USAA refunds ATM fees at most machines, but the coverage depends on your account type

USAA covers out-of-network ATM fees for most of its checking and savings accounts. When you use an ATM that is not part of the USAA network, USAA will refund the fee the other bank charged you. The refund appears as a credit back to your account, usually within one to three business days of the transaction.

The catch is that not every USAA account includes this benefit. Money Market accounts and some older account types do not may have access to for ATM fee refunds. If you have a standard USAA checking account, a USAA savings account, or a USAA Money Market Savings account opened recently, you almost certainly have the refund feature. The easiest way to confirm is to log into your USAA account online or call USAA directly at 1-800-531-8722.

USAA does not cap the number of out-of-network ATM transactions you can make per month, so you can use any ATM without worrying about hitting a limit on refunds. However, the refund only covers the ATM operator's fee—not any fees your own bank might charge for using an out-of-network machine, though USAA does not charge such fees.

Key Takeaways

  • USAA refunds ATM fees charged by other banks when you use an out-of-network machine, with the credit appearing in one to three business days.
  • The refund benefit applies to most USAA checking and savings accounts, but not to Money Market accounts or some legacy account types.
  • There is no monthly limit on the number of out-of-network ATM transactions you can make and have refunded.
  • You can verify whether your specific account includes ATM fee refunds by logging into your USAA account or calling customer service.

How the ATM fee refund actually works

When you swipe your USAA card at an out-of-network ATM, the ATM operator charges a fee—typically $2 to $3. That fee is deducted from your account at the time of the withdrawal. USAA then monitors your account for these charges and credits the fee back automatically. You do not need to request the refund or submit any paperwork.

The refund posts as a separate transaction in your account history, labeled something like "ATM fee refund" or "ATM surcharge refund." This makes it easy to track how much you have been refunded over time. If you check your account the same day you use an out-of-network ATM, you will see the fee deducted; within a few days, you will see the refund credit appear.

USAA's own ATM network includes machines at USAA branches and partner locations. Using those machines costs nothing and generates no fee to refund. The refund benefit only kicks in when you use a machine outside that network—for example, at a convenience store, a different bank, or an airport.

Which USAA accounts include ATM fee refunds

USAA's standard checking account and standard savings account both include unlimited ATM fee refunds. If you opened your account in the last several years, you almost certainly have this feature. Older accounts or specialty accounts may not.

Money Market Savings accounts do not include ATM fee refunds. If you have a Money Market account and want the refund benefit, you would need to also maintain a checking or savings account. Some USAA customers do this specifically to get access to the refund feature while keeping their Money Market account for higher interest rates.

USAA also offers accounts through its investment and insurance divisions. Those accounts (brokerage accounts, for example) do not include ATM fee refunds. The refund benefit is limited to USAA's banking products.

How to confirm your account has the refund benefit

The fastest way to know for certain is to log into your USAA account online and look at your account details or benefits summary. Most accounts display the ATM fee refund benefit prominently in the account features section. If you do not see it listed, your account likely does not include it.

You can also call USAA customer service at 1-800-531-8722. A representative can tell you in seconds whether your specific account includes ATM fee refunds. Have your account number ready when you call, though the representative can also look it up using your Social Security number or the phone number associated with your account.

If you have multiple accounts with USAA, each one may have different features. Check each account separately if you are unsure which ones include the refund benefit.

What happens if a refund does not appear

If you used an out-of-network ATM and the fee was deducted but the refund did not appear within three business days, contact USAA. The refund should be automatic, so a missing refund usually means either your account does not include the benefit, or there was a processing delay.

USAA can review your transaction history and confirm whether the refund was processed. If it was not, they can issue it manually. Keep the ATM receipt if possible—it shows the fee amount and the machine location, which helps USAA track down the transaction if there is any question.

Processing delays are rare but can happen if the ATM operator is slow to report the fee to USAA's system. Waiting a full week before contacting USAA is reasonable; if the refund still has not appeared after seven days, call customer service.

Alternatives if your account does not include ATM refunds

If you have a Money Market account or an older account type that does not include ATM fee refunds, you have a few options. The simplest is to open a USAA checking account in addition to your current account. You can keep your Money Market account for its interest rate and use the checking account for everyday transactions and ATM access.

Another option is to use USAA's ATM network exclusively. USAA has thousands of partner ATMs across the country, and using those costs nothing. You can find USAA ATM locations through the USAA website or mobile app by entering your zip code.

If you rarely use ATMs and the fee refund is not a major concern, you can simply accept the occasional out-of-network fee. Many people find that the convenience of using any ATM outweighs the cost of a few dollars per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does USAA refund fees from ATMs at other banks?

Yes, USAA refunds the fee charged by the ATM operator when you use an out-of-network machine. The refund is automatic and appears in your account within one to three business days. This applies to ATMs at other banks, convenience stores, airports, and any other location outside the USAA network.

Is there a limit to how many ATM fees USAA will refund per month?

No. USAA does not cap the number of out-of-network ATM transactions you can make or the number of fees it will refund. You can use any ATM as often as you want and receive a refund for each fee.

Do I have to do anything to get the ATM fee refund?

No. The refund is automatic if your account includes the benefit. You do not need to request it, submit a form, or contact USAA. The fee is refunded without any action on your part.

What if I have an old USAA account—do I still get ATM fee refunds?

It depends on the account type and when it was opened. Most older USAA checking and savings accounts do include ATM fee refunds, but some legacy account types do not. Call USAA at 1-800-531-8722 to confirm whether your specific account has the benefit.

Can I get a refund for an ATM fee from months ago?

USAA refunds fees automatically when they occur, so if a fee was not refunded at the time, it is unlikely to be refunded later. However, if you believe a refund was missed, contact USAA with the transaction details and they can review it. Keeping your ATM receipts helps prove the fee was charged.