In this economy, every cent counts, especially bank fees that give you nothing in return. Banks do not have limitations on what they can charge for ATM fees and will keep increasing the fees as long as people keep paying for it. Here’s how to avoid those annoying ATM fees.

1. When you use your debit card, you can often withdraw cash with your purchase, even if it is only a pack of gum. And it is easier to find a grocery or drug store than it is to find an ATM.

2. Do not use ATM’s that are not part of your bank’s network.

3. Use ATM's that are part of the Surcharge-Free Network that your Bank belongs to.

4. Google for nearby locations of your bank by sending a SMS with the message of bank name zip code or city to googl (no 'e' at the end):

Example: the message would say Bank of America 98001 and you would send it to googl.

5. It is against Visa, MC and AMEX policies for stores to have minimum requirements or to charge a fee for using a debit card. Business can lose their contracts with the credit card company if they find out the business is breaking contract.

6. Avoid privately owned ATM's, such as those in liquor stores. They are not always monitored as part of a sytem and the safeguards to your account and PIN may not be active.

7. Before traveling to another country, find out what fees your bank charges for using ATM's in other countries. If it is too much, switch to another bank. You don't want to come home to huge ATM and credit card fees. Remember that the banks in each country will also tack on a fee.