ATMs in Germany: locations, fees, and tips (2026)

Travelling to Germany from the UK? Whether you're there for business or pleasure, finding ATMs in Germany is usually straightforward.

World Bank data shows around 73 ATMs per 100,000 adults in Germany¹ - so cash machines are rarely hard to find.

Before you withdraw money in Germany, it helps to know where to find cash machines, what fees to expect, and when to choose euros over pounds.

And, if you want to avoid exchange rate markups and sneaky transaction fees while shopping in Germany, then check out the Wise card.

You can use it to spend and withdraw cash in 150+ countries, and your transactions abroad are automatically converted using the fair mid-market exchange rate.

Where do I find ATMs in Germany?

ATMs in Germany are normally located inside or just outside bank branches. You'll also find them at most major airports. They're less common in places such as shopping malls and petrol stations.

Germany still uses cash more than many European countries, so it's smart to carry some euros. Smaller shops, cafés and market stalls may be cash-only, or ask for a minimum card spend of around €20. Find out more about cash or card in Germany.

Germany's major banks have many ATMs, and they've made them easy to find with these online locators:

• Commerzbank ATM locator
• Deutsche Bank ATM locator
• Hypovereinsbank ATM locator
• Postbank ATM locator

What are ATMs called in Germany?

In Germany, ATMs are generally called Geldautomat or Bankautomat.

Will my credit or debit card work in Germany ATMs?

German ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard, the most common UK card networks. Check with your home bank before you travel, as overseas cash withdrawal charges vary.

Look for your card network's logo on the machine, or use these locator tools:

• Visa ATM locator
• Mastercard ATM locator

Germany ATM PINs

German ATMs accept both 6-digit and 4-digit PINs,² so you should be able to use the PIN you usually use back in the UK.

They are set up for chip and PIN cards, not magnetic stripe cards.

Germany ATM max cash withdrawal limits

How much you can take out mostly depends on your home bank or card provider.

German ATMs often allow €500 to €2,000 per transaction, and there is not usually a fixed limit on the number of withdrawals.² Check the current GBP to EUR rate with the converter below.

Let your bank know before you travel

It is not usually necessary to tell your bank before you travel.

But it can help if your bank's fraud checks are strict - an unusual withdrawal in Germany could trigger a temporary block on your card.

Find an international travel card

It could even be worth getting an alternative spending card, one that is specially designed for international travel.

The Wise card is the ideal travel companion, as it works in 150+ countries and lets you withdraw up to £250 a month from overseas ATMs without any fees*.

You’ll just need to check that the ATM operator doesn’t charge its own fees.

Choose to withdraw in the local currency and your Wise card will do the currency conversion at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small conversion fee*.

This means no expensive mark-ups eating into your spending money.

Your Wise card awaits 💳

What are the ATM fees in Germany?

There are three main costs to think about:

1. The exchange rate
2. The ATM's fees
3. Your home bank's charges

The exchange rate can matter as much as the ATM fee itself, so look at the full cost - not just the cash machine charge.

Exchange rate fees at ATMs in Germany (DCC)

When you use an ATM abroad, the screen may ask if you want to pay in GBP or EUR.

Always choose EUR. Picking GBP triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), where the ATM applies its own exchange rate - which is usually less favourable.

Decline the conversion and let your bank or card provider handle it instead.

Home bank ATM fees

Some UK banks charge for foreign cash withdrawals, even if card spending abroad is cheaper or free.

Check what your bank charges for cash withdrawals before you travel.

Germany bank ATM fees

Cash Group ATMs - including Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, HypoVereinsbank and Postbank - are generally fee-free for existing customers with a German bank account only.

If you are visiting from the UK, you may pay anywhere from €0 to €7.50 per withdrawal.²

Private machines, such as Euronet or Travelex, do not carry a bank logo. They should display any fee before you confirm the transaction.

Can I get free cash withdrawals in Germany?

Sometimes, yes. Start with major bank ATMs rather than standalone machines.

If your UK bank has a German partner - for example, Barclays customers using some Deutsche Bank partner ATMs³ - you may be able to avoid the local ATM fee. Worth checking before you travel.

Tips for avoiding ATM fees in Germany

Always choose to be charged in the local currency

Some ATMs may offer you a ‘service’ of being charged in your local currency (i.e. GBP). It’s always best to decline this option, choosing instead to be charged in EUR.

This helps you avoid hidden ATM rip-offs by giving you the best possible exchange rate.

Check the latest GBP - EUR conversion rate below:

Use a bank ATM, not a standalone machine

Bank ATMs inside or just outside a branch are generally your most reliable starting point.

Third-party machines often display branding such as Euronet or Travelex instead of a bank name. They are more likely to charge fees and may offer DCC prompts. If the fee on screen is higher than expected, you can cancel the transaction and find another machine.

Avoid airport ATMs

Airport ATMs are convenient, but they often come with higher fees or unfavourable conversion prompts. Skip them unless you have no other option.

Check whether your home bank has partner banks in Germany

If your UK bank partners with a German bank, you may benefit from lower or no fees on ATM withdrawals. Always worth checking before you go.

Choose the right fee-free card

Some UK current accounts and travel cards do not charge foreign withdrawal fees - it is worth comparing before your trip.

Check the best EUR exchange rates if you are weighing up cash, card, or a pre-trip currency conversion.

Avoid using a credit card at the ATM if you can. Withdrawals are usually treated as a cash advance, which means interest starts accruing straight away.

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Spend and withdraw worldwide with the Wise card

If you travel regularly, the Wise card is the perfect way to spend and withdraw cash worldwide.

It’s a dedicated travel card, letting you spend like a local in 150+ countries worldwide. It automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange ratewhenever you spend for only a small, transparent fee*.

And when you need cash, you can use it to withdraw up to £250 a month fee-free*.

You’ll just need to check whether the ATM operator charges its own fees.

Your Wise card awaits 💳

Wise only ever charges small, transparent fees for currency conversion, and it’s fee-free if you already have the currency in your Wise account*.

Sign up for a Wise account online and you can get your own Wise card for a one-time fee of just £7.

Open a Wise account 🌍

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FAQs - ATMs in Germany

Can I use my UK debit card in Germany?

Yes. German ATMs usually accept Visa and Mastercard, the main UK card networks.

Your bank may still charge overseas cash withdrawal fees, so check before you travel.

Should I use cash or card in Germany?

A mix usually works best. Smaller businesses may still prefer cash, and some have a minimum spend for card payments of around €20.² Keep some euros with you, and read more about cash or card in Germany for a fuller picture.

How to avoid ATM fees in Europe?

Use bank-run ATMs, check for partner banks in your destination country, and always choose to be charged in the local currency.

If the fee on screen looks higher than expected, cancel the transaction and try another machine.

Do Euronet ATMs charge fees?

Often, yes. The fee should appear on screen before you confirm the withdrawal. This guide to Euronet ATMs covers the common prompts and charges in more detail.

Can I use my Wise card in Germany?

Yes. The Wise card works in 150+ countries, including Germany, for a small, transparent fee*.

For ATM withdrawals, check whether you are within the monthly fee-free allowance to keep costs down. Additional charges may apply from independent ATM networks.

What should I do if my card is swallowed by an ATM in Germany?

Don't panic. If the ATM is attached to a bank branch, go inside during opening hours and ask for assistance.

Freeze your card immediately using your banking app, then contact your card provider to report it and arrange a replacement.

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Sources used:

1. World Bank - ATMs in Germany
2. ATM Fee Saver - ATMs in Germany: fees, limits and info for Germany travel
3. Deutsche Bank - Deutsche Bank current accounts

Sources last checked on date: 29-June-2026