Fees for ATMs, Overdrafts on Rise: Survey

Banks have increased fees for overdrafts and out-of-network ATM transactions in the past year, according to data released Monday by Bankrate.com.

The average surcharge for noncustomers using an out-of-network automated teller machine rose 6% from last year, to $2.77, according to the company's annual checking survey. That marks the 10th straight year that surcharges have increased.

At the same time, the average fee assessed by banks on their own customers for using out-of-network ATMs increased 3%, to $1.58.

"The ATM fees go up at such a rapid clip because it's really low-hanging fruit as far as fee income is concerned," Greg McBride, Bankrate's chief financial analyst, said in a summary of the findings posted on the company's website.

The survey also found a slight uptick in overdraft fees for checking accounts, which climbed 2% from last year, to $32.74.

Meanwhile, the average monthly fee for noninterest checking accounts declined 5% from last year, to $5.26.

The Bankrate survey included 10 banks and thrifts in 25 of the largest U.S. markets.

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