The Allpoint Network is a network of over 55,000 ATMs worldwide that provides no-fee cash to many consumers.

In other words, if your bank, credit union, or prepaid card provider uses the Allpoint Network, you have a way to get cash from an ATM without being nickel and dimed. It’s also handy if you bank with an online bank that doesn’t offer physical branches or its own ATM locations but belongs to the Allpoint Network.

ATM fees can vary depending on the bank, the location, and the ATM network it's associated with, but it’s common to spend $2 to $4 to take out cash from an ATM. If you have a $2 charge on a $20 bill, 10% of the money you’re about to put in your pocket just went to a bank fee.

So, if you regularly take out cash from an ATM, it’s important to know how to avoid ATM fees and whether your bank belongs to a surcharge-free ATM network. Considering that Allpoint is the largest network, you may want to know more about how it works.

What is the Allpoint ATM Network, and how does it work?

The Allpoint Network is a network of over 55,000 ATMs worldwide. If your debit card is associated with a bank, credit union, or prepaid card provider that works with the Allpoint Network, you won’t be subject to ATM fees when performing transactions at one of these machines. (Out-of-network users, however, are subject to fees.)

So why doesn’t Allpoint charge you an ATM fee? Banks pay Allpoint; customers don’t.

The appeal of a financial institution working with Allpoint is that it doesn’t need to install and maintain its own network of ATMs. When a smaller bank pays to join Allpoint, it can give customers access to fee-free ATMs. A bigger bank with its own ATM network that joins Allpoint can expand its no-fee ATM footprint even further.

Some examples of financial institutions that use Allpoint Network include:

• Academic Federal Credit Union

• APL Federal Credit Union

• Ally Bank

• American Express

• BMO

• Capital One

• Community Resource Credit Union

• Discover Bank

• EverBank

• General Electric Credit Union

• HSBC

• SoFi

• The Southern Credit Union

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Do Allpoint ATMs charge fees?

Allpoint ATMs do not charge fees for in-network customers. Note, however, that when you withdraw money from an Allpoint ATM, you may get a message on the screen that mentions a surcharge.

The message is there to alert customers who don’t have a bank with the Allpoint Network that they may be subject to a fee. If you press “yes” and continue with your transaction, there should be no fee, provided your financial institution is indeed part of the Allpoint network.

In fact, here’s what Allpoint says on its website: “The ATM does not know your card participates in Allpoint until the transaction is completed. This is why you see the ‘surcharge-screen.’ As long as you are using your Allpoint card, and the ATM shows up on our network you will not be charged. Simply press ‘Accept’ and complete your transaction.”

The exception is international transactions; if you’re traveling and pull out cash, your bank may charge a small FX margin or currency conversion fee.

How to find an Allpoint ATM near you

Allpoint Network has an app you can download so you can find an Allpoint ATM location near you.

Still, if you don’t feel up to adding another app to your phone, it may help to know that Allpoint ATMs can be found in popular retailers and airports around the country. Some of the bigger retailers where you may find Allpoint ATMs include:

• Target

• Costco

• Kroger

• CVS

• Walgreens

• Circle K

• Speedway

• Safeway

• Winn Dixie

Keep in mind that just because Allpoint ATMs are often in these chains, it doesn’t mean every ATM in one of these retailers is definitely an Allpoint. The safest way to know is to download the app or go to the Allpoint website and use its ATM locator.

Read more: Guide to ATM safety: Tips for protecting yourself and your money