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Nov 03, 2008 -- ATM fees up another 13% this year
Clark has only paid an ATM charge once in 12 years, back in June 1996 in Moab, Utah -- and it still eats at him! He can practically remember the very day! But most of his fellow Americans don't care if they get ripped off with inflated fees for using an ATM as a non-customer.
The annual survey that BankRate.com does of ATM charges shows that they're up another 13% -- to just under $3.50 per transaction. But the big banks can charge up to $5 for non-customers! The highest Clark has ever seen was $10 in a Las Vegas casino!
The only reason the banks can raise their ATM fees every year is because we let them by continuing to use non-affiliated ATMs. There are so many ways to get cash back for free. You can do so by using your debit card at the supermarket or the drug store, or by using an affiliated ATM in your bank or credit union's network. Meanwhile, USAA and some of the online banks will reimburse any fees incurred by customers when using others' ATMs.
So if you've been wasting money like this, stop doing it. Just use the easy alternatives Clark has suggested above.
Unfortunately, Clark won't be able to answer any questions submitted via commenting. If you have a question, please try posting it to our message boards.
We found our bank at http://www.CheckingFinder.com and are earning 6% interest on our balance every month. Additionally, they don't charge any ATM fees and reimburse you for any the other banks charge at the end of the month. The customer service is unreal!
american bank
all I can say is great bank all around!
Never used an ATM or debit card
I've never used an ATM, and I've never had a debit card. I didn't want to have to worry about fees, and I prefer having semi-restricted access (during banking hours only) to my cash. If it's harder for me to get, it's harder for me to spend. :^)
Some banks reimburse ATM fee
I use USAA and they reimburse me (up to a limit) for using any ATM that charges me a fee. They give back rebate fees on up to ten withdraws per month but no more than a total of $15 per month. Here is a link to other banks that do not charge fees.
I've never paid an ATM fee by using credit unions and their ATMs. I can't imagine throwing away $3.50 or more just to get a little cash out of a machine.
ATM Fees
I have never paid an ATM fee in my life, since ATM's first started and never will, I will always use my own banks ATM
American Bank checking is the answer
Free checking with 3% interest and ATM refunds. Just keep a $1000 average (not minimum balance). I've been a customer for almost ten years. http://www.pcbanker.com/Personal/Deposit/checking_rates.asp?mnu2=1
My rip-off bank
U.S. Bank charges an extra $2.00 on top of the other ATM's fees if you use another ATM. We have 5 ATMs in a 12 mile radius of Middletown, OH. The "poorest" area ATM location (a branch at that) is guaranteed out of service on weekends and a coin toss on weekdays. I'll drive the extra 4 miles roundtrip out of my way to get cash. 5 Star Service my *ss. If it wasn't for direct deposit I have set up, I'd fire them.
ATM card fees
Publix is one of the most friendly servers of ATMs out there. Some of their stores charge $0.00 for the service but most charge $1.00
