Banks are charging higher ATM fees, but here are some ways to skirt around them.

by. Simon Zhen

Rising ATM fees are making it more expensive for consumers who regularly use an out-of-network ATM to withdraw cash. The trend may be the push that some consumers need to find a better checking account or bank.

In the past six months, three of the nation’s largest banks – Bank of America, Citibank and SunTrust Bank – have each hiked their out-of-network ATM fee from $2 to $2.50. At the top 10 U.S. banks, the average out-of-network ATM fee is $2.45, up from $2.25 in November. Then, don’t forget that ATM operator also has the right to slap on a surcharge, usually around $3 to $5.

If ATM fees are becoming a costly expense for you, here are some ways to avoid them:

Find your bank’s ATMs on your smartphone. The biggest reason we resort to using an out-of-network ATM is because ATM machines from our banks are nowhere to be found when we’re in a rush. In many cases, your bank’s ATM could just be around the corner, but you’re in a hurry, so you don’t care to check. Instead, you’re willing to get hit with the ATM cash withdrawal fee, plus any ATM surcharge.

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