees as a benefit of holding certain account types. Banks that commonly offer this include Charles Schwab, Ally, Fidelity, and some premium checking accounts at larger banks. The reimbursement usually applies to all out-of-network ATM fees charged by other banks and ATM operators, though a few banks cap the number of reimbursements per month.

To find out whether your bank offers fee reimbursement, log into your online banking portal and look for account benefits, or call customer service. If your account qualifies, the reimbursement typically appears on your statement within one to two billing cycles. You do not need to submit a claim; the bank tracks the fees automatically. Some banks also waive out-of-network fees if you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or meet other conditions. These benefits change periodically, so review your account terms annually to see whether you still may have access to.

International ATM withdrawals

Withdrawing cash from an ATM in another country works the same way as using an out-of-network ATM domestically, but with additional fees. Your bank will charge an international transaction fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the amount withdrawn), and the foreign bank or ATM operator will charge a separate fee. The ATM will display the total cost in US dollars before you confirm, and the exchange rate applied may be higher than the mid-market rate.

To minimize costs, use ATMs operated by major international networks like Visa Plus or Mastercard Cirrus, which your bank likely supports. Some banks have partnerships with specific foreign banks that waive fees for customers. Before traveling, contact your bank to ask which ATMs abroad will not charge you a fee, and notify them of your travel dates so they do not block your card for security reasons.

What to do if you are charged an unexpected fee

If you see an ATM fee on your statement that you believe is incorrect, contact your bank's customer service within 30 days. Explain the transaction date, location, and amount. If the fee was charged by the other bank or ATM operator (not your bank), your bank may not be able to reverse it, but they can file a dispute on your behalf. Some banks will reverse a single out-of-network fee as a courtesy, especially if you are a long-standing customer.

If you were not shown the fee amount before completing the transaction, or if the fee displayed on the ATM screen differs from what was charged to your account, report this to your bank immediately. ATMs are required to disclose fees before the transaction completes, and if this did not happen, your bank may have grounds to dispute the charge with the ATM operator. Keep your receipt from the ATM as evidence of what was displayed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my debit card work at any ATM?

Your debit card will work at most ATMs in the United States, but you may be charged a fee if the ATM is not in your bank's network. Some ATMs may decline your card if your bank has flagged the transaction as suspicious or if your account has insufficient funds. Call your bank if your card is repeatedly declined.

Can I withdraw money from a bank I don't have an account with?

You can withdraw from an ATM at another bank, but not from a teller window. Tellers only serve customers with accounts at that branch. If your bank participates in a shared branching network, you may be able to use a partner branch's teller, but this is rare and depends on your bank's agreements.

How much does it cost to use another bank's ATM?

Fees vary by bank and ATM operator. Your bank typically charges $1 to $3, and the other bank may charge an additional $1 to $3. Some banks charge a percentage instead of a flat fee. Check the ATM screen before confirming the transaction to see the exact cost.

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

Most banks charge out-of-network fees, but some waive them for all customers or for accounts that meet certain conditions. Online banks and some credit unions often have no out-of-network fees because they belong to large shared networks. Ask your bank whether they charge these fees and whether you may have access to for any waivers.

What happens if I dispute an ATM fee?

Contact your bank within 30 days of the charge and explain why you believe it is incorrect. Your bank can file a dispute with the ATM operator or the other bank. Some banks will reverse a single fee as a courtesy, but they are not required to do so if the fee was properly disclosed before the transaction.