Vegas ATMs
 

Got back from a recent Vegas trip - had the sad circumstance of needing to withdraw money at the end of the trip to pay for my cab ride back to the airport (it's not as bad as it sounds, I just didn't bring a lot of cash - nonetheless, I'd lost it). Anyhow, was surprised to see that nearly all the ATMs there in the casinos now charge an even steeper fee (starting at $7.99) and on a sliding scale (you want more than $20 or $40? It's probably $9.99 - etc.). Anyhow, the ATM that is in that little kiosk alcove near Harrahs' where the bands play outdoors and all the little t-shirt stands are was 'only' $4 so I wanted to pass it on.

Any sources/sites that publish cheap ATMs fees? I try to avoid them anyway, but when I'm in need I'm willing to walk an extra block or two for the cheapest. I'm thinking of that site that publishes the cheap gas fares and wondering if there is an ATM equivalent?

Thanks,
Wingsfan

I know you didn't have a car, but FYI, Washington Mutual does not charge ATM fees for non-customers (but your own bank's fees may apply). I don't think any of their locations are in walking distance of The Strip...

Otherwise, if you have an ATM Debit Card, you could try and make a POS purchase at a market and ask for cash back...

If I remember correctly, a Mandalay Bay ATM in a quiet corner charged me $3, which was prettty steep. But then they pump out $100 bills, so I can just get a bunch and be done with it.

If my memory is right, there are cheap ATMS in the Flamingo too.

I find it is cheaper to visit the ATMs when and if necessary (i.e. in the event of negative cash flow) than it is to bring $1000 cash or to withdraw large amounts.

It is very easy to burn through all your pocket money when you are at the tables. But if you have to visit the ATM when you run out, it breaks up the flow and forces you to leave the tables. :D

There are a couple of other solutions that don't require hunting for the perfect ATM.

I brought my checkbook and cashed checks at the casino. The process is a little long as you wait for confirmation, but it's free (or it should be).

Better than that, USAA's debit card will refund you up to $15 in ATM fees per statement period. From USAA's site:You do not need to be a member of the armed forces to get a USAA account; just call them up and ask them for a USAA number, which they'll gladly supply, and then call to open an account. Even their basic account is completely fee-free, with no minimums. You can even fund it over the phone with a credit card.

--Chris

I get my cash by using the cash back feature at Walgreens. You can get up to $100. I buy a pack of mentos (less than a buck) with my ATM card and get a $100 cash back. Transaction only cost me a $1 and there are no fees from a strange ATM or my bank for using a "foreign" ATM, and I get a pack of mentos to boot!

Your memory serves you correct...

Las Vegas is the only city I have been in where the ATMs dispense $100 bills, instead of the usual 20's. Makes it far too tempting to play with those 100's.

The LAX Anti-ATM
 

At the 7-11 on Airport Blvd 2 blks north of Hertz near LAX they have a new thing that I call the anti-ATM. It is a multifunction financial machine called a Vcom that has an automatic cash input device that will take up to 30 bills at a time and up to $1000 at a time. You can buy unlimited money orders (without having to deal with the 7-11 guy), or have the cash credited to your favorite credit card. I can't wait for these to become more widespread at 7-11s -- if they ever get them in Vegas, it would be a good place to stow your winnings!!

At the Westin at Our Lucaya in Freeport, the Royal Canadian Bank ATM gave me my choice of local currency or American dollars; I chose dollars and it dispensed 50-dollar bills. I've never before seen an ATM dispense fifties.

And if that wasn't weird enough, it was a fee-free ATM.

--Chris

And I gag when the expensive ATMs here in Reno charge more than $2.50. The bulk of casino ATMs here are operated by the same company, who charge between $1.50 and $2 (depending on the location).

This is actually more reasonable than the banks, which charge anywhere between $2 and $3 for the privelege.

Mike

I've seen those in Denver, too. Perhaps they're becoming more widespread...