Best Banks for Avoiding ATM Fees for November 2023

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If you frequently use ATMs, you’ll likely prioritize finding a bank that has a large ATM network and makes it possible to minimize fees from out-of-network providers. ATM providers can be banks, credit unions, or financial services companies (like MoneyPass or Allpoint) that own ATM machines.

The Best Banks for Avoiding ATM Fees

• Axos Bank: Best online bank for avoiding domestic ATM fees
• Connexus Credit Union: Best credit union for avoiding domestic ATM fees
• Chase Bank: Best national bank for avoiding domestic ATM fees
• Charles Schwab: Best institution for avoiding international ATM fees
• TD Bank: Best regional bank for avoiding domestic ATM fees
• Betterment: Best online banking platform for avoiding domestic ATM fees

Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best banks for avoiding ATM fees. 

Compare the Best Banks for Avoiding ATM Fees

Best Banks For ATM Use: Frequently Asked Questions

Banks for Avoiding ATM Fee Reviews

The best banks for avoiding bank ATM fees have free regional or national ATM networks, so you won’t be charged for using an ATM. Some banks may also refund fees charged by ATM providers.

We’ve included brick-and-mortar banks, online banks, credit unions, and online banking platforms, so you can choose from a variety of options. Read more about our top picks below.

All of the financial institutions on our list are protected by FDIC or NCUA insurance. Although a few financial institutions were shut down in 2023, bear in mind your money is safe at a federally insured financial institution. When a financial institution is federally insured, up to $250,000 per depositor is secure in a bank account.

Axos Bank 

Axos is an online bank that offers unlimited ATM fee reimbursements. It has access to over 91,000 fee-free ATMs through the MoneyPass and Allpoint ATM networks.

Axos Bank Rewards Checking is also a good option if you’re searching for a rewards checking account that allows you to earn interest.

Axos Bank Rewards Checking lets you earn interest in stages. With each goal you accomplish, you’ll earn more interest.

You’ll earn interest on Axos Bank Rewards Checking balances up to $50,000 if you do the following:

1. Earn 0.40% APY when you receive at least $1,500 in direct deposits in a month. You have to meet this requirement to be able to earn any additional interest.
2. Earn 0.30% APY when you make 10 debit card transactions in a month (minimum $3 per transaction) or you need to sign up for Account Aggregation/Personal Finance Manager.
3. Earn 1.00% APY if you keep at least a daily average of $2,500 in an Axos Managed Portfolios Invest Account monthly.
4. Earn 1.00% APY if you keep at least a daily average of $2,500 in an Axos Self-Directed Trading Invest Account monthly.
5. Earn 0.60% APY if you make a monthly Axos consumer loan payment with your Reward Checking account.

If you accomplish all of these goals in a month, you earn the maximum available APY.

New customers may also be eligible for a up to $300 welcome bonus when you use the promo code SUNNYBONUS to apply for a Rewards Checking account and have qualifying direct deposit(s) by 12/31/23.

If you use your debit card internationally, keep in mind there’s a 1% fee for foreign currency conversions.

Connexus

Connexus could be a good option if you would like to bank with an online credit union instead of bank. Connexus is featured in our best credit union guide and provides access to over 54,000 surcharge-free ATMs.

If you get the Connexus Xtraordinary Checking Account, the credit union also reimburses up to $25 per month in other providers’ ATM fees. 

Credit unions require membership to open bank accounts. To become a member of the Connexus Association, make a one-time $5 donation; be an employee, retiree, member, student, student graduate, or relative of a member of certain organizations; residents of areas in Minnesota, Ohio, or Wisconsin; be a relative, spouse, or housemate of a Connexus member. 

Chase

Chase is a solid choice if you want to open a checking account at a national bank. Chase is one of the largest national banks, with over 4,700 branches and 16,000 free ATMs throughout the continental US.

There are 5 types of Chase checking accounts, but Chase Sapphire℠ Banking
will likely be the strongest option for avoiding bank ATM fees. It doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees and reimburses all ATM fees on non-Chase machines.

Chase Sapphire℠ Banking charges a $25 monthly service fee if you do not maintain an average daily balance of $75,000 or more across your Chase bank accounts. If you don’t regularly maintain a high account balance in your bank accounts, you might prefer another financial institution to that reimburses ATM fees. 

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab is an investment platform, but it also has banking products. Its Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account notably offers unlimited refunds for ATM fees worldwide, and it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

When you open the Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking® Account, you’ll also have to open a Schwab brokerage account. If you’re not interested in opening a brokerage account, consider one of our other top picks. 

TD Bank

TD Bank could be an appealing option for people who live on the East Coast and are more comfortable with banking in person instead of online.

There are three types of TD Bank checking accounts, but only the TD Bank Beyond Checking Account waives ATM fees. You will also be reimbursed if you’re charged by an out-of-network ATM provider when you maintain a daily account balance of $2,500 or more. 

TD Bank only has branches in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhone Island, South Carolina, and Vermont. 

The TD Bank Beyond Checking Account also has a $25 monthly service fee. To waive the fee, you must receive $5,000 in monthly direct deposits, maintain a $2,500 minimum daily balance, or keep a total of $25,000 in all TD Bank accounts.

Betterment

You may like Betterment if you are open to getting a checking account with an online investment platform instead of a brick-and-mortar financial institution. Your money is secure in a Betterment Checking Account because it is FDIC insured for up to $250,000 per depositor through the company’s partner bank, NBKC. 

The Betterment Checking Account stands out from other accounts because it reimburses all ATM fees.

Betterment only offers a checking and cash reserve account. If you’d like to open CDs or a money market account, you might prefer a bank or credit union instead.

Bank Alternatives for Avoiding ATM Fees 

Our top picks stood out because they had appealing features. While the accounts listed below weren’t among our picks, you still might consider one of these options.

• LendingClub Rewards Checking Account: The LendingClub Rewards Checking Account offers unlimited ATM fee reimbursements, and has access to 37,000 ATMs through the MoneyPass and SUM ATM networks. However, if you’re searching for a rewards checking account, the Axos Rewards Checking Account may be more appealing. At Axos, you can earn potentially a higher interest rate, and new customers may be eligible for a cash bonus.
• Wells Fargo Prime Checking: Wells Fargo doesn’t charge ATM fees with Prime Checking, but it only reimburses up to two non-Wells Fargo ATM charges from out-of-network providers per fee period.
• Bank of America Advantage Plus Checking Account: Bank of America has over 15,000 ATMs in the US, but to avoid ATM fees you’ll have to be eligible for Preferred Rewards. The Platinum Honors, Diamond, and Diamond Honors tiers offer the most perks to avoid ATM fees, but the lowest tier mentioned — Platinum Honors — requires a 3-month combined average daily balance of $100,000 or more.
• Chime® Checking Account: Chime has access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs, but it charges a $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee. You’ll also have to pay fees from other ATM providers because Chime doesn’t offer any reimbursements.
• Consumers Credit Union Free Rewards Checking Account: Consumers Credit Union offers unlimited reimbursements for all ATM fees, but you’ll need to do the following: 1) sign up for online statements,  2) make 12 or more debit card purchases each month, and 3) receive a total of $500 or more in direct deposits, mobile check deposits, or transfers each month.
• First Citizens Bank Free Checking Account: First Citizens Bank has a smaller ATM network than Chase and TD Bank. There’s also a $2.50 fee on non-First Citizens Bank ATMs if you have a First Citizens Bank Free Checking account and no monthly ATM fee reimbursements.
• SoFi Checking and Savings: SoFi doesn’t charge ATM fees, but it doesn’t offer reimbursements if you’re charged by another provider. 
• Quontic High Interest Checking Account: Quontic Bank has access to a large ATM nationwide network, but it won’t reimburse you for fees from an out-of-network provider. 
• Wealthfront Cash Account: Wealthfront charges a $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee and also doesn’t offer ATM fee reimbursements.
• Discover Cashback Debit Account: Discover doesn’t charge ATM fees. However, you won’t be reimbursed for ATM fees if an out-of-network ATM provider charges you.
• Alliant High-Interest Checking Account: Connexus offers more in monthly ATM rebates than Alliant.
• Fifth Third Momentum® Checking: Fifth Third Bank is part of the Allpoint, Presto!, and 7-Eleven ATM networks, but if you use an out-of-network ATM there’s a $3 fee.
• KeyBank Smart Checking Account: If you use a non-KeyBank ATM, the bank won’t charge you for your first two transactions each month. However, if you make three or more transactions from a non-Key Bank ATM, the bank charges $3 per transaction and won’t reimburse you for any additional charges by the ATM provider.
• Bethpage Federal Credit Union Free Checking Account: Bethpage Federal Credit Union doesn’t charge ATM fees, but it doesn’t offer reimbursements if you’re charged by another provider. 
• Ally Spending Account: Ally will reimburse you up to $10 per month for fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers in the US, while Axos offers unlimited reimbursements.
• CIT Bank eChecking Account: CIT Bank doesn’t have an ATM network. 
• TIAA Bank Basic Checking: TIAA Bank doesn’t charge ATM fees, but it doesn’t offer reimbursements if you’re charged by another provider. 
• USAA Classic Checking: USAA will reimburse you up to $10 per month for fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers in the US, while Axos offers unlimited reimbursements.
• Amalgamated Bank Give-Back Checking Account: Amalgamated Bank charges a $2.50 fee for using non-Amalgamated ATMs.
• America First Credit Union Classic Checking Account: America First Credit Union charges a $1.50 fee for using an out-of-network ATM.
• American Express Business Checking: American Express doesn’t offer reimbursements if you’re charged by another provider. 
• Bank5 Connect High-Interest Checking Account: Bank5 Connect will reimburse you up to $15 per month for fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers in the US, while Axos offers unlimited reimbursements.
• NBKC Everything Account: NBKC will reimburse you up to $12 per month for fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers in the US, but Axos offers unlimited reimbursements.
• Pentagon Federal Credit Union Access America Checking Account: PenFed charges a $1.50 out-of-network ATM fee and also doesn’t offer ATM fee reimbursements.
• Salem Five Direct eOne Checking: Salem Five Direct will reimburse you up to $15 per month for fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers in the US, but Axos offers unlimited reimbursements.

Bank Trustworthiness and BBB Ratings

The Better Business Bureau grades companies based on responses to customer complaints, advertising, and transparency about business practices. Here are the BBB scores for our top picks:

Betterment has an F rating because it received a high volume of customer complaints and has six unresolved customer complaints.

TD Bank and Chase have been involved in recent public settlements. 

In 2020, JP Morgan Chase & Co. paid the Department of Justice $920 million in a settlement that said the bank was involved in wrongful trading. 

In the same year, the US Department of Labor also required Chase to pay $800,000 in back wages in a settlement that accused the bank of underpaying women. 

In 2020, the US Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection required TD Bank to pay $122 million in a settlement that accused the bank of charging customers a Debit Card Advance service without their permission.

Betterment has an F rating because it received a high volume of customer complaints on the BBB website and has six unresolved complaints.

A good BBB rating won’t necessarily guarantee your relationship with a bank will be perfect. Reach out to current customers or read online customer reviews to see if a bank might be right for you.

How to Look at Network Size Before Picking a Bank

One of our top tips for how to choose a bank is to find a bank that is accessible to you. Here are two ways to compare ATM network size:

1. Visit the bank website. Most banks have an ATM locator tool. You can use this tool to see how many nearby ATMs are in your area. National banks may also list the total number of ATMs in an infographic on their bank’s website. Online banks usually do not offer their own ATM networks. However, they often partner with a large network like Allpoint or MoneyPass. Therefore, customers still have free access to thousands of ATMs around the US.
2. If you are looking at a local financial institution, see if it’s part of a shared ATM network. To remain competitive, smaller financial institutions often share locations and services so that members can have access to nationwide resources.

Banks That Reimburse ATM Fees

The following financial institutions and fintech companies offer reimbursement for fees when you use an ATM from another bank or credit union:

• Alliant Credit Union
• Ally
• Axos Bank (Axos Bank Rewards Checking)
• Bank5 Connect
• Bank of America (Must meet requirements for Preferred Rewards)
• Betterment
• Blue Federal Credit Union 
• Charles Schwab
• Chase (Chase Sapphire℠ Banking)
• Connexus Credit Union (Connexus Xtraordinary Checking Account)
• Consumers Credit Union (Must fulfill qualifying activities on Consumers Credit Union Free Rewards Checking Account)
• LendingClub
• NBKC
• Salem Five Direct
• TD Bank (TD Bank Convenience Checking Account)
• USAA
• Wells Fargo (Wells Fargo Prime Checking)

Why You Should Trust Us: Our Expert Panel for the Best Banks for Avoiding ATM Fees

We consulted banking and financial planning experts to inform these picks and provide their advice on how to find the right bank for you.

Here’s what they had to say about choosing a bank. (Some text may be lightly edited for clarity.)

How can someone determine if a bank is suitable for them?

Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor, BoujieBudgets.com:

“The No. 1 thing about a checking account is you should know what provider the debit card is coming from. And a lot of people don’t think about that, because there are places that don’t accept MasterCard or don’t accept an Amex.”

Sophia Acevedo, certified educator in personal finance, banking reporter, Personal Finance Insider:

“Think about which bank accounts you’d like to open and which features you’re looking for. Let’s say you frequently visit ATMs to withdraw money or manage transactions. When you’re deciding on a bank, you’ll want to see if the bank has a national, regional, or local ATM network. You could also refer to the schedules of fees document to review ATM fees and ATM withdrawal limits.” 

How can someone choose between bank and a credit union?

Tania Brown, certified financial planner at SaverLife:

“For most people, it falls into five categories: location, interest rates, services, technology, and relationships. Next, prioritize what’s important and you will have your answer. For instance:

• If multiple regional and national locations are important: Banks typically have more locations than credit unions.
• If the most important thing to you is a high interest rate: Credit unions, on average, offer better interest rates than banks.
• If a lot of services (commercial banking, business banking, investment services, etc.) are valuable to you: Larger banks offers more services than most credit unions. 
• If feeling like a person, not a number, matters to you: Credit unions are known for great personalized customer service.
• If you are a tech junkie: Larger banks typically offer more tech bells and whistles for online users than credit unions.”

What can someone look for in an online bank?

Roger Ma, certified financial planner with lifelaidout® and author of “Work Your Money, Not Your Life”:

“How onerous the transfer process is, transferring money in and transferring money out. Is it same day, next day? Is it pretty easy to sync a brick-and-mortar checking account to this particular high-yield savings account?”

Mykail James, CFEI:

“When it comes to online banks, you want to be a little bit more strict about what type of interest rates they’re providing. That’s the biggest thing, because online banks are supposed to have the higher interest rate because they don’t have the overhead of the brick-and-mortar. You want to make sure that it’s well above the national average.

“What types of securities do they provide? Do they have two-factor identification? If it’s an online bank, they should definitely have — at the bare minimum — two-factor authentication in how easy it is to change your passwords and things like that, because you want to be a little more hypersensitive about the cyber security for a strictly online bank.”

Methodology: How Did We Choose the Best Banks for Avoiding ATM Fees?

Personal Finance Insider’s mission is to help smart people make the best decisions with their money. We understand that “best” is often subjective, so in addition to highlighting the clear benefits of a financial product or account, we outline the limitations, too. We spent hours comparing and contrasting the features and fine print of various products so you don’t have to.

For our guide, we researched over two dozen financial institutions and financial service providers to find options with national or regional ATM networks. Then, we reviewed each institution to find bank accounts that minimize ATM fees for customers. Generally, checking accounts are more likely to offer ways to waive ATM fees than savings accounts. As a result, all of our top picks feature a checking account. We also considered the overall banking experience at each bank by using our rating methodology for checking accounts, which assesses criteria like customer support availability, mobile app ratings, and ethics.