Have you many times have you paid an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) fee in the past week, month, year? ATM fees are really expensive and after awhile they can really add up. The average ATM fee is now over $3 per transaction. If you’re withdrawing $100, that $3 fee is 3% of the transaction. Is your checking/saving account that you’re withdrawing from even earning 3% a year? Probably not.

At Your Bank or Credit Union

There simplest way to avoid ATM fees is to only withdraw money from your own bank or credit union. Sometimes this requires a little thinking ahead and getting cash for the weekend ahead of time, but this a simple way to stop paying ATM fees without getting a new bank or credit union. Most credit unions, and even some banks, belong to networks that allow you to use ATMs (or branch services) at any credit union or bank within the network for free. Just look for the network logo of your bank or credit union on ATMs.

At Any ATM

Another way to avoid paying ATM fees is to join a bank or credit union that pays your ATM fees for you. Many banks and credit unions are beginning to offer to pay or reimburse ATM fees. Most online banks that do not have brick and mortar branches offer to pay for a certain amount of ATM fees from any ATM. Either way, if you are willing to join a new bank or credit union many are willing to pay ATM fees from any ATM, which can be very convenient.