The easiest way to get free ATM withdrawals in Canada is to sign up for a bank account that waives withdrawal fees.
Withdrawing cash only from your own bank’s ATMs will also ensure you don’t pay a fee for this service. And if your bank account allows a limited number of free withdrawals a month, stay within that range to avoid extra fees.
Key Takeaways
- The EQ Bank Personal Account is the best account for waiving ATM fees.
- Using your bank's branded ATM will save you from paying ATM fees, or you can just ask for cash back at the grocery store.
1. Get a bank account with free ATM withdrawals
Signing up for a bank account offering free withdrawals is the easiest way to avoid paying extra fees when visiting an ATM. Some bank accounts come with free ATM withdrawals anywhere in Canada, while others offer free worldwide ATM withdrawals.
Best bank accounts with free ATM withdrawals for November 2025
Some best bank accounts include free ATM withdrawals in the list of account features, and the EQ Bank Personal Account is the best one you'll find. With this account, you'll be reimbursed for any ATM fees incurred at any machine anywhere in Canada.
Here's a look at the top 5 bank accounts in Canada that offer free ATM withdrawals:
| Account name | Details | Apply here |
|---|---|---|
| EQ Bank Personal Account | * Free withdrawals from any Canadian ATM (fees are reimbursed) * $0 monthly fee * Unlimited transactions * No minimum balance requirements * Earn 2.75% interest |
Apply here |
| Scotiabank Ultimate Package | * Free ATM withdrawals worldwide * $30.95 monthly fee * Waive monthly fees with minimum $6,000 balance * Unlimited transactions * $700 cash welcome bonus * $100 GeniusCash bonus |
Apply here |
| TD Unlimited Chequing Account | * Free ATM withdrawals worldwide * $17.95 monthly fee * Waive monthly fees with minimum $5,000 balance * Unlimited transactions * $700 cash welcome bonus |
Apply here |
| BMO Performance Chequing Account | * Free ATM withdrawals worldwide * $17.95 monthly fee * Waive monthly fees with minimum $4,000 balance * Unlimited transactions * $700 cash welcome bonus * $50 GeniusCash bonus | Apply here |
| Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account | * Free withdrawals with THE EXCHANGE Network * $0.00 monthly fee * Unlimited transactions * Welcome bonus provides $150 * A full-service banking institution * $100 GeniusCash bonus |
Apply here |
2. Use your bank’s branded ATMs
So long as your bank account waives withdrawal fees, using their branded ATMs is the easiest way to avoid ATM withdrawal fees. Not all bank accounts come with free withdrawals – talk to your banking representative to ensure your account comes with this perk.
How to find your bank’s ATMs
You can find your bank’s ATM by using its website or smartphone app to find the closest branded ATM. Locate an ATM owned by one of Canada’s big banks with the locators below.
| Bank | Locator |
|---|---|
| BMO | BMO branch and ATM locator |
| CIBC | CIBC branch and ATM locator |
| RBC | RBC branch and ATM locator |
| Scotiabank | Scotiabank branch and ATM locator |
| TD | TD branch and ATM locator |
3. Get cash back at the grocery store
In lieu of going to an ATM, you can get cash back at participating grocery stores. When using a debit card to make a purchase, you can ask for cash back – the cashier will give you the requested amount of cash, which is added to your purchase total.
Most stores that offer cash back do not charge a fee for this, but be sure to ask first.
4. Use an ATM Network
Some Canadian financial institutions are part of larger ATM networks, allowing their customers to make fee-free withdrawals at any ATM within those networks.
Global ATM Alliance
Scotiabank is a founding member of the Global ATM Alliance, meaning its customers can use this network’s 44,000 ATMs all over the world free of charge.
Allpoint Network
The Allpoint Network allows Canadian customers of financial institutions within the EXCHANGE Network to make fee-free withdrawals at Allpoint ATMs. National Bank is a member of the EXCHANGE Network, but Canada’s big banks are not – only smaller Canadian banks and credit unions are part of the EXCHANGE network.
How to find a network ATM
You can use Scotiabank’s branch and ATM locator to find ATMs within the Global ATM Alliance. Use Allpoint’s locator to find ATMs within that network.
5. Visit a bank branch
Visiting a bank branch and getting a representative’s help to withdraw cash costs you nothing – you won’t be charged anything for this service.
Common ATM fees
Here are the types of bank fees often charged at ATMs, what they mean, and who charges them:
- Network access fee: Charged by ATMs that aren't affiliated with your bank. Paid to the bank that owns the machine.
- Convenience fee: A fee charged by independently owned ATMs. Paid to both the machine's owner and your own bank, so you usually pay it twice.
- Foreign machine fee: A fee for using a machine outside of Canada. Paid to the bank or independent owner of the machine.
- Currency conversion fee: Charged when you request a currency other than CAD (therefore usually only charged by machines in other countries). Paid to the bank or independent owner of the machine.
- Transaction decline fee: Charged when you have insufficient funds to cover the transaction. Paid to the bank or independent owner of the machine.
$25 GeniusCash + Total of $60 off your first four orders + free delivery (Eligible for New Customers in ON and QC only)
FAQ
Are there bank accounts with free international ATM withdrawals?
Yes, there are some bank accounts that offer free international ATM withdrawals. The Scotiabank Ultimate Package is one example – you get unlimited transactions, including ATM usage around the globe, all for a $30.95 monthly fee.
What banks offer free ATM withdrawals?
EQ Bank, Scotiabank, TD, and Laurentian Bank are a few examples of banks that waive ATM withdrawal fees for customers with certain chequing accounts. Credit unions also waive these fees sometimes, including Coast Capital Savings in BC.
How much money can I withdraw at an ATM?
Banks often set their own daily withdrawal limits. For many Canadian banks, the standard ATM withdrawal limit is between $300 and $1,000 per day. Some accounts may have higher or lower limits based on the account type. Premium or business accounts might have higher limits compared to basic personal accounts.
Who has the cheapest ATM withdrawal fees?
Of the big 5 banks in Canada, RBC and TD are the 2 with the lowest fees for ATM usage. They both charge $2 for domestic ATM use, $3 for US ATM use, and $5 for global ATM use.
Do I get free ATM withdrawals with my TD account?
The TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan and TD Unlimited Chequing Account both include complimentary ATM use within Canada. If you're looking for more, those holding a TD Unlimited Chequing Account can also use global ATMs at no cost.
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