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ATM Near Me: How to Get Cash Without Fees

Updated · By CloseToMe.place Editorial Team · 4 min read

The quickest way to find a free ATM near you is to use your bank's app locator or a surcharge-free network like Allpoint or MoneyPass, if your card participates. If no fee-free machine is close by, getting cash back with a debit purchase at a grocery store or drugstore is often the cheapest alternative.

Open in Google Maps: “atm near me”

Find an ATM near you now

The map shows nearby ATMs, but it can't tell you which ones are free for your card. Follow these steps to avoid fees:

  1. Open your bank or credit union app and use its ATM locator. Machines it lists are usually free for you.
  2. Check your card's network. Your bank's website will say whether you can use Allpoint, MoneyPass, CO-OP or another surcharge-free network.
  3. Use that network's locator to find the closest participating machine.
  4. Read the fee screen before you confirm the withdrawal. If there's a fee, you can cancel.
  5. Consider cash back at a store you were already visiting.

Many ATMs sit inside stores, gas stations and pharmacies, so their availability depends on the store's hours. If you need cash late at night, our guide to what's open near you right now explains how to confirm hours before heading out.

Two kinds of ATM fees

When you use an ATM outside your bank's network, you may pay twice:

Fee Who charges it How to avoid it
ATM surcharge The machine's owner Use your bank's ATMs or a surcharge-free network
Out-of-network fee Your own bank Stay in network or use a bank that refunds fees
Foreign transaction fee Your bank, for cash abroad Use a card with no foreign fees
Balance inquiry fee Some banks or ATM owners Check your balance in your bank's app instead

The CFPB notes that the ATM screen or a printout shows the fee amount before you finish the transaction, and you can cancel without paying.

Surcharge-free networks

Surcharge-free networks are groups of ATMs that let customers of participating banks and credit unions withdraw cash without paying the owner's surcharge. They're especially useful if you bank with an online bank or a small credit union without many branches.

Allpoint

According to Allpoint, the network has more than 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs worldwide, mostly inside retailers such as Target, CVS, Walgreens and Circle K. Allpoint says about one in twelve US ATMs is part of the network, and its online locator is updated weekly.

MoneyPass

MoneyPass is a nationwide surcharge-free network used by many banks and credit unions. Its website has an ATM locator where you can search by address or ZIP code.

CO-OP

The CO-OP network is built around credit unions. Members of participating credit unions can use CO-OP ATMs, and many credit unions also share branches for basic services.

Network Where machines are often found Best for
Allpoint Pharmacies, big-box and convenience stores Online bank customers, travelers
MoneyPass Bank branches, convenience and grocery stores Customers of participating banks
CO-OP Credit union branches, partner retailers Credit union members
Your bank's own ATMs Branches and partner locations Customers of large banks

Important: You only get free withdrawals if your bank or card actually belongs to the network. Look for the network's logo on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website.

Cash back at stores

Getting cash back is one of the easiest ways to avoid ATM fees. When you pay with a debit card and PIN, the card reader may ask whether you want cash back, and the amount is added to your purchase.

Where cash back is common

Things to know

  1. You usually need to buy something. Some stores require a minimum purchase.
  2. There are limits. Stores set a maximum cash back amount per transaction.
  3. Some stores charge a small fee. Ask before you select an amount.
  4. Credit cards don't work for this. Using a credit card at an ATM is a cash advance, which usually comes with fees and interest.

On a road trip, gas stations are another option, since many have an ATM inside or offer cash back at the register. Our guide to gas stations near you covers what to look for at 24-hour stops.

Open in Google Maps: “atm open 24 hours”

ATM safety tips

ATMs are generally safe, but a few habits protect you from skimmers and theft:

  1. Choose indoor or well-lit machines in busy locations, ideally inside a bank or store.
  2. Inspect the card slot and keypad. Loose parts, extra layers or odd attachments can signal a skimmer.
  3. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN.
  4. Use contactless (tap) ATM access if your bank and the machine support it.
  5. Put cash away right away and don't count it at the machine.
  6. Turn on transaction alerts in your bank app so you spot unauthorized withdrawals quickly.
  7. Report problems fast. If the machine keeps your card or you see a suspicious charge, contact your bank immediately.

Quick summary

Frequently asked questions

How do I find a free ATM near me?

Start with your bank's or credit union's app, which usually has an ATM locator that shows fee-free machines. Then check whether your card belongs to a surcharge-free network such as Allpoint, MoneyPass or CO-OP, and use that network's locator. Getting cash back with a debit purchase is another free option at many stores.

Why was I charged twice for using an ATM?

When you use an out-of-network ATM, you can be charged by two parties: the ATM owner may add a surcharge, and your own bank may charge an out-of-network fee. The machine's fee notice usually covers only the owner's surcharge. Check your bank's fee schedule, and look for banks that reimburse ATM fees.

Can I cancel an ATM transaction if I see a fee?

Yes. According to the CFPB, the ATM screen or a printout shows the fee amount before you complete the transaction, and you can cancel at that point without paying. If the fee seems high, cancel and look for an in-network machine or a store that offers cash back.

Which stores give cash back with a debit card?

Many grocery stores, drugstores, big-box retailers and some dollar and convenience stores offer cash back when you pay with a debit card and PIN. Limits and policies vary by store, and some retailers charge a small fee or require a minimum purchase. Ask the cashier or check the card reader prompt.

Information can change. Always confirm hours and details directly with the business.

Sources

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