My bank is charging me ATM fees. Is this legal? (2024)

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Yes. Federal law allows banks to charge fees, including service fees. The bank is required to disclose to you any fees associated with an account before you open the account.

Another federal law requires ATM operators to provide notice to consumers that a fee will be charged. The notice must be given before the consumer is committed to paying the fee, and the notice must either appear on the screen be provided on paper.

Review your account agreement and the bank's current fee schedule for policies specific to your bank and your account.

Generally, all fees are determined on a competitive basis within the market. Banks are advised to make the decision on the type, amount, and method of calculation based on sound banking judgment and safe and sound banking principles.

If you feel that your bank's ATM fees are too high, you can shop around and ask other banks about their fee schedules.

Refer to 12 CFR 7 "Bank Activities and Operations" and 12 CFR 1005 "Electronic Fund Transfers (Regulation E)".

Last Reviewed:April 2021

Please note: The terms "bank" and "banks" used in these answers generally refer to national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches or agencies of foreign banking organizations that are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Find out if the OCC regulates your bank. Information provided on HelpWithMyBank.gov should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion of the OCC.

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My bank is charging me ATM fees. Is this legal? (2024)

FAQs

My bank is charging me ATM fees. Is this legal? ›

Yes. Both your bank or credit union and the owner of the ATM can charge you a fee. Your bank or credit union must disclose its fee in writing when you open your account or when it adds a new fee. The ATM operator must disclose its fee in writing at the ATM itself.

Can you dispute ATM fees? ›

Can you dispute ATM fees? You can typically dispute any unauthorized charge in your checking account or savings account, including ATM fees. If you incurred an ATM fee and it wasn't the result of fraud, you may still be able to request that your bank reimburse you.

Why are ATM fees legal? ›

Federal law allows banks to charge fees, including service fees. The bank is required to disclose to you any fees associated with an account before you open the account. Another federal law requires ATM operators to provide notice to consumers that a fee will be charged.

Are bank maintenance fees legal? ›

Federal law allows banks to charge non-interest charges and fees, including deposit account service charges. Generally, all fees are determined on a competitive basis within the market.

Are ATMs allowed to charge? ›

You will only be charged if; you have a credit card, store card or charge card or your card issuer charges a cash advance fee (this is very unusual), or. if the ATM or cash at the till operator indicates you will be charged.

How do you win an ATM withdrawal dispute? ›

If the ATM makes a mistake and miscalculates your deposit or withdrawal, you should document the event as much as possible, quickly contact the bank or ATM operator and possibly file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if you have trouble getting your funds back.

How are ATM disputes investigated? ›

Bank investigators will usually start with the transaction data and look for likely indicators of fraud. Time stamps, location data, IP addresses, and other elements can be used to prove whether or not the cardholder was involved in the transaction.

How can I get around ATM fees? ›

Ways to avoid ATM fees
  1. Get cash back. When you check out at a grocery store or other retailer, you'll typically have the option to get cash back with the purchase. ...
  2. Find in-network ATMs. ...
  3. Go digital with a payment app. ...
  4. Withdraw larger sums, less frequently. ...
  5. Open an account that reimburses fees.
Nov 2, 2023

Do banks reimburse you for ATM fees? ›

Some banks offer ATM fee reimbursem*nts or refunds, which means that they credit your account for ATM fees you're charged. For example, if you use an out-of-network ATM and are charged a fee by its owner, your bank would credit your account for that fee.

Who determines ATM fees? ›

The surcharge fee may be imposed by the ATM owner (the bank or Independent ATM deployer) and will be charged to the consumer using the machine.

How do I get around bank fees? ›

Here are some proven tips:
  1. Utilize free checking and savings accounts. Many banks still offer them.
  2. Sign up for direct deposit. ...
  3. Keep a minimum balance. ...
  4. Keep multiple accounts at your bank. ...
  5. Use only your bank's ATMs. ...
  6. Don't spend more money than you have. ...
  7. Sign Up for Email or Text Alerts.

What bank doesn't charge ATM fees? ›

Best Checking Accounts With No ATM Fees in 2024
  • Best Overall: Axos Bank.
  • Best for International ATMs: Needham Bank.
  • Best for Debit Card Users: LendingClub.
  • Best From a Credit Union: Alliant Credit Union.
  • Best for Low Fees From a Big Bank: Ally Bank.
  • Best for Overdrafts: Discover® Bank.

What is an excessive withdrawal fee? ›

What Is an Excessive Withdrawal Fee? Excessive transaction fees, also called excess transfer fees, withdrawal limit fees, or excessive withdrawal fees, refer to penalties for excessive withdrawals from a savings or money market account.

What are ATM fees and how can you avoid them? ›

Many banks charge customers for using an out-of-network ATM. The out-of-network ATM provider usually charges you an additional fee. Avoid ATM fees by looking for a bank with a large network or one that refunds out-of-network fees.

What not to do at an ATM? ›

ATM Safety and Security Recommendations
  1. Approaching the ATM.
  2. Using the ATM.
  3. Never tell your access code or PIN to anyone!
  4. Never lend your ATM card to anyone; treat it like cash or a credit card.
  5. ATM Skimmers.
  6. Skimming Scam Prevention Strategies:

Will I be charged to use the ATM or debit card at another bank? ›

Yes. Both your bank or credit union and the owner of the ATM can charge you a fee. Your bank or credit union must disclose its fee in writing when you open your account or when it adds a new fee.

Can you dispute ATM cash deposit? ›

If an ATM accepts your cash or check without depositing your funds or registers an incorrect amount, don't worry! Take a breath, gather evidence, and report it to your bank immediately. Doing so will improve your chances of a quicker resolution and getting the money back where it belongs — in your account.

Can I get back a withdrawal fee? ›

Yes, you can get overdraft fees waived at many financial institutions, but it may depend on the bank. Some banks may have a formal process for fee waivers or may provide auto-deposits from connected accounts. Here are some steps for getting overdraft fees refunded: Simply ask for a refund.

Will an ATM refund my money? ›

If the cash is left unintentionally, it gets retracted so someone else can't walk by and grab it – and the cardholder would be out of luck with no recourse." Tente said it's likely the responsibility of the ATM operator to give back the cash or issue a credit back to the customer.

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