Twin Cities out-of-network ATM fees are sixth highest in the country

Twin Cities consumers using ATMs outside their bank or credit union networks pay the sixth highest fees in the nation, according to a new report from Bankrate.com.

Locally, the average surcharge is $4.71 according to the report. Nationally, the average fee for using an out-of-network ATM has risen 21 percent over the past five years to $4.52 per transaction. Atlanta's average fee tops $5. San Francisco is a bit under $4.

Bankrate chief financial analyst Greg McBride said consumers should think ahead if they'll need cash and where to get it. Otherwise, they could be at a stadium, theater, restaurant or other location where ATM owners extract hefty fees from non-customers.

"Fees are going up. But they are avoidable. If you know you're going to a location where it's either going to be very costly or you're not going to be around your network's ATMs, it's all the more reason to plan ahead," said McBride.

Consumers can use their banks' website or apps to locate in-network ATMs nearby, if possible. McBride notes consumers can also use retail checkouts to get cash when making purchases with a debit card.