Cash & ATMs in United States: Fees, limits, cash, cards

The United States (US), a vast country stretching across North America, offers a diverse array of geographic and urban experiences. From the skyscrapers of New York and the political heart of Washington, D.C., to the natural wonders of Yellowstone and the technological hub of Silicon Valley, each region has its own distinct cultural and historical identity. Knowing the local currency, how to access local cash, and cash and ATMs in United States, and knowing the variety of payment options available are crucial for anyone travelling through the States. This guide offers the financial insights necessary to explore the US’s rich heritage and expansive natural beauty.

You may also enjoy reading Ultimate guide on how to save money for travelling in 2025.

Where can I find ATMs in the US?

In the US, there are over 450,000 ATMs, you can easily find them at:

You can find them at:

• Large airports,
• Big cities,
• Major towns’ main streets for tourists,
• Retail centres,
• Food lanes,
• Bank branches,
• A few office buildings,
• Freeways,
• Gas stations,
• Few large convenience stores,

It will be difficult to find them in:

• Difficult to find at:,
• Small regional airports,
• Local bus terminals,
• Inside small towns,
• Near national parks.,

Best ATMs to use in United States for foreigners

The best ATMs for foreigners to use in United States are those owned by popular banks such as:

Citibank,
Chase,
Regional credit unions,
Wells Fargo,
Bank of America,
SunTruist,
Citizens Bank, and
PNC.

Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency

In the US, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or Charge in USD).

• If you ‘Accept’ – ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate and you pay an extra % fee to the ATM for currency conversion also.
• If you ‘Decline’ – ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).

So, to avoid extra fees while withdrawing cash in United States, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in USD’.

If you’d like to understand more, read ATM fees abroad: Charges to use cards at foreign ATMs explained.

Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in the US?

Yes, many foreign debit and credit cards are widely accepted at ATMs in the US.

For a detailed guide, read Money and Currency in the US.

What are the ATM opening hours?

In most cases, yes, they are open around the clock, every day of the year 24×7. You should have no trouble getting to any of them at any hour of the day or night because many of them are self-contained. Depending on the location, some bank branches may only be open from 9 am to 3 pm.

What do they call ATMs in United States?

They are branded with the term ‘ATM’ specifically or they might only have the name of the bank as signage.

PIN type

In the US, generally, 4-digit PINs are common.
Merchant Card Requirements: Chip-and-PIN cards are becoming more popular due to EMV compliance, although magnetic stripe cards are still widely accepted.

Languages

English is the default language in the ATMs. Use Google Translate’s camera feature to translate the options on your phone in real time if you don’t understand English. Note: Please take your time and complete the transaction without hurrying as these translations are not always accurate.
If you cannot understand English, it’s fine. Use the camera feature of Google Translate to translate the selections on your phone in real time! Note: Because these translations are not always accurate, please take your time and finish the transaction without haste.

Do ATMs in the US work similarly as other countries?

Yes. The majority of them are modern in design and functionality. They resemble those found in the UK, Europe, Australia, and India. Don’t forget to take your card after taking out cash because some of them take it inside completely during the transaction. Additionally, you may choose to convert currencies With Conversion Accept Conversion Without Conversion or Decline Conversion. To avoid optional additional costs, it is generally advised to select Without Conversion or Decline Conversion.

Join the discussion, read and share cash related travel experiences on ATM Fee Saver’s Community Travel Forum at Money & Travel in North & Central America.

What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in the US?

ATMs in the US dispense only the official currency United States Dollar (USD).

ATM withdrawal limits in United States?

ATMs in United States have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of US$ 400 to US$ 1,000, depending on the available cash and location of the ATM.

ATM Fees in United States?

There are some fee-free ATMs in United States. Majority of the bank ATMs charge between US$ 3 to US$ 4 per transaction as ATM Fees to foreign cardholders, if you use standalone ones or those inside bank branches. If you use the them in supermarkets, convenience stores and gas stations, they will charge you up to US$ 6.95 ATM Access Fees. Some bank ATMs, mainly of the regional Credit Unions, do not charge fees to foreign cards. So, there are limited fee-free options in United States for a foreign cardholder.

Apart from Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in the US – something every traveller handling cash in the US should be aware of. These are:

1. Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s currency conversion fee – Some banks charge the card holder a fee to use the card abroad. Cross check with your bank on what the charges are.

How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in the US?

• Use the fee-free or lower fee ATMs in the country. Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find them.
• Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
• Consider getting a fee-free travel card from your home country.
• Get one Visa and one Mastercard fee-free cards as some ATMs abroad accept only Visa and some only Mastercard.
• Avoid using ATMs at the airports, sometimes they have higher fees.

For a detailed guide, read Withdrawing cash abroad? 9 best ways to save foreign ATM fees.

Ways to find fee-free ATMs in the US?

Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in United States. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including United States.

Download now from the App Store or Play Store.

Is it safe to use ATMs in United States?

Yes, generally speaking. There are lots of ATMs with cameras. However, there have been instances of hidden cameras near ATM keypads to obtain your PIN. So cover the PIN pad. There have also been some instances of mugging at gunpoint at ATMs for theft.
To be safe, use precautions such as:

• Use the ones located inside bank branches instead of standalone ones.
• Avoid using those on empty streets or late at night.
• Keep your card visible at all times.
• Cover the PIN pad with the palm of your hand to avoid revealing your PIN to hidden cameras.
• If you find any suspicious devices attached around the keypad area, do not use that ATM.
• Be aware of your surroundings, if you see suspicious people, move away.
• Keep two or more cards as backup.
• If also using your mobile phone for the transaction, avoid using public Wi-Fi. Use VPN for extra protection.

FAQs

What to do if an ATM takes your card?

If an ATM in the US takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retrieve and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.

Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs in United States?

Yes, it is possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in United States. Majority of the bank ATMs charge between US$ 3 to US$ 4 per transaction as ATM Fees to foreign cardholders, if you use standalone ones or those inside bank branches. If you use the them in supermarkets, convenience stores and gas stations, they will charge you up to US$ 6.95 ATM Access Fees. Some bank ATMs, mainly of the regional Credit Unions, do not charge fees to foreign cards. So, there are limited fee-free options in United States for a foreign cardholder.

Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted at ATMs here?

Yes, many cards from the UK, Europe, Australia, India and other countries.

Bitcoin ATMs?

Indeed. In the US, there are more than 38,000 Bitcoin ATMs.

Foreign bank ATMs’ in United States?

Santander: Yes.
HSBC: Yes, some.
Standard Chartered: Yes, some.
Barclays: None.