Clark Howard

These 5 cities have the worst ATM fees

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Taking cash out of an ATM is getting more expensive! ATM fees hit a record high for the 11th year in a row, according to a new Bankrate.com study.

The average total cost of an out-of-network ATM withdrawal is now $4.69, up 2.6% from last year.

RELATED: How to choose and switch to a better bank for you

ATM fees have set a new record! Here’s where they’re the worst

When using an out-of-network ATM, consumers are typically hit with two different fees: First you pay a surcharge to the ATM’s owner, and then your own bank charges you for using a non-network ATM.

It should come as no surprise that Bankrate found both of those fees are on the rise:

  • Average ATM surcharge: $2.97
  • Average non-network ATM fee: $1.72

Bankrate said that consumers in Pittsburgh face the highest average out-of-network ATM fee of the top 25 major metro areas, while those in Dallas have the lowest.

These cities have the highest and lowest ATM fees

Highest average ATM fee

  • Pittsburgh: $5.19
  • New York: $5.14
  • Washington, D.C.: $5.11 (tie)
  • Cleveland: $5.11 (tie)
  • Atlanta: $5.05

Lowest average ATM fee

  • Cincinnati: $4.30
  • Seattle: $4.29
  • San Francisco: $4.23
  • Milwaukee: $4.19
  • Dallas: $4.07

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Clark: You can avoid ATM fees

Money expert Clark Howard says you never have to pay ATM fees again! It just takes a little bit of organization.

The easiest way to avoid ATM fees is to only use your bank’s ATM. You can download your financial institution’s smartphone app or check their website to find an ATM that’s in your network.

If there are no fee-free ATMs nearby, switch your bank! Some credit unions and online banks will refund ATM fees.

We know that just thinking about moving your checking and savings accounts to a new bank can be overwhelming, so Clark has a step-by-step guide to help you switch to a better bank for you.

Read more about our #SwitchDitchSave movement here!