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

Most banks let you withdraw cash from ATMs owned by other banks. Your bank will charge you an out-of-network fee—typically $2 to $3 per transaction—and the ATM's bank may charge you a second fee. Some banks waive these fees for their customers; others charge both. The amount and whether you pay depends on your bank, the ATM owner, and whether they have a partnership agreement.

If you use an ATM frequently and want to avoid fees, you have three main routes: join a bank network that shares ATMs with other banks, use your bank's own ATMs only, or switch to a bank with more locations near you. The choice depends on where you live and how often you need cash.

Key Takeaways

  • Out-of-network ATM fees range from $2 to $3 per withdrawal, and you may pay fees from both your bank and the ATM owner's bank.
  • ATM networks like Allpoint, MoneyPass, and CO-OP let you use thousands of ATMs without paying your bank's out-of-network fee if your bank participates.
  • Some banks offer fee reimbursement programs that refund out-of-network charges if you use ATMs outside their network a certain number of times per month.
  • Credit unions often belong to shared branching networks that let you withdraw cash at other credit unions' branches without a fee.
  • Online banks and some regional banks have fewer physical ATMs, so check their network partnerships before opening an account.

How ATM networks work and which banks participate

Large ATM networks operate like cooperatives where member banks agree to let each other's customers use their machines without the out-of-network fee. The three largest networks in the United States are Allpoint, MoneyPass, and Surcharge-Free Network. If your bank belongs to one of these networks, you can use any ATM in that network without paying your bank's fee (though the ATM owner may still charge you).

Regional networks also exist. CO-OP is the largest credit union network and includes thousands of ATMs at credit unions across the country. Shared branching networks let credit union members withdraw cash at other credit unions' branches as if they were their own. Check your bank's website or call customer service to find out which network it belongs to and how many ATMs you can access.

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have their own extensive ATM networks, so their customers rarely need to use out-of-network machines. Smaller regional banks and online banks often partner with one of the major networks to give their customers access to more ATMs.

Out-of-network fees and how much they cost

When you use an ATM that is not owned by your bank and not part of your bank's network, you face two possible charges. Your own bank charges an out-of-network fee (usually $2 to $3), and the ATM owner may charge a surcharge (also typically $2 to $3). Some ATMs display the surcharge on the screen before you complete the transaction; others do not.

A few banks do not charge out-of-network fees at all, or they reimburse them up to a certain number of times per month. Charles Schwab Bank, for example, reimburses all out-of-network ATM fees worldwide. Ally Bank reimburses domestic out-of-network fees. If you withdraw cash frequently, these policies can save you $20 to $40 per month compared to banks that charge standard fees.

The surcharge charged by the ATM owner is separate from your bank's fee and happens regardless of which bank you use. If you use an ATM at a convenience store or casino, expect to pay more than you would at a bank-owned ATM.

Credit unions and shared branching networks

Credit unions operate differently from banks. Most credit unions belong to the CO-OP network or the Alliant Credit Union network, which means you can withdraw cash at any member credit union's ATM without paying your credit union's out-of-network fee. This gives credit union members access to tens of thousands of ATMs across the country.

Credit unions also offer shared branching, which lets you walk into another credit union's branch and withdraw cash, make deposits, or conduct other transactions as if you were at your own branch. This is often free and does not involve an ATM at all—you speak to a teller. Shared branching is especially useful if you travel or move frequently.

Before opening a credit union account, check whether it belongs to CO-OP, Alliant, or another network. Smaller credit unions may not participate in any network, which limits your options for fee-free withdrawals.

Online banks and ATM access

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover have no physical branches, so they rely entirely on ATM networks or fee reimbursement to give customers access to cash. Most online banks partner with Allpoint or MoneyPass to provide access to thousands of ATMs. Others reimburse out-of-network fees automatically, which means you can use any ATM and get your money back.

Before opening an account with an online bank, check how many ATMs are available in the areas where you live and travel. If the network is small or does not cover your area, you may end up paying fees frequently. Some online banks offer both network access and fee reimbursement, which gives you flexibility.

Online banks typically have lower fees and higher interest rates than traditional banks because they do not operate physical branches. The trade-off is that you cannot walk into a branch to deposit cash or speak to someone in person. If you rarely use cash, this is not a problem; if you use cash often, factor in ATM fees or reimbursement when comparing banks.

What to do if you do not have access to your bank's ATM network

If you live or work far from your bank's ATMs and your bank does not belong to a major network, you have several options. First, ask your bank whether it has a partnership with Allpoint, MoneyPass, or another network—many banks do but do not advertise it prominently. Second, check whether your bank reimburses out-of-network fees; if it does, use any ATM and submit the charges for reimbursement.

Third, consider switching banks. If you use cash frequently and your current bank charges out-of-network fees without reimbursement, moving to a bank with more ATMs or better network access can save you money. Online banks that reimburse fees are often the cheapest option if you do not need a physical branch.

Fourth, if you have a credit union option, compare its network to your bank's. Credit unions often have better ATM access through CO-OP or Alliant than smaller regional banks do. You can belong to a credit union and a bank at the same time, so you could use the credit union for ATM access and the bank for other services.

How to find ATMs in a network before you need cash

Most banks and ATM networks have online ATM locators on their websites. You can search by address, zip code, or city to see which ATMs are available near you. Major networks like Allpoint and MoneyPass also have mobile apps that show ATM locations and let you filter by network.

Before you travel or move, use these tools to check whether your bank's network covers your destination. If it does not, you can plan ahead—withdraw cash before you leave, find a bank branch where you can get cash back with a debit card purchase, or switch to a bank with better coverage in that area.

Some ATMs display the network logo on the machine itself, so you can recognize them in person. If you see the Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP logo, your bank may let you use it without a fee—but always check with your bank first, because not all banks participate in all networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a fee if I use my debit card at a store to get cash back?

No. Cash back at a store is free—the store does not charge you, and your bank does not charge you. You can only use this option if you make a purchase, and some stores have minimum purchase amounts or limits on how much cash you can get back.

What happens if I use an ATM and do not have enough money in my account?

The ATM will decline the transaction and not dispense cash. You will not be charged a fee for the declined transaction. However, if your bank charges overdraft fees and you attempt a withdrawal that would overdraft your account, your bank may charge you even though the ATM did not give you the money.

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

Yes, but it is expensive. Credit card cash advances charge a fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases. Avoid this unless you have no other option. Debit cards and bank accounts are much cheaper ways to get cash.

Do international ATMs charge the same fees as domestic ones?

No. International ATM fees are usually higher—often $5 or more per withdrawal—and your bank may also charge a foreign transaction fee on top of that. Some banks waive international ATM fees for premium account holders. If you travel internationally often, look for a bank that reimburses these fees or has partnerships with banks in the countries you visit.

Will my bank charge me a fee if the ATM is broken and does not give me cash?

No. If the ATM malfunctions and does not dispense cash, you will not be charged. If you were charged by mistake, contact your bank and they will reverse the fee. Keep your receipt as proof of the transaction.