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Money & Costs Updated April 2026

ATMs in the UK — Tips & Fees

How to get free cash in the UK, which ATMs have fees, and the DCC trap that costs tourists 5-7% per withdrawal.

InfoUK.org · Independent guide · Not affiliated with any government

The LINK network connects 50,000+ ATMs across the UK. If an ATM shows the LINK logo and your card logo (Visa/Mastercard), you can use it free (unless it explicitly says it charges).

  • Inside bank branches: always free
  • Supermarket ATMs (Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA, Morrisons): mostly free
  • Post Office ATMs: free
  • Train station ATMs: mostly free at major stations
  • Airport ATMs: check for fees — sometimes free, sometimes £3

ATMs to Avoid

  • Standalone "cash machine" ATMs in corner shops, petrol stations, pubs, nightclubs — typically £1.50-3 per withdrawal
  • "EuroNet" yellow/pink ATMs at airports — worst DCC rates, often 5-7% markup
  • Tourist area ATMs with fees hidden — screen shows fees only after you insert card
  • Casino/hotel ATMs — always charge

The DCC Trap

Dynamic Currency Conversion is the ATM (or shop card terminal) offering to charge you in your home currency instead of GBP. Always decline.

The ATM's exchange rate is typically 5-7% worse than your bank's. You lose money on every transaction.

  • ATM prompt: "Withdraw £200 in GBP — or — $260 in USD"
  • Always choose: GBP (your bank converts using the real mid-market rate)
  • Shop card terminal: same — always pay in GBP, not your home currency
⚠️ Even worse: some card terminals auto-select home currency without asking. Watch the card terminal screen and press "Other currency" or hit the red X if you see anything other than GBP.

Daily Limits

  • ATM hardware typically dispenses £10, £20, £50 notes
  • Most UK ATMs: max £300 per withdrawal
  • Your bank: typically £250-500 per day
  • Revolut/Wise: £200-1,000/day depending on tier
  • Large withdrawals (£500+): go to bank counter inside branch

Safety Tips

  • Use ATMs attached to banks — no skimmers possible
  • Cover the keypad when entering PIN
  • Check for skimmers: loose card slot, extra plastic
  • Don't count cash openly at the ATM
  • Enable bank notifications for all transactions
  • If card gets stuck: call the bank NOT a stranger. Scammers watch ATMs and offer "help".
💳 Best strategy: Withdraw £200-300 at arrival (airport LINK ATM or Tesco) for cash buffer. Use contactless card for 95%+ of purchases — UK is nearly cashless.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Are UK ATMs free?

Most are. LINK-network ATMs (at banks, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Post Offices) are free. Standalone ATMs in shops/pubs charge £1.50-3.

What's the UK ATM withdrawal limit?

Typically £250-500 per day, set by your own bank. LINK ATMs enforce your card's home limit.

What is DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion)?

When the ATM offers to convert GBP to your home currency. Always decline — the ATM's rate is 5-7% worse than your bank's.

Can I use an American card at UK ATMs?

Yes — any Visa/Mastercard works. You'll pay your bank's foreign transaction + ATM fees unless using Wise, Revolut or Chase.