NEW YORK – ATM fees have hit a record high for the third straight year, while the average overdraft fee has declined, according to a new report.
The average total ATM fee hit $4.86 in 2025 — up from $4.77 last year — according to Bankrate’s latest Checking Account and ATM Fee Study.
Meanwhile, overdraft fees, which Bankrate said are imposed by 94% of accounts, declined one percentage point this year to $26.77.
“Meanwhile, it may be getting harder to avoid monthly service fees for consumers with an interest-earning checking account,” Bankrate said. “The average minimum balance to avoid such a fee has climbed to $10,705, which is up nearly 5% from last year. Those who opt for a non-interest checking account instead will have an easy time finding one that doesn’t charge fees. Nearly half (47%) of all non-interest accounts don’t charge monthly service fees, while another 48% of non-interest accounts will waive the fee if customers sign up for direct deposit.”
Key Findings
Key findings and additional details in the Bankrate analysis include:
• The average total cost of using an out-of-network ATM is now $4.86. It consists of the average surcharge of $3.22 levied by ATM-operating banks, plus the average fee of $1.64 from one’s own bank for using an ATM outside its network.
• The average nonsufficient funds (NSF) fee has fallen for the fourth straight year to a new record low of $16.82.
- For interest checking accounts, the average minimum balance required to avoid service fees has reached a record high. The average monthly fee for interest checking accounts is now $15.65, with the average minimum balance to avoid this fee being $10,705 — up nearly 5% over last year.
- Free checking accounts remain highly accessible. Similar to last year, 47 percent of non-interest checking accounts charge no monthly service fees, while another 48 percent waive the fee for account holders who set up direct deposit
- Free checking accounts remain highly accessible. Similar to last year, 47% of non-interest checking accounts charge no monthly service fees, while another 48% waive the fee for account holders who set up direct deposit.
- Atlanta remains the metropolitan area with the highest ATM fees. The average out-of-network ATM fee in Atlanta is $5.37. Like in 2024, Atlanta has the highest average fee for non-network ATM use, among those metro areas covered in Bankrate’s survey.
- The average out-of-network ATM fee is the highest since 2018 at $1.64. This is up from $1.58 last year and the highest amount over the past seven years. Per the survey, in 39% of cases, banks or specific accounts do not charge customers for out-of-network withdrawals. Among those that do charge a fee, however, increases in the amount eclipsed decreases by an 8-to-1 margin this year.
For the full study, go here.
