Our pick for free ATM access: Axos Bank Essential Checking
0%
Minimum to open
- Direct Deposit Express
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Compare bank accounts with free ATM access
If ATM fees get you down, use these tips to keep your bank account balance up.
Banking Guides
Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Nearly everyone has found themselves begrudgingly spending several dollars just to use an ATM. While four or five bucks here or there doesn’t sound like that much, over time those fees can start to add up. If ATM fees are frustrating you, there are a few things you can do to keep them down.
Top ways to get free ATM access
Get an account with a fee-free bank
Believe it or not, some banks will let you use any ATM for free and even reimburse you for fees other banks charge. Bank of America offers several fee-free checking account options. Chase, Bank of America, Citibank and Wells Fargo all also offer accounts with unlimited ATM reimbursements, but they have high account minimums — the lowest is Bank of America with a $10,000 minimum.
Use an ATM that belongs to your bank
Even if you can’t use any ATM you want for free, most banks won’t charge you to use their own machines. If you choose a bank with a large network of ATMs, it’ll be easier to stop at an in-network machine when you need cash.
- Chase Bank. Over 16,000 ATMs across the country.
- Wells Fargo. Over 13,000 ATMs across the country.
- Bank of America. Over 16,000 ATMs across the country.
- Citibank. Over 55,000 banks worldwide as part of the Allpoint network.
- Capital One. Over 55,000 banks worldwide as part of the Allpoint network.
Use a partner ATM
Some banks join ATM networks, where they partner up with other banks to share ATM machines, greatly increasing how many fee-free machines members have access to. For example, a number of smaller banks and credit unions are part of the SUM network, which gives its members access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs, even if their financial institution only has machines in a small area. NYCE, PULSE and STAR are other common ATM networks in the US.
Get reimbursed for ATM fees
Some banks, like USAA, BankFive and Ally, offer checking accounts that will reimburse you up to a certain amount — usually $10 or $15 — for fees you get from out-of-network ATM machines.
Compare bank accounts with free ATM access
Checking: Free everywhere
Checking: Free within network
Savings: Free within network
Other ways you can avoid ATM fees
ATM locator tools
Financial institutions have tools on their sites and mobile banking apps to use to find the closest ATM or branch for free withdrawals.
Get cash over the counter
Most major grocery stores, drugstores and gas stations will let you get cash back if you make a purchase. Some stores offer this for free, while others have a surcharge — usually lower than ATM fees.
Bottom line
It costs ATM operators a fraction of the fee they charge consumers to use an ATM — and those fees get higher every year. Every dollar counts, so save your money by getting a fee-free checking account or using in-network ATMs.
More guides on Finder
-
How to choose a bank
How to choose a bank when you don’t know where to begin.
-
Porte Banking review
Porte donates to a charity whenever you use your card, but you can’t overdraft from savings.
-
HMBradley account review
HMBradley is a hybrid checking and savings account that earns up to 3.0% APY.
-
Zeta Joint Card review
Zeta Joint Cards allow two people to share one account, but there are several drawbacks.
-
How to avoid Wells Fargo account fees
Here’s a breakdown of Wells Fargo’s common account fees and how to avoid them.
-
Best bank accounts for freelancers and the self-employed
Compare the five best bank accounts for self-employed professionals and freelancers.
-
Unifimoney account review
Unifimoney lets you spend, save and invest, but it’s only free for high-income individuals.
-
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios review
Features and fees to consider before you open a Schwab Intelligent Portfolios account.
-
Honeydue Joint Banking review
This bank account and prepaid card combo gives you and your honey a convenient way to manage finances together.
-
Ando Spending Account review
Reduce your carbon emissions and enjoy no monthly fees with this ethical checking account.
Ask an Expert