Access to a large, free ATM network can be essential for cashing checks, withdrawing cash, or checking your balances, especially if you use an online bank like Axos or SoFi.
We’ve rounded up banks with large, fee-free ATM networks and prioritized locating banks with no out-of-network ATM fees. However, in many cases, using an out-of-network ATM may still incur a non-reimbursable operator fee.
12 Top Banks with Free ATM Networks
Bank, Credit Union or Fintech | Free ATM Network | Out-of-Network ATM Fees | Learn more |
---|---|---|---|
Editor’s pick: Axos Bank | 90,000 ATMs | Operator fees may apply. Many Axos checking accounts offer out-of-network ATM rebates. | |
SoFi® | 55,000 Allpoint ATMs | Third-party operator fees may apply. | |
Upgrade | 55,000 Allpoint ATMs | $2.50 out-of-network cash withdrawal fee. Operator fees may also apply. | |
Varo | 55,000 Allpoint ATMs | $3.50 out-of-network cash withdrawal fee. | |
Chase Bank | 18,000 ATMs and 5,000+ branch locations | $3 domestic out-of-network cash withdrawal fee or $5 international cash withdrawal fee. | |
Chime® | 60,000 Allpoint and retail ATMs | $2.50 out-of-network ATM withdrawal fee. Operator fees may apply. | |
Ally Bank | 75,000 Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs | Operator fees may apply. Ally Spending offers $10 in monthly ATM rebates. | Read Review |
American Express | 1.5 million Amex and MoneyPass ATMs worldwide | $2.50 out-of-network ATM withdrawal fee and operator fees may apply. | Read Review |
Alliant Credit Union | 80,000 ATMs | Operator fees may apply. Offers out-of-network ATM rebates. | Read Review |
Capital One | 70,000 Capital One, MoneyPass, and Allpoint ATMs | Operator fees may apply. | Read Review |
LendingClub | 37,000 ATMs | Operator fees may apply. Offers ATM fee reimbursements with select accounts. | Read Review |
Wells Fargo | 12,000 Wells Fargo ATMs | $3 domestic out-of-network and $5 foreign out-of-network ATM fee. | Read Review |
What Is an ATM Charge Fee?
ATM operator fees are used to maintain the ATM, such as fixing or loading it with cash so users can withdraw money. ATM operator fees typically range from $2 to $5, depending on the transaction.
In nearly every case, your bank won’t charge you for using ATMs in its network. As a customer, your business already contributes to the maintenance of the ATMs through deposits and monthly account fees.
However, if you use an ATM outside your bank’s network, the bank may charge you themselves, and the third-party ATM might also apply a surcharge. In most cases, a bank’s out-of-network ATM fee ranges between $2.50 and $3.50 for cash withdrawals, and many don’t charge for balance inquiries or transfers — though it varies by bank.
What Is an ATM Reimbursement or Rebate?
Banks may offer ATM reimbursements, which means they’ll pay you back if you use an out-of-network ATM and incur fees.
For example, the Axos Bank Rewards Checking provides unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements. If you use an out-of-network ATM within the US with that account, Axos typically reimburses you for the ATM fee the next day
How to Avoid ATM Fees
- Choose a bank without out-of-network fees. SoFi and Axos don’t charge their customers for using an out-of-network ATM, but operator fees may still apply.
- Find accounts with ATM rebates. Most Axos’ checking accounts offer unlimited or monthly ATM rebates.
- Use ATM locators in your bank app. Most modern banks offer an ATM locator within their mobile app, letting you locate the nearest in-network ATM near you.
- Consider credit unions. Some credit unions won’t charge you for using other credit unions’ ATMs. Also, Alliant Credit Union doesn’t charge out-of-network ATM fees, and some of its accounts offer ATM rebates for miscellaneous operator fees.
- Try cash back at stores. Gas stations and grocery stores may allow you to withdraw cash while paying for your purchase, usually with no additional charge.
Compare top checking accounts
Narrow down top checking accounts from leading banks. Compare fees, features and APYs, and for a closer comparison, tick the Compare box on multiple options to see benefits side by side.
Bottom Line
You’ll likely encounter ATM fees at some point in your life, whether traveling out of state or country, withdrawing funds to cover a cash-only transaction, or just withdrawing cash to give your kid an allowance.
The good news is plenty of great checking accounts don’t charge out-of-network ATM fees, and some even reimburse ATM fees for you.
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