MoneyPass is a network, not a bank—your own bank has to join it

MoneyPass is an ATM network that lets you withdraw cash at machines you don't own without paying an out-of-network fee. But MoneyPass itself doesn't run banks or issue accounts. Instead, individual banks and credit unions choose to join the network. If your bank is part of MoneyPass, you can use any MoneyPass ATM in the network without a surcharge from your bank—though the ATM owner might still charge you.

The problem is that MoneyPass membership changes. Banks join and leave the network, and the list of participating institutions is not always easy to find in one place. Your best move is to ask your own bank directly whether they're in the MoneyPass network, rather than trying to memorize a list that may be outdated by the time you read it.

Key Takeaways

  • MoneyPass is a network that lets you use other banks' ATMs without your bank charging you a fee, but only if your bank has joined the network.
  • You should contact your bank or credit union to confirm they're part of MoneyPass before relying on it for fee-free withdrawals.
  • Even if your bank is in the network, the ATM owner can still charge you a fee—MoneyPass only stops your bank from charging you.
  • Regional banks and credit unions are more likely to be in MoneyPass than the largest national banks, which often run their own ATM networks.
  • If your bank isn't in MoneyPass, you can still use a MoneyPass ATM, but you'll pay whatever fee the ATM owner charges.

How to learn about your bank uses MoneyPass

The fastest way is to call your bank's customer service number or log into your online banking portal and search for "MoneyPass" or "ATM network." Many banks list their ATM network partnerships on the FAQ or help section of their website. If you can't find it online, a phone call to your bank takes five minutes and gives you a definitive answer.

You can also visit a MoneyPass ATM and look at the screen—it usually displays which networks it belongs to. If you see the MoneyPass logo, you know the machine is part of the network. But this doesn't tell you whether your specific bank is a member, so it's still worth confirming with your bank first.

Banks and credit unions more likely to be in MoneyPass

Smaller regional banks and credit unions are more common in the MoneyPass network than the largest national banks. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically run their own ATM networks and don't rely on MoneyPass. However, many community banks, online banks, and mid-sized regional institutions do participate.

Credit unions are particularly likely to be in MoneyPass. If you bank with a credit union, there's a good chance they're part of the network. Some credit unions also belong to other shared branching networks like CO-OP or Allpoint, which offer similar fee-free access at other institutions' ATMs.

What MoneyPass does and doesn't cover

MoneyPass stops your bank from charging you a fee when you use another bank's ATM in the network. This is called an out-of-network fee, and it's what your bank would normally charge you. However, the ATM owner—the bank or business that owns the machine—can still charge you a fee. That fee goes to them, not to your bank.

For example, if you use a MoneyPass ATM at a convenience store, your bank won't charge you, but the convenience store might charge $2 or $3 for the withdrawal. You'll see this fee on the screen before you complete the transaction, and you can cancel if you don't want to pay it. MoneyPass membership only protects you from your bank's fee, not the ATM owner's fee.

Alternatives if your bank isn't in MoneyPass

If your bank doesn't use MoneyPass, you have other options. Many banks belong to different ATM networks—Allpoint, CO-OP, and Surcharge-Free Network are common alternatives. Some online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab reimburse you for any ATM fee you pay, regardless of the network. Check your bank's website or call them to see which network they use or what their ATM fee policy is.

You can also withdraw cash back at grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers when you make a purchase. This is free and doesn't require an ATM network at all. Many people overlook this option even though it's often the easiest way to get cash without paying a fee.

How to find MoneyPass ATMs near you

MoneyPass has a locator tool on their website at moneypass.com. You can search by address or zip code to see which machines are nearby. The tool shows you the ATM location, the address, and sometimes the hours. Keep in mind that ATM locations change—machines get removed or added—so the locator may not always be 100 percent current, but it's usually accurate within a few days.

You can also search "MoneyPass ATM near me" on Google Maps, which will show you participating machines in your area. Some banking apps also have ATM locators built in, and they may include MoneyPass machines if your bank is part of the network.

Why some banks don't use MoneyPass

Large national banks like Chase and Bank of America have so many ATMs of their own that they don't need to join a shared network. They make money from their own ATM network and prefer to keep customers within it. Smaller banks and credit unions, by contrast, can't afford to build a nationwide ATM network, so they join MoneyPass or similar networks to offer their customers more options.

Some banks also negotiate different terms with different networks. A bank might be in MoneyPass but not in CO-OP, or vice versa. This is why it's important to ask your specific bank which networks they use rather than assuming based on their size or type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I pay a fee if I use a MoneyPass ATM?

Your bank won't charge you a fee if they're in the MoneyPass network. However, the ATM owner might charge you a fee—usually $2 to $3. You'll see the fee on the screen before you withdraw, and you can cancel if you don't want to pay it.

Can I use MoneyPass if my bank isn't part of the network?

Yes, you can still use a MoneyPass ATM, but you'll pay whatever fee the ATM owner charges, plus any out-of-network fee your bank charges. It's usually more expensive than using your bank's own ATM or a network your bank does belong to.

How do I know if my bank is in MoneyPass?

Call your bank's customer service or check their website for ATM network information. Search for "MoneyPass" on their site or ask a representative directly. They can tell you in seconds whether you have access to the network.

Is MoneyPass the same as other ATM networks?

No. MoneyPass, CO-OP, Allpoint, and Surcharge-Free Network are separate networks. Your bank might be in one or more of them. Each network has different participating banks and ATM locations, so membership in one doesn't mean membership in another.

Do all credit unions use MoneyPass?

Most credit unions use some kind of shared ATM network, but not all use MoneyPass specifically. Some use CO-OP or other networks. Check with your credit union to see which network they belong to.