Banks have dramatically increased ATM Use Fees: But there is still a place with a low fee

There has been recent news about Bank of America charging $5/mo for using their ATM.

This blog entry is related to that.  Recently I needed to get some cash.  I have a debit card.  I know that I will be charged a fee for using another bank's ATM.  However, I was surprised by the new Wachovia policy.  When I enterered $200 as the amount I wanted to withdraw, the seemingly usual "disclosure statement" popped up on the ATM screen that I would be charged a fee for using Wachovia's ATM.  In the past this was $1 / transaction.  But lately it was $2.50.   But, on closer examination, the terms have changed.  The fee was $3.50.   Worse than that, the maximum that I could withdraw was $60.  So, they were charging a fee of $5.9%!   I bet this is going to be happening with almost every bank ATM.

BUT... there is one place where the fee is a flat $1.50 per transaction: Walmart.  Find the ATM located usually near customer service.  The machine is actually more than an ATM; it is a general services machine.  It has a "Walmart" label on it.   Pick the "ATM" button and go from there.