What ATM Can I Use for a Credit Union?

Credit unions, while often perceived as local financial institutions, offer their members broad access to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) across the nation. This is achieved through participation in various ATM networks and shared branching initiatives. Understanding these networks allows credit union members to manage their finances and access cash without incurring unnecessary fees, whether at home or traveling.

Credit Union ATM Networks

Credit unions expand ATM access for their members by joining large interbank networks. The CO-OP ATM Network, for instance, is a credit union-owned network providing access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, including many deposit-taking locations. This network allows members of participating credit unions to use ATMs at other credit unions and some retail locations, as if they were their home branch. Similarly, the Allpoint Network offers access to over 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs globally, often found in major retail stores, providing another option for cash access.

Beyond these credit union-centric networks, credit unions also connect to broader interbank networks such as Plus, Pulse, and Cirrus. These universal networks enable debit card holders to access funds from virtually any ATM worldwide, though using ATMs outside of the surcharge-free networks may incur fees. Credit unions are also part of a “shared branching” network, which offers convenience for transactions. Shared branching allows credit union members to conduct transactions like deposits, withdrawals, and loan payments at the physical branches of other participating credit unions, much like they would at their own credit union. This cooperative model expands the physical footprint for credit union members, offering more locations than many large traditional banks.

Finding Surcharge-Free ATMs

Locating a surcharge-free ATM is straightforward for credit union members. Credit unions offer mobile banking applications that include a built-in ATM locator tool. These in-app locators can pinpoint nearby surcharge-free ATMs within the networks their credit union participates in, ensuring access to cash.

Members can also use the locator websites provided by the major ATM networks, such as the CO-OP ATM locator or the Allpoint locator. These websites allow users to search for ATMs by location, including specific addresses or zip codes. When at an ATM, members should look for the logos of their credit union’s affiliated networks, like CO-OP or Allpoint, displayed on the machine to confirm it is a surcharge-free option. Using these resources helps members avoid unexpected fees when withdrawing cash.

Using Bank ATMs and Associated Fees

While credit union members primarily benefit from surcharge-free networks, they can still use ATMs operated by traditional banks. However, using these “out-of-network” ATMs results in two types of fees. The first is a surcharge levied by the ATM owner, which can range from approximately $2.50 to $3.50 per transaction, and in some cities, may exceed $5.00.

The second fee is an “out-of-network” or “foreign” fee charged by the member’s own credit union for using an ATM outside its preferred network. This fee ranges from $1.00 to $2.50 per transaction. Therefore, a single transaction at an out-of-network bank ATM could incur a combined cost of $4.00 to over $6.00. It is advisable for members to review their specific credit union’s fee schedule or contact member services to understand their policy on out-of-network ATM transactions, as some credit unions may reimburse a certain number of these fees.