UK ATM Withdrawal Fee Checker
Calculate exactly how much you’ll pay in fees when using ATMs abroad. No surprises.
Enter the amount you want to withdraw at the ATM
Select your UK bank or card provider
Select where you’ll use the ATM
Leave blank for current market rate estimates
Assumptions & Transparency
Calculations use typical fee structures from UK banks (2024 data). Actual fees may vary based on your specific account type, card, and promotions. Foreign ATM operators may charge additional fees not included here.
Your Withdrawal Cost Breakdown
You’ll receive approximately
from your £200 withdrawal
This means for every £100 you withdraw, you pay £7.25 in fees
⚠️ Common ATM Withdrawal Mistakes
- Accepting dynamic currency conversion (DCC): Always choose to be charged in local currency, not GBP
- Using non-bank ATMs: These often have much higher fees (airports, tourist areas)
- Multiple small withdrawals: Fees are often per transaction, so withdraw larger amounts less frequently
- Not checking daily limits: Your bank may limit daily foreign withdrawals
How the UK ATM Withdrawal Fee Calculator Works
When you use a UK bank card at an ATM abroad, you typically pay four types of fees. Our calculator combines all of these to show your true cost.
Final Amount Received = Withdrawal Amount – (Bank Foreign Transaction Fee + Cash Withdrawal Fee + ATM Operator Fee + Exchange Rate Margin)
Or more specifically:
Amount Received = A – [(A × B%) + C + D + (A × E%)]
Where:
- A = Amount you want to withdraw
- B% = Your bank’s foreign transaction fee percentage
- C = Your bank’s fixed cash withdrawal fee
- D = Foreign ATM operator’s fixed fee
- E% = Exchange rate margin (the spread between market and offered rate)
Tip: Minimise Your Fees
Use specialist travel cards like Revolut, Monzo, or Starling for the lowest fees. These often charge 0% foreign transaction fees up to certain limits and use Mastercard/Visa exchange rates with minimal margin.
Edge Cases and Common Questions
Who pays the most in ATM fees abroad?
Traditional high street bank customers typically pay the highest fees. Banks like HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds often charge:
- 2.75%-3% foreign transaction fees
- £1.50-£2.00 per cash withdrawal fee
- Additional 1.5-2% exchange rate margin
Premium or packaged accounts sometimes offer fee-free foreign withdrawals as a benefit.
What happens when I’m offered “Dynamic Currency Conversion”?
DCC is when the foreign ATM offers to charge you in GBP instead of local currency. Always decline this option. The exchange rate offered is typically 4-8% worse than your bank’s rate, plus you’ll still pay all the regular fees.
Real example: A £200 withdrawal in Spain with DCC might give you only £175 worth of euros, compared to £185 without DCC. That’s an extra £10 lost.
When should I use ATMs vs currency exchange?
ATMs generally offer better rates than airport or hotel currency exchanges, but:
- Use ATMs for getting local currency after you arrive at your destination
- Use currency exchange only for small amounts before travel for immediate expenses (taxi, tips)
- Avoid airport exchanges completely if possible – rates are typically 8-15% worse
Where are ATM fees the highest?
Popular tourist destinations and non-bank ATMs have the highest fees:
- Thailand: 220 THB (£5) fixed fee per withdrawal at most ATMs
- USA: $3-5 fee at non-bank ATMs (convenience stores, casinos)
- UAE: 20 AED (£4.30) at many shopping mall ATMs
- Airports worldwide: Typically 25-50% higher fees than city ATMs
Why do banks charge these fees?
Banks cite several reasons for foreign withdrawal fees:
- Interbank processing costs: Handling transactions across different banking systems
- Currency risk: Banks bear exchange rate fluctuations between transaction and settlement
- Foreign network fees: Paying international card networks (Visa/Mastercard) and local ATM operators
- Revenue stream: A profitable service for banks, especially from infrequent travellers
How can I avoid or reduce ATM fees completely?
Zero-fee options do exist:
- Starling Bank: No fees on foreign withdrawals (fair usage limit applies)
- Monzo: Free up to £200 every 30 days, then 3%
- Revolut: Free up to £1,000/month on standard plans
- Nationwide FlexPlus: No fees as part of £13/month packaged account
- Chase debit card: No foreign transaction fees
ATM Fee Comparison Table
Compare how different UK banks and cards perform for a £200 withdrawal in the Eurozone:
| Bank/Card | Foreign Fee | Withdrawal Fee | You Receive | Total Fee % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starling Bank | 0% | £0 | £194.00 | 3.0%* |
| Monzo | 0%** | £0 | £194.00 | 3.0%* |
| HSBC | 2.75% | £1.50 | £185.50 | 7.25% |
| Barclays | 2.99% | £2.00 | £184.02 | 7.99% |
| Lloyds Bank | 2.99% | £1.50 | £184.52 | 7.74% |
* Assumes €1.17/£1 exchange rate with 1.5% margin + €3 ATM fee. ** Monzo free up to £200/30 days then 3% fee.
Country-Specific ATM Withdrawal Tips
🇪🇺 European Union
- Use bank ATMs (Deutsche Bank, BNP, etc.) not Euronet machines
- Spain/Italy have high ATM fees in tourist areas
- Germany often has no local ATM fees at bank machines
- Decline DCC at every transaction
🇺🇸 United States
- Use bank ATMs inside branches (Chase, Bank of America)
- Avoid standalone ATMs in convenience stores
- Some banks refund ATM fees (Charles Schwab for US residents)
- Withdraw larger amounts to minimize per-transaction fees
🇹🇭 Thailand
- 220 THB (£5) fee at almost all ATMs
- AEON ATMs sometimes have lower fees (150 THB)
- Withdraw maximum allowed to reduce fee frequency
- Consider bringing some cash or using currency exchange for small amounts
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
- Mall ATMs charge high fees (20 AED/£4.30)
- Use bank branch ATMs (Emirates NBD, ADCB)
- Airport ATMs have the worst rates
- Many places accept cards, so withdraw only what you need
Frequently Asked Questions
Are credit cards cheaper for cash abroad?
Almost always no. Credit cards typically charge cash advance fees (3-5%) plus immediate interest from the transaction date. Use debit cards instead.
Do prepaid travel cards save money?
Sometimes, but check the fees carefully. Many have: loading fees, inactivity fees, reload fees, and poor exchange rates. Digital banks often offer better value.
What’s the best day to withdraw foreign currency?
Exchange rates fluctuate constantly. There’s no reliably “best day,” but avoid weekends when spreads are wider. Midweek (Tuesday-Thursday) often has slightly better rates.
Will I be charged twice if the ATM doesn’t dispense cash?
You shouldn’t be. If this happens, immediately contact your bank and the ATM operator. Take photos/video if possible. Disputes can take 30-90 days to resolve.
Is it safer to use ATMs during the day?
Yes, use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations during business hours. Inside bank branches is safest. Avoid isolated ATMs at night.