London ATM fees: What you really pay and how to avoid them

When you pull cash from an ATM in London, you might think you’re just getting money—but you could be paying London ATM fees without even knowing it. These fees aren’t always obvious. Some come from your own bank. Others come from the ATM owner. And a few? They’re sneaky surcharges slapped on by machines in tourist hotspots or transport hubs. It’s not just a few pounds here and there—it adds up fast if you’re not careful.

Most UK banks don’t charge you for using their own ATMs, but once you step outside that network, things change. If you’re using a Barclays ATM, a major UK bank’s cash machine network and you’re a NatWest customer, you won’t pay a fee. But if you grab cash from a Tesco ATM, a retail-based cash machine often found in supermarkets or a Travelex kiosk, a currency exchange machine common at airports and train stations, you could be hit with £2–£3 per withdrawal. Even worse, some machines in places like Heathrow or Covent Garden charge extra just for being there. These aren’t your bank’s doing—they’re the ATM operator’s profit grab.

Here’s the truth: if you’re carrying cash in London, you’re likely paying more than you should. The good news? You don’t have to. Most major banks in the UK offer free cash withdrawals at any ATM that’s part of the LINK network. That’s over 70,000 machines across the country, including ones in convenience stores, pharmacies, and high streets. Look for the LINK logo. Avoid standalone machines with no clear bank branding. And never, ever use an ATM that asks you to choose a currency before you withdraw—that’s how Travelex and others lock you into bad exchange rates and hidden fees.

There’s also a hidden layer: some Tube stations and airport terminals have ATMs that don’t even tell you the fee until after you’ve pressed confirm. That’s not illegal, but it’s not fair. TfL doesn’t run these machines, but they let them sit right next to ticket machines, making you think they’re official. They’re not. And if you’re using a foreign card? You’re probably getting hit twice—once by the ATM owner, once by your own bank’s foreign transaction fee.

So how do you beat this? Plan ahead. Withdraw cash at your own bank branch or a LINK-branded machine near your hotel. Use contactless or Apple Pay when you can—most places in London accept it. If you must use cash, check your bank’s app first. Many now show nearby fee-free ATMs. And if you’re charged unfairly? You can often get it back. Some banks will refund ATM surcharges if you complain. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s worth trying.

This page pulls together real advice from people who’ve been burned by hidden fees, missed refunds, and surprise charges. You’ll find guides on where to find the cheapest cash, how to spot scam machines, and which spots in London are safest for withdrawals. No fluff. Just what works—based on what locals actually do.