ATM Fee Reports: A Guide to Forex Trading
Recent trends in ATM fee reports have made it more important than ever for consumers to be aware of the charges associated with ATM transactions. In this article, we will explore what ATM fee reports are, how they are compiled, how to understand the data that is reported, and the implications of the ATM fee trend for consumers.
Understanding ATM Fees
ATM fees are charged by the ATM operator and the financial institution of the consumer. ATM operators charge for the use of their ATM, while the consumer’s financial institution can charge fees for use of an out-of-network ATM. An ATM fee is an amount of money charged when a customer uses a foreign ATM. This fee can come from either the ATM operator or the customer’s own financial institution and varies depending on the type of transaction.
The business models for ATM operators differ across institutions, but generally they either charge a flat fee for a transaction or they receive a percentage of the transaction. This means that the consumer’s bank may have a different model than the ATM operators, resulting in different fees for the same service. As such, the ATM fee charged by consumers’ own financial institutions for use of foreign ATMs appears to be less potentially harmful for their wallet than the fee the customers pay to the ATM operators.
ATM Fees Impact Consumers
The amounts of fees that consumers incur to withdraw cash in the form of ATM fees can vary significantly. According to a Bankrate study, the average out-of-network ATM fee was $4.50 in 2020. Furthermore, the combined domestic and foreign ATM fees reached record highs at $12.45 in 2019. Such fees can have a long-term impact on a customer’s pocket.
The fees are particularly concerning when factoring in NSF Fees. Banks typically charge a NSF fee for each transaction, and these fees too can be costly as they can have ripple effects similar to overdraft fees. In short, they can add up quickly, eating away at precious funds.
Strategies for Avoiding ATM Fees
Luckily, there are steps that customers can take to make sure they’re not unnecessarily charged fees when they use an ATM.
Firstly, it’s important to research which banks do not charge ATM fees. Banks with no ATM fees are hard to find, but they exist. We feature banks that reimburse domestic and international ATM fees as well as banks that offer nationwide access with no fees.
An increasingly popular route is to use a fee-free ATM network. Companies such as Allpoint® and MoneyPass® offer free transactions at their ATMs around the US and abroad. Additionally, customers can use their bank’s app to locate which fee-free networks their bank has partnered with.
Next, customers should weigh the convenience of an ATM with the associated fees. For example, if the fee for using an ATM is higher than the fee for making a purchase with a debit card, the customer may be better served by using their debit card instead.
Last, customers should consider depositing their cash at their own bank’s ATM. Most banks do not charge a fee for depositing cash but do charge when withdrawing cash from an out-of-network ATM.
With these strategies in mind, customers can avoid costly ATM fees and keep their finances in check.