Here’s an article on ATM Fee increases. While the current average fee for using an ATM is $1.78, it’s now being raised to $3.00.

This could hurt, unless you’re smart about using ATMs. A trick I’ve picked up, and I’m sure is fairly common is to use the cash back option while at the store. Yes you’ll incur an expense, but it’s not really a fee. You’re actually purchasing something tangible for your withdrawal. I usually buy a twix or some gum. Or it’s a great time to actually get what you need at the store (don’t forget the milk).

Naturally there are better options, such as using a high-interest checking account. Trent over at the simple dollar is a big fan of ING and uses both their checking and savings account which have high interest options. When you open a checking account with ING, they give you an ATM card (works as a debit also) and allows free use of a large ATM network nationwide. However most of the ATMs are inside of Target stores, and are those dinky ones you find that are privately owned, which I’m not too keen on.

E*Trade gives you unlimited ATM refunds, which is nice, as does the Salem Five Bank.

There are other options available, but I prefer these the best. I’m going to set up a high-interest checking account in the next few months.

To find out the best option for your needs, bankrate.com has a nice side-by-side comparison of different options currently available.