Anyone that pays an ATM / Cash Machine fee is an idiot. Sorry but it’s true.
You either haven’t planned well enough in advance or you’re lazy.
Thankfully most machines are free to use however a third of cash machines – 20,000 across the country – charge for withdrawals, often these are found in petrol stations, shops, bars, train stations & nightclubs.
How to avoid paying the fee:
- Most businesses will offer you cashback, just go in and buy some gum/bottle of drink or something you would be buying anyway and get cashback however most now restrict a minimum spend of £3-£10 so it’s not ideal, going into a supermarket and picking up a few groceries can be a good way around it, especially if you’re going to a nightclub. *excuse me and my carrots*
- Banks always offer free cash – a quick 10 second map search (or use your banks app) will find you one nearby
- Speak to locals, most people will help you get to a free one
- Take your business elsewhere, local businesses will soon realise it’s an issue if you make it obvious that it’s not good enough that there isn’t a free cash machine nearby
- Ask a friend to lend you some money
The above photo was from Mr Kirkwood who in Feb 2015 posted a photo that went viral showing people in Glasgow how to avoid the £1.99 fee by going to a nearby free cash machine.
The average withdrawal fee across the country is £1.70, but 137 machines charge more than £2.50.
At the top end of the spectrum, 28 charge more than £5, and eight charge £10 – but these are in expensive bars rather than High Street shops.
