Airport Atms: Availability And Tips For Travelers

Most major airports have ATMs located within their facilities. For example, Cleveland Hopkins Airport has nine Key Bank ATMs, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport has ATMs for Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has several Bank of America ATMs. These ATMs are usually located in the baggage claim area, near gates, or in the main terminal. Smaller or regional airports may have fewer ATMs or none at all, so it is always a good idea to plan ahead.

ATM locations in airports

When travelling, it's always handy to know where the nearest ATM is located, especially when navigating a large airport. Many airports have ATMs located within their terminals, often in the main concourse or arrivals hall. Some larger airports may have multiple ATMs spread out across different concourses and levels.

For example, at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, ATMs can be found in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with specific locations including the second level across from Gate F1, the ground level between baggage claims 28 and 29, and the second level next to Gates E2 and F2.

At the Salt Lake City International Airport, US Bank ATMs can be found in the Gateway Center on level 3 of the terminal, as well as in Concourse A and Concourse B.

At PHL Airport, Bank of America ATMs are available at various locations, including the International Arrivals Hall, Baggage Claim for carousels 1, 2, and 3, and near Gates A-6, A-8, A-10, and A-12.

Additionally, some airports may have drive-thru ATM options accessible through secondary access lanes, as well as ATM machines located right after passing through security screening points.

Types of ATMs available

When travelling, either locally or overseas, accessing money can be challenging. The fastest solution is often to use an ATM at the airport. However, it is important to be cautious when using ATMs in a foreign country. Here are some tips for using airport ATMs and information about the types of ATMs available:

Bank-Operated ATMs: These are traditional ATMs owned and operated by banks. They are typically found at both the arrival and departure areas of airports. Examples include Bank of America ATMs at PHL Airport and US Bank ATMs at Salt Lake City International Airport. Before your trip, it is recommended to call or inform your local bank about your travel plans so they can provide information about partnerships with foreign banks and their ATM locations.

Non-Bank ATMs: These are ATMs that are not owned by banks but rather by independent companies or exchange services. For example, Euronet ATMs are commonly found in airports. While these can be convenient, it is important to be cautious as they may charge higher fees.

Local Bank ATMs: When travelling internationally, it is often recommended to use ATMs from local, credible banks in the country you are visiting. These may offer better exchange rates and lower fees. For example, when travelling to Japan, using an ATM from a local Japanese bank may be preferable to using an airport ATM.

ATM Networks: Some ATMs are part of larger networks that serve members of specific banks or financial institutions. For example, the US Bank ATMs at Salt Lake City International Airport serve members in networks such as FSV, Fastbank, Plus EBT, and StarP.

Credit Union ATMs: Some travellers recommend using ATMs associated with a credit union, as they may offer more favourable exchange rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks.

When using any ATM at the airport, it is essential to be aware of potential fees and charges, check for security issues, and understand your bank's rules and regulations to avoid confusion and unwanted charges.

Pre-security vs post-security ATMs

Pre-security and post-security ATMs offer the same service but in different locations within the airport. Pre-security ATMs are located before the security checkpoint, in the public area of the airport. These are generally accessible to anyone, including those who are not travelling. Post-security ATMs are located after the security checkpoint, in the secure area of the airport, and are only accessible to passengers who have cleared security.

The main advantage of pre-security ATMs is their accessibility. Anyone can use them, regardless of whether they are travelling or not. This can be especially useful for people who are picking someone up or dropping them off at the airport, as well as for airport staff and employees of airport establishments. Additionally, pre-security ATMs may be less busy since they are accessible to everyone, not just travellers.

On the other hand, post-security ATMs are more convenient for travellers who have already checked in and passed through security. They can be easily accessed by travellers who need cash for their trip, without having to go back through security. This can be particularly useful for travellers who realise they need cash for their destination country after they have already passed through security.

The availability of pre-security and post-security ATMs may vary depending on the airport. Some airports may only have pre-security ATMs, while others may have both options available. It is always a good idea to check the airport's website or contact them directly to find out the specific ATM locations and availability.

When using an ATM at the airport, it is important to be aware of any fees or charges that may apply. Airport ATMs may charge higher transaction fees than ATMs located elsewhere. Additionally, if you are using a foreign ATM, you may incur additional fees, such as foreign transaction fees or currency conversion fees. It is also essential to prioritise your financial safety and be cautious of any potential scams or card skimming devices attached to the ATM.

Credit unions and banks served

When it comes to credit unions and banks served by ATMs at airports, travellers have a variety of options to meet their financial needs. For instance, Fargo Hector Airport (FAR) provides a range of banking services, including ATMs, banks/credit unions, and currency exchange services. These ATMs are strategically placed throughout the airport, allowing passengers to make quick cash withdrawals, check their account balances, and perform other basic transactions conveniently.

Additionally, Navy Federal Credit Union members can access their accounts through a worldwide network of ATMs. Navy Federal ATMs can be found at most branches or nearby locations, offering free transactions for members using their Navy Federal Debit Card or CUCARD®. They can also utilise the CO-OP Network, which has over 30,000 ATMs at credit unions and retail locations across the US and Canada, with no fees for members using their Navy Federal Visa® Debit Card or CUCARD®.

The Allpoint Network also provides surcharge-free cash access at over 55,000 ATMs worldwide, including prominent retail stores. Many credit unions and banks participate in the Allpoint Network, allowing their customers to enjoy convenient and fee-free cash withdrawals during their travels.

Furthermore, Service Credit Union has partnered with CO-OP and Allpoint, offering its members access to an extensive network of surcharge-free ATMs. With over 85,000 ATMs globally, including 30,000 CO-OP ATMs at partner credit unions, convenience stores, and quick-service restaurants, Service Credit Union members can easily manage their finances while on the go.

Cash-to-card machines

Cash-to-card kiosks and reverse ATMs are innovative technologies that bridge the gap between traditional cash handling and the digital economy. These machines are becoming increasingly common, popping up in places like shopping centres, airports, and event venues. They are designed to simplify the transition to a cashless society, offering a convenient way to convert cash into a usable, local form.

Here's how they work: you feed cash into the machine, and it loads the equivalent amount onto a prepaid card. They are user-friendly, with an intuitive interface for quick and hassle-free transactions. These kiosks are highly secure, with encryption technology to protect your financial data and monitoring systems in place to prevent tampering or fraud.

One of the significant advantages of cash-to-card kiosks is their accessibility. They do not require users to have a bank account, making them valuable for unbanked individuals who want to participate in cashless payment environments. Additionally, they can be used to reload funds onto a prepaid card, eliminating the need for multiple cards.

When using a cash-to-card kiosk, it is important to be aware of any associated fees, which can vary depending on the provider. These fees are typically transaction charges, and it is recommended to understand the fee structure beforehand. There may also be limits on the amount of cash that can be converted in a single transaction, which can vary by provider and location.

In addition to their convenience, cash-to-card kiosks offer benefits for travellers who need to switch their cash to a local currency. They can be found in airports, providing a seamless solution for travellers who prefer dealing with cash or require access to local currency without the usual hassle.

Frequently asked questions