Can a Debit Card From a Different Bank Be Used at Another Bank?

If you have a debit card from one bank, you usually can use it at another bank's ATM to withdraw cash. In some cases, if the banks are part of a network that allows you to do so, you may even be able to use another bank's ATMs to deposit money. Either your bank or the other bank might charge you for using an ATM outside your network, so it's good to make sure you understand what fees apply before doing so.

You generally can use your debit card to withdraw money at an ATM owned by another bank, or at an ATM owned by a third-party provider in a location such as a convenience store or restaurant. Both your bank and the owner of the ATM could charge you a fee for the transaction by deducting it from your bank balance. Some ATMs allow you to do certain things, especially check your balance, without paying a fee.

If the ATM that you're using is outside the United States, you might be charged a larger fee, plus a currency conversion surcharge for withdrawing money from your U.S. bank account in whatever foreign currency the ATM provides.

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In some cases, bank ATMs and other ATMs may be part of networks allowing customers from participating institutions to use other ATMs in the network without a fee. You can check with your bank to see if it's part of such a network and often locate nearby ATMs in the network by searching online or via the bank's mobile app.

Some banks also don't charge you for using out-of-network ATMs and even will refund what those ATMs charge you to use them. Some banks cap the number or dollar amount of ATM fees they will refund per month. Check with your bank to see if it offers such a program.

If you find yourself getting charged lots of fees to access your money, you might want to move some or all of your funds to a bank that offers a reciprocal program with another bank or to one that has more ATMs near where you live or work.

In some cases, you can deposit cash or checks at an ATM owned by another bank. Some banks are part of networks that agree to accept deposits for one another, letting you make deposits at their ATMs and direct them to your own bank. Depending on your bank's policies, it might take some time for these deposits to be available in your account.

In some cases, you can ask for "cash back" when paying for something with a debit card at a retail store. You'll have to select "debit," rather than "credit," when paying and enter your PIN rather than signing. In addition to making your purchase, you'll be charged for the extra funds you'll receive in cash from the store's register.

In some cases, you can avoid ATM fees by using this feature, though some banks or retailers may charge a fee for the service.

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