Paying to access your own money is one of the most frustrating things about using ATMs. And the cost keeps rising.
The average total cost for using an out-of-network ATM hit a record $4.69 per transaction, according to a new Bankrate.com survey.
That’s up 2.6% from a year ago and is 55% higher than 10 years ago.
And the fees are likely to continue to rise, Bankrate.com chief financial analyst Greg McBride said.
“People are smarter about their money, and they are using less cash and making fewer ATM withdrawals,” McBride said.
As fewer people use them banks are having to charge more. But the fees are avoidable and the cost of ATM networks are being borne by non-customers, he said.
Among the top 25 metropolitan areas, Pittsburgh residents encountered the highest fees. The top 5 metro areas with the highest average ATM fee, according to Bankrate.com:
- Pittsburgh: $5.19
- New York: $5.14
- (tie) Washington D.C.: $5.11
- (tie) Cleveland: $5.11
- Atlanta: $5.05
Markets that have a more concentrated market share are more susceptible to higher fees, McBride said.
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In addition to ATM fees, consumers are also facing a rise in overdraft fees.
The average overdraft fee rose to a new high of $33.38 this year after seeing a slight dip in 2016.
Consumers in Philadelphia are hit with the highest average overdraft fee of $35.30 among the top 25 metro areas.
The lowest average fee of $31.44 was found in San Francisco.
What can consumers do about fees?
Fees are easily avoidable if you are proactive, McBride said. Plan ahead as to where and when you make your withdrawal.
And technology is making it easier than ever.
“Knowing where you can make free ATM withdrawals and monitoring your available balance to avoid overdrafts are as close as your smartphone,” McBride said.
He also advises signing up for email and text alerts that let you know when your balance gets below a certain level. That can help you from withdrawing more than you have in your account.
Personal finance web site Credit.com offers these five tips to avoid ATM fees:
- Use your phone to find an ATM in your bank’s network
- Get cash back without paying a fee when using your debit card at stores
- Prepare ahead and make a habit of carrying some cash
- Find a bank that doesn’t charge ATM fees
- Know what’s in your wallet: Use debit or credit cards
