Date: 15.03.2012 Who sets the fees for the use of automatic teller machines (ATMs)?
The amount of fees charged for cash withdrawals at automatic teller machines (ATMs) is not provided for in statute and is defined by the respective operator of the ATM itself. This results in price differences which in some cases may be significant (i.e. several euros).
A notice at the ATM tells you specifically what fees are charged. If you find that they are too high, you can cancel the payment procedure free of charge and use another ATM offering the same service for a lower fee.
Generally, no fees are charged to the customer for withdrawing cash at his bank’s own ATMs. Some credit institutions have joined together to form networks of ATMs (e.g. Cash Group, Cash Pool) and amongst themselves do not charge their customers any fees for cash withdrawals. However, you should take care to ensure that the ATM belongs to the relevant network to which your bank also belongs.
