How to Get ATM Fees Refunded on Visa and Mastercard

Most Visa and Mastercard issuers will refund out-of-network ATM fees if you ask, but the process and limits depend on your specific card and bank

When you withdraw cash from an ATM that is not part of your card's network, you typically pay a fee — sometimes $2 to $3 from the ATM operator, plus another fee from your bank. Many banks that issue Visa and Mastercard will refund one or both of these fees if you request them, but this is not automatic. The refund depends on your account type, your card issuer's policy, and sometimes how often you use out-of-network ATMs.

The fastest way to request a refund is to contact your card issuer's customer service line, usually found on the back of your card. Have your recent statement ready and be able to point to the specific transaction. Some banks process refunds within one to three business days; others may take longer. A few card issuers offer refunds automatically through premium checking or rewards accounts, so checking your account benefits first can save you a phone call.

Key Takeaways

ATM fee refunds are not may provide — they depend on your bank's policy and sometimes your account type, so check your cardholder agreement or call customer service to learn what your card covers.
You must request the refund yourself by calling customer service or using your bank's app or website; refunds do not happen automatically.
Some premium checking accounts and rewards cards include unlimited out-of-network ATM fee refunds as a standard benefit, while basic accounts may refund only a few per month.
Keep your receipt or screenshot of the ATM transaction, because your bank will ask for the date, time, location, and amount to process the refund.
Refunds typically post within one to five business days, though some banks take longer depending on their processing schedule.

How to request an ATM fee refund from your bank

Start by calling the customer service number on the back of your Visa or Mastercard. Tell the representative that you were charged an out-of-network ATM fee and want to request a refund. Have the following information ready: the date of the transaction, the ATM location or name, the amount withdrawn, and the total fee charged.

The representative will look up the transaction in your account history and confirm whether your card's policy covers refunds for that type of fee. If it does, they will usually process the refund on the spot and tell you when it will appear in your account — typically within one to three business days. If your bank denies the request, ask why; some banks refund only a limited number of fees per month or only for ATMs in certain categories.

If you prefer not to call, many banks allow you to request refunds through their mobile app or website. Log into your account, find the transaction in your recent activity, and look for an option to dispute or report the charge. Select "ATM fee refund" or a similar option if available, and provide the details. This method may take longer than a phone call — sometimes five to seven business days — but creates a written record of your request.

Which card issuers refund ATM fees and what the limits are

Refund policies vary widely by bank and account type. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank typically refund out-of-network ATM fees for customers with premium checking accounts or certain rewards cards, but not for basic savings or checking accounts. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover often refund all out-of-network ATM fees with no limit, because they do not operate their own ATM networks.

Credit unions usually refund fees for members who use ATMs outside the shared branching network, though the number of refunds per month may be limited. Regional banks have different policies — some refund fees freely, while others limit refunds to two or three per month.

The best way to know your card's specific policy is to check your cardholder agreement, which you can find on your bank's website or request by phone. Look for sections titled "ATM fees," "out-of-network charges," or "fee refunds." If the agreement does not mention ATM fee refunds, your card likely does not include them as a standard benefit.

Premium accounts and rewards cards that include ATM fee refunds

If you use out-of-network ATMs frequently, switching to a premium account or rewards card may save you money. Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders receive refunds for out-of-network ATM fees charged by the ATM operator (though not the bank's own fee). American Express Platinum cardholders get refunds for out-of-network ATM fees worldwide. Bank of America Platinum Plus checking and Premium Rewards checking accounts include refunds for out-of-network ATM fees.

Many online banks include unlimited ATM fee refunds as a standard feature with no account tier required. Charles Schwab Bank, Ally Bank, and Discover Bank all refund out-of-network ATM fees automatically, with no monthly limit. These banks make their money through other means and use the ATM fee refund as a competitive advantage to attract customers.

Before opening a new account or explore for a card solely for ATM fee refunds, compare the annual fee (if any) against how much you currently spend on ATM fees. If you pay $30 per year in ATM fees and a premium account costs $25 per month, the account does not pay for itself. If you pay $50 or more per year in fees, a premium account or online bank may be worth the switch.

What to do if your bank refuses to refund the fee

If your bank denies your refund request, ask the representative to explain which policy or rule prevents the refund. Some banks refund fees only if you have maintained a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or kept the account open for a certain length of time. Others refund only a set number of fees per month — for example, three refunds per month with no limit on the dollar amount.

If the denial seems unfair or the representative cannot explain it clearly, ask to speak with a supervisor or file a formal complaint through your bank's customer service department. Document the date, time, and name of the representative you spoke with, and keep a copy of your request.

You can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if you believe your bank is not following its own stated policy or is treating you unfairly. The CFPB does not refund fees directly, but it investigates complaints and can pressure banks to change practices. File a complaint at consumerfinance.gov.

How to avoid out-of-network ATM fees in the first place

The easiest way to avoid ATM fees is to use only ATMs operated by your bank or a shared branching network. If your bank is part of a network like Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP, you can use thousands of ATMs nationwide without paying a fee. Ask your bank which network it participates in, or check the ATM locator on your bank's website.

If you travel frequently or live in an area with few ATMs from your bank, consider switching to an online bank or credit union that refunds all out-of-network fees. This eliminates the need to request refunds and gives you access to cash anywhere.

You can also reduce the number of times you withdraw cash by using your debit card for purchases instead. Many people use ATMs out of habit rather than necessity, and cutting back on cash withdrawals naturally reduces out-of-network fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the ATM operator's fee and the bank's fee, or just one?

You typically pay both. The ATM operator charges a fee (usually $2 to $3) for using their machine, and your bank charges a separate fee (usually $1 to $3) for using an out-of-network ATM. Some banks refund only their own fee, while others refund both. Check your cardholder agreement or ask your bank which fees are covered by their refund policy.

How long does it take to see the refund in my account?

Refunds usually appear within one to three business days if you request them by phone, and within five to seven business days if you request them through your bank's app or website. Some banks process refunds on a weekly or monthly schedule, so the timing may vary. Ask the representative when you can expect to see the credit.

Can I request a refund for an ATM fee from months ago?

Most banks will refund fees from the past 30 to 90 days, though some go back further. If the transaction is older than that, your bank may deny the request because it is outside the standard dispute window. Request refunds as soon as you notice the fee to avoid this problem.

What if I used an ATM in another country — will my bank refund that fee?

International ATM fees are usually higher and less likely to be refunded, but some premium cards and online banks do cover them. American Express Platinum, for example, refunds out-of-network ATM fees worldwide. Check your cardholder agreement or call customer service to confirm whether international ATM fees are covered.

Do I need to keep my receipt to request a refund?

You do not need the physical receipt, but you should have the transaction details: the date, time, ATM location, and amount withdrawn. Your bank can look this up in your account history, but having the receipt makes the process faster and gives you proof of the fee if your bank questions the request.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.