Survey: ATM Fees At Record High In America

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Consumers are now paying record high ATM fees, according to a new survey by Bankrate.com.

The average cost for using another bank's ATM nationwide is $4.35 per transaction.

As for the Twin Cities, the survey shows the area has the nation's 12th-highest average ATM fee at $4.44

Experts say the fees are an easy way for banks to generate revenue. But, there are ways to avoid the fees if you plan ahead.

One way is to use your bank's website or mobile phone app to find nearby ATMs. You can also use the get cash back option when you make a purchase at a store.

Overdraft fees and some account maintenance fees were also found to be at record highs.

One good sign from the survey shows that checking fees, which had been moving higher, appear to be stalling. The same is true for the number of free checking accounts, which had been free falling.

Bankrate surveyed the 10 largest banks and thrifts in 25 of the nation's biggest markets from July 10 to Aug. 6, 2014.