How to get cash without ATM fees

Mobile payment apps and credit cards have made it easier to buy what you need without cash. But what about the times when you need to tip your manicurist (cash only, please) or eat at a restaurant that doesn’t take credit cards?

Given that a Bankrate survey found the cost to withdraw from an out-of-network ATM (meaning an ATM not associated with your debit card) averages $4.86, there’s value in answering this simple question: What ATMs can I use my debit card at without paying fees?

Since the cost of out-of-network ATM transactions can add up quickly, follow these four tips for how to get cash without ATM fees:

Before you discover where to find no-fee ATMs, you need to learn how ATM fees work. You may have noticed that each time you withdraw, or take out, cash from an ATM that’s not connected with your bank, you see a fee. And it might not be just one fee—there could be two separate ones.

When you use out-of-network ATMs, your bank or credit union may pay a small fee to the company that owns the ATM for the transaction. This charge could be paid by you as a non-bank ATM fee.

And those fees likely will only continue to rise. According to the Bankrate survey, the average combined cost to use an out-of-network ATM went up nearly 10 cents from 2024.

You may then be charged a fee directly from the out-of-network ATM itself. Per Bankrate, the average ATM surcharge—the fee charged by the other bank—was $3.22 in 2025, an all-time high.

If you’re wondering what ATMs you can use your debit card at without paying fees, the answer is those that are in your bank’s ATM network.

Find where your local ATMs are located. Make a habit to use them when you are going out and know you will need cash. The ATMs that belong to your financial institution will generally offer free withdrawals.

If you want to get cash without paying an ATM fee, use your bank’s ATM locator. Sarah Hollenbeck, a personal finance and credit expert, says that since so many banks allow you to search their ATM networks online, or within their mobile banking apps, figuring out where to find no-fee ATMs is easy. “This is the best way to make sure the ATM you’re standing in front of is in network,” she says. “I personally haven’t paid an ATM fee in the U.S. in years.”

Finding no-fee ATMs may be easier than you think. Many major banks now have partnerships with stores and gas stations to offer no-fee access to a wide network of ATMs. This lets you get cash without paying an ATM fee, even if your bank doesn’t have a branch in the area. With Capital One, you can find 70,000+ fee-free ATMs at places you already shop, such as select Target, Walgreens and CVS stores.

Need to figure out how to get cash without ATM fees and don’t have access to Wi-Fi or your bank’s app? “As a fail-safe, the ATM itself will disclose any fees via a screen before you complete the transaction (based on the card you’re using). You can then choose to remove your card or opt in to receive the fee,” Hollenbeck says.

To make sure you can get cash without paying an ATM fee, you may also want to learn the locations of the in-network ATMs closest to your home, office and other places you go to often.

If you need cash and can’t find any no-fee ATMs, consider using your debit card to make a small purchase at a grocery or convenience store, such as a pack of gum or bottle of water. Many of the large stores offer you cash back free of charge along with a purchase.

“Thanks to many stores being flexible in accepting cards for even small-dollar transactions, I haven’t found myself in need of cash in a very long time,” Hollenbeck says.

If your child often needs cash for school events or activities, or your co-workers prefer the cash-only food truck every Friday, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. Think about how much cash you’ll need before you leave home. That way, you won’t have to stress over finding an ATM or pay unwanted fees.

ATM fees may not seem like much, but they can add up over time. Knowing how to find fee-free ATMs and other ways to get cash can help you avoid having to pay unwanted charges. A little planning should help you save money while still having cash when you need it.

Some final words of advice on how to get cash without ATM fees:

• Use your bank’s ATM network whenever possible to avoid out-of-network withdrawal fees. 

• Check your bank’s mobile app or website to find nearby fee-free ATMs. 

• Consider cash back at checkout as an alternative to using an ATM.

Now you know how to easily get cash when you need it—without the unwanted ATM fees. Ready for another smart money tip? Capital One’s online process lets you open a 360 Checking account from your couch in about 5 minutes.