Updated March 2026 · ATM fees guide Canada · 5-minute read
$2.00Typical surcharge at non-network ATMs
$3.50Average total ATM cost with operator fees
$0ATM fees at EQ Bank (fully reimbursed)
ATM fees in Canada come from two sources: your own bank's charge for using a non-network machine, and the operator surcharge from the machine owner. A single cash withdrawal can cost $3.50–$5.00 when both fees combine. EQ Bank eliminates this entirely by reimbursing all ATM fees directly to your account.
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ATM Fees by Bank — Canada 2025 Full Comparison
| Bank | Own ATM | Other Bank ATM (your charge) | International ATM | Reimbursement? |
|---|
| EQ Bank | Free (Cirrus/Interac) | Free (reimbursed monthly) | Free (reimbursed up to limit) | Yes — reimburses all ATM fees |
| KOHO | Free (Scotiabank ATMs) | $2.00 | $0 (Premium plan) / $3.00 | Partial (via Scotiabank network) |
| Tangerine | Free (Scotiabank ATMs) | $1.50 | $3.00 | Scotiabank network access free |
| TD Bank | Free | $2.00 surcharge | $3.00 | No |
| RBC | Free | $2.00 surcharge | $3.00–$5.00 | No |
| BMO | Free | $2.00 surcharge | $3.00–$5.00 | No |
| CIBC | Free | $2.00 surcharge | $3.00–$5.00 | No |
| Scotiabank | Free | $2.00 surcharge | $3.00–$5.00 | No |
| National Bank | Free | $2.00 surcharge | $3.00–$5.00 | No |
| Desjardins | Free | $1.50–$2.00 | $3.00–$5.00 | No |
The Hidden Double Fee at ATMs
Many Canadians don't realize ATM fees can come from two different sources simultaneously. When you use a non-network ATM:
- Your bank's convenience fee: $2.00 charged by TD/RBC/BMO/Scotiabank for using another bank's machine
- The ATM operator surcharge: $1.50–$3.50 charged by the machine owner (common at convenience stores, casinos, events)
- Total potential cost: $3.50–$5.50 per withdrawal just to access your own money
EQ Bank eliminates this completely by reimbursing all ATM fees at the end of each month — including the operator surcharges. KOHO provides free access to Scotiabank's extensive ATM network across Canada.
5 Ways to Avoid ATM Fees Completely
- Open an EQ Bank account — they reimburse 100% of ATM fees monthly
- Use KOHO to access Scotiabank's 3,500+ ATMs nationwide for free
- Always use your own bank's ATM network when available
- Get cash back at grocery stores (Sobeys, Loblaw, No Frills — free with any debit purchase)
- Reduce cash use by switching to contactless Visa/Interac payments via KOHO
Frequently Asked Questions — ATM Fees Canada 2025
How much do Canadian banks charge for ATM withdrawals in 2025?
Using your own bank's ATM is always free. Using another bank's ATM typically costs $2.00 from your bank (convenience fee) plus $1.50–$3.50 from the ATM operator — for a total of $3.50–$5.50 per withdrawal. EQ Bank is the exception: they reimburse all ATM fees monthly at no cost to you.
Which Canadian bank has the best ATM access?
EQ Bank is the best for ATM access in Canada because they reimburse all ATM fees monthly, making every ATM effectively free. KOHO and Tangerine both provide access to Scotiabank's large ATM network at no cost. RBC has the largest proprietary ATM network in Canada, which is useful if you specifically want branded machines.
Does EQ Bank actually reimburse ATM fees?
Yes — EQ Bank reimburses all domestic ATM fees each month, including both the convenience fee your bank would charge and the operator surcharge from the machine owner. Reimbursements are credited to your account at the beginning of the following month. There is a monthly maximum for reimbursements, so check EQ Bank's current terms for the exact limit.
What ATMs can KOHO users use for free?
KOHO provides free access to all Scotiabank ATMs across Canada — over 3,500 machines nationwide. KOHO is backed by Peoples Trust and partners with Scotiabank's ATM network. For ATMs outside the Scotiabank network, KOHO's base plan charges $2.00. KOHO's Premium plan has reduced international ATM fees. In practice, Scotiabank ATMs are widely available in most Canadian cities and towns.
Is there a way to get free cash without using an ATM in Canada?
Yes — most major Canadian grocery stores and retailers offer free cash back with any debit purchase. You can request $20–$200 in cash back at checkout at Sobeys, Loblaw/No Frills, Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, and many other retailers. This is completely free with any Interac debit card and is often more convenient than finding an ATM. KOHO works for cash back at many retailers as well.
Do international ATM fees apply when Canadians travel abroad?
Yes — when using ATMs abroad, Canadians face their bank's international ATM fee ($3–$5) plus the local machine's surcharge, plus a foreign currency conversion fee (typically 2.5%). EQ Bank reimburses the ATM fee portion. For international travel, EQ Bank and KOHO Premium significantly reduce ATM costs. Wise and Revolut are also popular for fee-free international ATM access for Canadians abroad.
Disclaimer: ATM fee information is based on publicly available data as of early 2026 and subject to change. KOHO 5% cashback is a promotional rate. This page is for informational purposes only. Bremo.io may earn referral compensation from partner links.