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 charges you a surcharge (typically $1 to $3), and the ATM owner may charge an additional out-of-network fee (usually $1 to $3 more). Some banks waive these fees for their customers; others charge every time. The total cost can reach $6 per transaction if both banks charge the maximum.
The fee structure depends on which bank you use and which ATM you access. Some banks belong to shared networks—like Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP—where member banks do not charge each other's customers. Others operate independently and charge for every out-of-network withdrawal. Before you open an account, ask your bank which ATMs are free to use.
Key Takeaways
- Out-of-network ATM withdrawals typically cost $2 to $6 total: your bank charges a surcharge, and the other bank charges a fee.
- Banks in shared networks (Allpoint, MoneyPass, CO-OP) often waive fees for each other's customers, so check if your bank participates.
- Some banks reimburse all out-of-network ATM fees each month if you meet account requirements like direct deposit or minimum balance.
- Using your own bank's ATM or a network partner's ATM is always free and the fastest way to avoid charges.
- ATM networks vary by region and bank, so the same ATM may be free for one customer and cost another $3.
How ATM networks work and which ones are free
Your bank belongs to one or more ATM networks. The largest shared networks are Allpoint (over 55,000 ATMs worldwide), MoneyPass (40,000+ ATMs), CO-OP (30,000+ ATMs), and Moneypass. If your bank is part of a network, you can use any ATM in that network without paying a surcharge from your bank. The ATM owner may still charge you, but your bank will not.
Regional networks also exist. For example, the Shared Branch network lets credit union members withdraw cash at other credit unions. Some community banks participate in local networks that cover a specific state or region. Ask your bank which networks it belongs to and request a list of free ATMs near your home, work, and regular destinations.
If your bank is not in a major network, you will pay a fee every time you use another bank's ATM. In that case, it makes sense to plan your withdrawals and use your own bank's ATMs whenever possible, or switch to a bank that offers better ATM access.
Banks that reimburse out-of-network ATM fees
Some banks waive out-of-network fees entirely or reimburse them if you meet certain conditions. Charles Schwab Bank, for example, reimburses all domestic and international ATM fees with no limit. Ally Bank reimburses domestic out-of-network fees. Other banks offer reimbursement only if you maintain a minimum balance, receive direct deposit, or keep a certain account type open.
The reimbursement usually appears as a credit to your account within one to three business days. You still pay the fee at the time of withdrawal, but your bank returns the money automatically. Check your bank's website or call customer service to confirm whether your account qualifies for reimbursement and what conditions apply.
What happens when you use an out-of-network ATM
When you insert your card into an ATM that is not owned by your bank, the ATM connects to your bank's network to verify your balance and process the withdrawal. The ATM screen will show you both fees before you confirm the transaction. You can cancel at this point if you do not want to pay.
If you proceed, your bank deducts the withdrawal amount plus the surcharge from your account immediately. The ATM owner's fee may take one to three business days to appear. Both charges show up as separate line items on your statement, so you can see exactly what you paid.
The withdrawal itself is processed the same way as at your own bank's ATM. Your cash is dispensed, and the transaction is recorded. The only difference is the fees and the time it takes for the out-of-network fee to post to your account.
ATM fees by bank type
Out-of-network fees vary depending on the type of bank you use and the networks it participates in. Large national banks typically charge higher surcharges than credit unions or online banks, but they may belong to larger networks with more free ATMs available. Online banks often have no surcharge at all because they reimburse fees or partner with nationwide networks to offset the lack of physical branches.
The table below shows typical fee ranges and common networks by bank type. Your actual fees depend on your specific bank and the ATM you use, so check your account terms or contact your bank for exact amounts.
| Bank Type | Typical Out-of-Network Fee | Common Networks |
|---|---|---|
| Large national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) | $2.50 to $3.50 surcharge | Allpoint, MoneyPass (varies by bank) |
| Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) | Reimbursed or no fee | Allpoint, MoneyPass, nationwide networks |
| Credit unions | $1 to $3 surcharge | CO-OP, Shared Branch, MoneyPass |
| Community and regional banks | $1 to $2.50 surcharge | Local or regional networks |
How to find free ATMs near you
Most banks provide an ATM locator tool on their website or mobile app. Enter your location, and the tool shows you all free ATMs nearby. You can also search by network name—for example, "Allpoint ATM locator" or "CO-OP ATM locator"—to find participating machines.
If you travel frequently or live in an area with few ATMs from your bank, consider switching to a bank that belongs to a large network or reimburses fees. Online banks often have better ATM access than regional banks because they partner with multiple networks to compensate for not having physical branches.
What to do if you are charged an unexpected ATM fee
If you were charged a fee you did not expect, contact your bank's customer service. Explain that you did not see the fee disclosure before the transaction, or that you were told the ATM was free. Some banks will reverse a single unexpected fee as a courtesy, especially if it is your first time using an out-of-network ATM.
If the fee was disclosed on the ATM screen and you proceeded anyway, your bank is unlikely to reverse it. However, if you were charged twice for the same withdrawal or if the fee amount was different from what was shown, ask your bank to investigate. Keep your receipt and account statement as proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit union ATM if I bank at a regular bank?
Yes, if your bank is part of the CO-OP or Shared Branch network. Many credit unions participate in these networks and allow non-members to withdraw cash for free or a small fee. Check your bank's website to see which networks it belongs to, then search the network's ATM locator for credit unions near you.
Do international ATM withdrawals cost more?
Yes. International ATM fees are typically higher than domestic fees—often $3 to $5 per withdrawal, plus a currency conversion fee of 1% to 3%. Some banks like Charles Schwab reimburse international fees, but most do not. If you travel abroad frequently, ask your bank about international ATM partnerships or consider a bank that waives these fees.
What if the ATM says my card is not accepted?
This usually means the ATM network does not recognize your card's network or your bank has not authorized access. Try a different ATM, preferably one owned by your bank or in your bank's network. If the problem persists, contact your bank to confirm your card is active and your account is in good standing.
Can I withdraw cash from a bank teller if I do not have an account there?
No. Bank tellers only serve customers of that bank. If you need cash and cannot find an ATM, your only option is to use an ATM from your own bank or a network partner, or to visit a store that offers cash back with a debit card purchase.
Do debit card cash advances at stores count as ATM withdrawals?
No. Cash back at a store is a separate transaction and does not incur ATM fees. However, some banks charge a small fee for cash back (usually $0.50 to $1), and some charge nothing. Check your account terms to see if your bank charges for cash back.