My bank is charging me automated teller machine (ATM) fees. Is this legal?
Yes. Federal law allows banks to charge fees, including service fees. The bank is required to disclose to you any fees associated with an account before you open the account.
Another federal law requires ATM operators to provide notice to consumers that a fee will be charged. The notice must be given before the consumer is committed to paying the fee, and the notice must either appear on the screen be provided on paper.
Review your account agreement and the bank's current fee schedule for policies specific to your bank and your account.
Generally, all fees are determined on a competitive basis within the market. Banks are advised to make the decision on the type, amount, and method of calculation based on sound banking judgment and safe and sound banking principles.
If you feel that your bank's ATM fees are too high, you can shop around and ask other banks about their fee schedules.
Refer to 12 CFR 7 "Bank Activities and Operations" and 12 CFR 1005 "Electronic Fund Transfers (Regulation E)".
Last Reviewed: April 2021
Please note: The terms "bank" and "banks" used in these answers generally refer to national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches or agencies of foreign banking organizations that are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Find out if the OCC regulates your bank. Information provided on HelpWithMyBank.gov should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion of the OCC.