How To Find a Free ATM Near Me

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When you need cash quickly, having access to an ATM is convenient, and today you can find them pretty much anywhere you go — from gas stations to drug stores. That convenience comes with a price, so remember to check the fees before you swipe your card. Businesses make money when people pay a fee to use ATMs in their location — the average ATM fee in 2023 was $4.73.

Fortunately, it is possible to avoid paying ATM fees if you know how to find a free ATM. Read on to learn what to do next time you ask, “Where is a free ATM near me?”

How To Locate a Bank Branch Near Me

Before finding an ATM, a practical strategy is to look for a branch. To find a bank branch that’s close by, you can use the branch locator on the bank’s website. Enter a city and state or a ZIP code to locate branches and ATMs in your area. You can also find nearby branches with the bank’s mobile app.

An ATM Near Me: How To Find the Nearest ATM

Many banks have several ATMs available for your convenience. You can enter your city and state or your ZIP code in the search bar of the branch and ATM locator to find the nearest ATM.

ATMs are available mostly at bank branches. However, many banks participate with partner networks that provide free ATM access, including many gas stations and retail stores. 

What ATM Does Not Charge a Fee?

When you use an in-network ATM — one that your bank partners with — you usually do not pay a fee for the service. To find an in-network ATM, you can check your bank’s website or look at the back of your ATM or debit card.

This step helps you avoid the fee your bank charges for out-of-network ATM transactions. The owner of the ATM — which can be your bank, the business hosting the ATM or a private company — may also charge you for using the machine. 

Typically, your bank does not charge you to use an ATM it owns, but you may have to pay a fee when you use an ATM at another bank, even if it partners with the same network your bank has.

How Can I Get Cash Without Paying ATM Fees?

In addition to using your bank or credit union’s ATMs, there are other ways you can access your cash without having to pay ATM fees. Here are some options to consider.

1. Make Purchases and Get Cash Back

When purchasing items at the supermarket, pet store, gas station or other retail stores, you can ask for cash back before your debit card is charged. The extra amount is added to your total sale price.

Typically, most retailers will allow you to get between $20 and $100 cash back over your purchase price. Although many retailers offer a cash-back option at checkout, be aware that some merchants charge a fee for this service.

2. Become Familiar With Affiliate Banks When You Travel

While abroad, check to see if there’s a bank affiliated with your U.S. bank. Before leaving for your trip, ask your financial institution to provide you with a list of surcharge-free, foreign affiliates at your travel destination. By doing this, you can avoid paying a foreign ATM fee as well as the surcharge, which adds up and takes a chunk out of your travel budget.

3. Find a Bank That Will Reimburse ATM Fees

Since online banks don’t have physical locations or ATMs, many of them will reimburse all ATM fees for their customers. You typically need to have only a basic checking account to be eligible for this ATM-fee reimbursement benefit.

4. Get the Cash App Card

If you use the Cash App payment app, you can use your Cash App Cash Card and PIN to make ATM withdrawals for free at any in-network ATM and be reimbursed for one out-of-network ATM fee every 31 days. But, there’s a catch. You must have at least $300 from your paycheck directly deposited into your Cash App account each month.

ATMs: Features and Services Available

You can conduct several transactions at a bank including making cash deposits and withdrawals, as well as balance inquiries. 

You may be able to locate cardless ATM access using your bank’s app. Some banks offer contactless ATM services through their “Tap to Bank” feature. This allows customers to perform transactions by tapping their phones at ATMs displaying the contactless symbol, which eliminates the need to carry your debit card. 

Tips for Finding ATMs That Don’t Charge Fees

You have several ways to find in-network, free ATMs, whether you’re at home or on the go.

1. Choose an ATM at One of Your Bank’s Locations

If you open a bank account at a brick-and-mortar institution, go to one of its physical locations to use the ATM. It might be easiest to do business with a financial institution that has several nationwide branch locations.

2. Use Your Bank’s Website or Mobile App To Find In-Network ATM Locations Near You

A little planning can go a long way in saving you from paying ATM fees at an out-of-network location. To have all of your bank’s in-network locations at your fingertips, be sure to download the bank’s app on your mobile device. It’s good to check for these locations in advance so that you’ll know exactly where to go when you’re out and about, especially in an unfamiliar area.

3. Find Out if Your Bank Is Part of a Free ATM Network

Some financial institutions have agreements with no-fee ATM networks in which customers can use these ATMs without incurring fees. You can find out if your bank participates in an ATM network with no surcharges by visiting or calling a branch office or searching the bank’s website or mobile app.

Here’s a list of some popular, free ATM networks and the number of participating ATMs nationwide and worldwide.

Bank Branch and ATM Hours and Availability

Most bank branches have the following hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, these hours can vary by location. To find specific branch hours, use the bank’s locator service by entering your city and state. 

Many branches are open with shorter hours, typically 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. It’s best to check a branch’s Saturday hours using the bank locator or ZIP code. Banks are usually closed on Sunday. 

Most banks typically follow a holiday schedule that aligns with when the Federal Reserve is closed.

ATMs are always available for most banking transactions. 

Bank Branch Services: What You Can Do In Person

There are many services available at your bank. Those services include the following: 

• Opening accounts and making deposits, withdrawals and transfers
• Getting documents notarized 
• Opening a safety deposit box
• Loan and mortgage consultations
• Meeting with a banker for account issues
• Scheduling an appointment for financial advice

Alternatives If There’s No Bank Near You

ATM access is available through partner networks. You can use partner ATMs to avoid fees. You will have to contact your bank to determine the partner networks. 

Online and mobile options are always available to check balances, conduct fund transfers and chat with customer service via online messaging. 

Rudri Patel contributed to the reporting for this article.

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