Plan Ahead to Avoid ATM Fees

How many times have you been in a rush to get cash from the ATM and decided to simply use the most convenient ATM? Unfortunately, that often means you are using a machine that is not from your bank or out of your bank’s network.

The fees imposed by the bank that owns the machine, as well as possible fees from your own bank, can really add up over time. While the fees may seem like a small price to pay for the convenience, you can usually avoid the fees with some simple planning.

Take a few minutes to map out where the closest non-fee ATM is located in relation to your office and your home. On days when I do not bring a lunch to work, I take the few minutes to stop at the bank near my office that is in my bank’s network to get some money rather than wait until the last minute and use the machine in my office building.

When I have plans on the weekend, I will stop at my bank on the way home from work on Wednesday or Thursday rather than waiting until I am near the restaurant on Friday night. These simple examples of planning ahead come with the reward of saving me the few dollars in fees. Again, it might not seem like much but even saving $3-$5 per month in fees can add up to a nice annual savings.

Do you have any other tips that have worked well in your efforts to avoid ATM fees?