Does this apply to the zillions of ATMs that aren't run by banks? Because they're pretty convenient, and I'd hate to see them disappear. Buying, maintaining, and filling cash machines costs money.

2) Yes, the bill refers to all "financial institutions."

Just get a credit union account.

Zap - no fees.

@2, what I meant was, many ATMs in places like gas stations and convenience stores aren't run by "financial institutions" as I understand that term. They're run by Joe Blow and his little network of six ATMs.

Coming soon near you, an ATM that charges $3.30.

Schwab checking account for the win.

ATM fees are for suckers.

Dumb dumb dumb. What will this raise in revenue? Like maybe $100,000 per year. Let's say it raises a million bucks.

If your keeping score at home, that would be 0.1% of a billion dollars. And how many billions is the state in deficit?

Hey, that's one dumb idea down and only 999 to go!

@7, if it only raises $100,000 a year, it's going to cost the state money, because it's going to cost way more than that to administer.

get a schwab checking account and debit card and all atm fees become irrelevant. they are all refunded at the end of the month; even a vegas hotel atm that wants $5 will end up being free to use.

and they have the best credit card currently available too.

@9 USAA does the same thing. And it rocks.

I spend most of the year in Greece, but since I live in Seattle, I keep most of my money in a local bank.

So, I have to use a local (Greek) ATM. Not only do I get charged $5 for using an out-of-network ATM (there are no "network" ATMs in Europe, I've checked), for years I also got charged for the exchange rate calculation (dollars to euros and/or vice versa). They did give up the exchange rate charge.

But we can't just take a lump sum of money out each month because 1) the exchange rate changes daily and 2) this is a cash economy. People don't use credit cards except when purchasing big ticket items (like cars) or at grocery stores. If you need a plumber, electrician, or your car repaired - you'd better have cash - because they don't take credit cards. Nor does the pharmacy or the doctor.

In one sense, cash is better because you don't pay interest on it and it alleviates some unnecessary steps toward destitution.

I don't know if this will raise money for the state or not, but it would be nice to not have to keep paying these fees, over and over.

I remember when there were no fees. YOU KIDS GET OFF MY LAWN!

@12 if you pay your damn credit card bill on time there's no interest. actually, you get money interest free for ~30-60 days, that's a hell of a deal. and can can get up to 3% cash back too now with some cards.

@9, @11 -- wait, they refund fees you've paid to OTHER banks? Wow.

@15 yeh i was quite amazed i even called twice asking what the catch was, there is none

Another option to avoid ATM fees is to get a reward checking account at your local bank or credit union. These are new free checking accounts that offer rewards in terms of high interest and ATM fee refunds if you meet monthly requirements. The toughest requirement is using your debit card 10 to 15 times a month (the number varies by bank). Search "reward checking" in Google to find banks offering these accounts.