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Managing your spending with a Sofi ATM can be a bit tricky, especially with all the fees involved. Sofi ATM fees can range from $2.50 to $3.50 per withdrawal, depending on the type of account you have.
Sofi offers a variety of accounts, each with its own fee structure. For example, the Essential account comes with a $2.50 withdrawal fee, while the Premium account has a $2.00 fee.
It's essential to understand these fees to avoid any unexpected charges. By knowing what you're getting into, you can make informed decisions about your spending and stick to your budget.
Non-Network Fees and Limits
Non-network fees can be a real surprise when you're using an ATM. The average out-of-network fee that a bank charges its customers is $1.52. This fee is charged by your bank for using a non-branded or non-partner ATM, and it can apply to any type of transaction performed at an ATM, including withdrawals, transfers, and even balance inquiries.
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The ATM's owner/operator also charges a fee, which averages out to $3.14. So, if you use an out-of-network terminal, be prepared to pay a total of $4.66 per transaction.
It's worth noting that non-network fees can sneak up on you, and you might not even be told about them during your ATM transaction.
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Foreign Fees
Traveling overseas can come with even more watch-outs, such as foreign transaction fees on both purchases and ATM withdrawals. These fees can add up quickly, with an average of 1% to 3% of the transaction amount.
Some financial institutions, however, have no foreign transaction fees, and can be worth looking at if you frequently travel overseas. SoFi is one such institution that offers a robust network of cash machines.
You can incur a fee of around 1% to 3% of the transaction amount when using an ATM in a foreign country. This can be avoided by banking with a financial institution that has a robust network of cash machines.
SoFi has a robust network of cash machines, like the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. This can save you money on foreign transaction fees.
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Planning Ahead
Before you head out for the day, consider whether you'll need cash. Some businesses still operate as cash-only, so check their website to be prepared.
Independent restaurants, stores, and barber shops may require cash, which can be inconvenient if you don't have any. You may get stuck using the nearest ATM, incurring double fees.
It's a good idea to get some cash in advance if you're going to a restaurant, gas station, or store that offers a discount for paying cash. This can save you money and time in the long run.
Making fewer ATM visits can save you time and money, as well as help with budgeting. Taking one larger lump sum can focus you on your spending, rather than grabbing cash here and there without realizing how much you're spending.
Banking and Fees
If you're not careful, using out-of-network ATMs can cost you big time. More than half of ATMs today are owned and serviced by independent operators, not banks, so you could end up paying a fee to your bank and the ATM operator.
You can avoid these fees by banking with an institution that has a robust network of cash machines, like SoFi. They offer a Checking and Savings account with direct deposit that comes with zero account fees and access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally.
Some banks will even reimburse you for out-of-network ATM fees charged by machine providers, up to a certain amount every month. If you suspect you'll use non-network ATMs frequently, consider a bank that will refund you.
Average Fees
The average out-of-network fee charged by a bank to its customers is $1.52.
ATM owners/operators charge an average surcharge of $3.14 when you use an out-of-network terminal.
The total average out-of-network fee is the sum of these two numbers, coming in at $4.66 per transaction.
This can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand these fees and plan accordingly.
Banking
Banks with robust ATM networks can help you avoid fees, like SoFi, which has a network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally.
You can open an online bank account with SoFi and get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), zero account fees, and access to fee-free ATMs worldwide.
Only convenient transactions, such as overdraft transfers and ATM withdrawals, count towards your monthly withdrawal and transaction limits.
Exceeding these limits can result in a fee, and in some cases, your bank may convert your savings account to a checking account or close it altogether.
Savings withdrawal limit fees can range from $1 to $15 per transaction, and you may be able to ask your bank to waive the fee.
To avoid hitting withdrawal limits, try making less frequent withdrawals, which can save you time and money in fees.
Some banks will reimburse ATM fees, and if you're getting hit with fees, you may want to consider switching to an institution that offers this perk.
You can also try visiting the bank in person or using the ATM to initiate withdrawals or transfers from your savings account to avoid penalties.
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Avoiding Fees and Limitations
Traveling overseas can come with even more watch-outs, such as foreign transaction fees on both purchases and ATM withdrawals. You can incur a fee of around 1% to 3% of the transaction amount when using an ATM in a foreign country.
Some financial institutions have no foreign transaction fees, and can be worth looking at if you frequently travel overseas. You may be charged a fee for exceeding the cap set by your bank for savings transactions, and even if your financial institution charges a low (or no) fee, you may still want to watch how many withdrawals or transfers you make.
You can avoid penalties by visiting the bank in person or using the ATM to initiate withdrawals or transfers from your savings account.
3 Tips to Avoid Withdrawal Limits
If your financial institution has withdrawal limits, you can avoid fees by visiting the bank in person to initiate withdrawals or transfers from your savings account. This can also help you avoid out-of-network ATM charges.
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You can also try work-arounds if you're already at your limit. For example, using the ATM to initiate withdrawals or transfers from your savings account can help you avoid penalties.
The 30-day rule can be a useful tool in helping you avoid withdrawal limits. By making a note of the item in your calendar for 30 days into the future, you can often determine if the "gotta have it" feeling will have subsided.
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Try Workarounds When Approaching Limits
If you're approaching your withdrawal limit, don't panic. You can try workarounds to avoid penalties.
Visiting the bank in person can be a good option to initiate withdrawals or transfers from your savings account. This way, you can avoid triggering any out-of-network ATM charges.
You can also use the ATM to initiate withdrawals or transfers from your savings account, but be aware that you may still face fees.
The 30-day rule can help you avoid impulse purchases and stay within your budget. Make a note of the item in your calendar for 30 days into the future, and when the date rolls around, the "gotta have it" feeling may have subsided.
Making less frequent withdrawals can save you time and costs, and help you focus on your spending.
Bottom Line
SoFi Money no longer offers free ATM reimbursement at any ATM worldwide for new customers and customers who opened their accounts after June 9, 2020. This change affects access to cash for many users.
Paying an ATM fee at any ATM outside of the Allpoint ATM network is now the norm for SoFi Money cardholders. The Allpoint ATM network has over 55,000 locations worldwide, which is a significant network, but it's still a limitation.
SoFi Money cardholders will now have to pay for ATM fees, making it essential to plan ahead and use ATMs within the Allpoint network whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw from SoFi at any ATM?
Yes, you can withdraw from your SoFi account at any of the 55,000+ fee-free ATMs worldwide, including popular retail locations. Learn more about SoFi's ATM network and terms.
Does SoFi still reimburse ATM fees?
No, SoFi does not reimburse ATM fees for out-of-network transactions. However, you can use over 55,000 in-network ATMs through our partnership with Allpoint without incurring a fee.
How do I get reimbursed for ATM fees?
Get reimbursed for ATM fees when they clear. Contact customer support if the fee hasn't been reimbursed after clearing
Can I get ATM fees waived?
Yes, some national banks waive ATM fees on certain checking accounts, or offer reimbursement up to a monthly limit. Check if the bank offers a zero-ATM-fee account option to avoid these fees.
Sources
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/how-much-are-atm-fees/
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/avoiding-atm-charges/
- https://frequentmiler.com/beware-sofi-money-upgrade-offers-youll-lose-atm-fee-reimbursements/
- https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/savings-account-withdrawal-limit/
- https://thriftytraveler.com/news/sofi-money-atm-fees/
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