Out-of-network fees for making ATM withdrawals reaches record-high

Bank survey shows average cost jumped nearly 3 percent

Consumers who withdraw cash from an ATM that is not in their bank’s network are paying record-high fees.

Greg McBride, chief financial analyst with Bankrate.com, told News 6 that ATM fees hit a record high for the 11th year in a row.

“The bottom line is you’re paying for convenience,”  McBride said. “You are typically paying two fees not one.”

Out-of-network withdrawals from the ATM will mean a fee to the ATM owner as well as a second fee to the bank. Together, it can cost more than $5 to withdraw cash.

Bankrate.com released a survey of banks in the 25 markets this month that found the average total cost of an out-of-network ATM withdrawal is now $4.69, up 2.6 percent from $4.57 last year.

In fact, according to Bankrate.com, ATM fees are up 55 percent over the past decade.

McBride told News 6 that Bankrate.com has been tracking ATM and overdraft fees for the past 20 years.

Tips to avoid fees:
1.    Don’t go out of network
2.    Get cash at point of sale, such as a grocery store
3.    Know your bank or credit union ATM locations
4.    Monitor your checking account via a bank app
5.    No overdraft protection for the ATM

McBride told News 6 the ATM overdraft protection is a big mistake.

“You don’t want to pay $40 for a cup of coffee,” he said.

For more information on the bank fee survey, click here.
 


About the Author:

News 6’s Emmy Award-winning Investigative Reporter Mike Holfeld has made Central Florida history with major investigations that have led to new policies, legislative proposals and even -- state and national laws. If you have an issue or story idea, call Mike's office at 407-521-1322.

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