Does anyone what know why there a fee for checking your balance at ATM machine without making any withdrawal.?

Question

The machine usually give you a warning about a service charge. I just never heard of this. Has anybody heard of this or this happen to you.

Answer 1

Usually there will only be a fee for checking your balance if you are using an ATM that isn't owned by your bank. So, if you bank with Wells Fargo and use a US Bank ATM, then it costs Wells to send your info to the US Bank system and there will be a fee. It is so the banks make money, yes, but it is also to offset the costs of the automation and all that. To avoid this, call your bank's 1-800 number to check your balance for free or go online. And, if possible, only use ATMs owned by your bank.

Answer 2

A lot of banks charge a fee just for using the machine. On transactions, like checking the balance, with no withdrawal they still charge a fee just for the convenience of using the machine. Check with your bank, though, most banks have an automated line where you can check your balance without having to pay anything.

Answer 3

Banks are in business to make $$$. Some charge fee for any kind of transaction in an ATM. You can check your balance free with online banking. Why not do that?

Answer 4

I know the machines always gives you a warning if you want to know your balance. You know it is going to cost you when you open an account so some banks, account types charge fees for that , that is why we read the contract about the benefits of the account and we take the option. At least it is like that in USA.

Answer 5

Well duh... you think the ATM machines are free? There has to be a way for the bank to pay for them.

And those banks that offer free everything - thats like a magic act (it might look real, but it ISN'T!!!).