ATM Direct Charging FAQs

To help you understand ATM Direct Charging, take a look at the frequently asked questions below. If your question isn’t covered, please call us on 13 22 65 from 8am - 8pm EST, Monday to Friday.

What is 'Direct Charging'?
Direct Charge
What has changed?
Why have ATM fees changed?
How has this changed the way I use ATMs?
How much will other ATM owners charge me for using their ATMs?
Which ATM transactions will incur the Direct Charge from the ATM owner?
Which ATMs are affected?
How can I reduce the number of fees I have to pay?
Am I going to be charged the (50c) non-NAB ATM fee?
What if I’m a NAB Gold Banking, FlexiPlus Mortgage or Portfolio Facility customer?
Where can I find out more?




 What is 'Direct Charging'?

The Reserve Bank of Australia, together with the banking and finance industry, has changed the way you’re charged for using ATMs that don’t belong to your financial institution or partner ATM network.

The changes are designed to make ATM fees more transparent so you can make better choices about the ATMs you use.

ATM owners now charge you a fee directly when using an ATM that does not belong to your financial institution or partner ATM network. This is known as a ‘Direct Charge’.

 Direct Charge

This is the fee that the ATM owner will charge you to use their ATM. The amount of the fee may be different for each ATM owner or type of transaction and will be charged to your account at the same time you make your transaction.



Each time you use an ATM in Australia belonging to another ATM owner, the ATM will display the amount of the direct charge. You’ll then have the option to:
  • Agree to the charge and continue the transaction, or
  • Cancel the transaction without incurring the fee.

Cash advances on NAB Credit Card accounts will still be subject to the applicable cash advance fees when using a non-NAB ATM or rediATM within Australia.

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 What has changed?

The Reserve Bank of Australia, together with the banking and finance industry has changed the way you’re charged for using ATMs that don’t belong to your financial institution.

 Why have ATM fees changed?

The changes are designed to make ATM fees more transparent so that you can make better choices about the ATMs you use.

 How has this changed the way I use ATMs?

The changes mean that:
  • ATM owners must disclose the fee that will be charged at the time of transaction (withdrawal or account balance enquiry).
  • You will have the choice whether to cancel the transaction, or continue and be charged accordingly.

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 How much will other ATM owners charge me for using their ATMs?

The fee that other institutions charge is not known or controlled by NAB. You will be advised of the fee at the time of the transaction and you will have the choice whether to cancel the transaction or continue and be charged accordingly.

 Which ATM transactions will incur the Direct Charge from the ATM owner?

Individual ATM owners will decide which transactions they will apply a direct charge to. If a direct charge is applicable, you will be advised on-screen and you will have the opportunity to cancel the transaction without incurring the fee.

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 Which ATMs are affected?

The Reserve Bank of Australia's reforms only apply to ATMs in Australia.

 How can I reduce the number of fees I have to pay?

  • Use NAB’s ATMs and rediATMs whenever you can, to avoid the ATM owner and non-NAB ATM fees. NAB has a number of ATMs across Australia, including selected Coles Express service stations and Coles supermarkets. Find an ATM location near you
  • Limit your use of non-NAB ATMs
  • Withdraw extra cash when you use EFTPOS
  • Arrange access to NAB Internet Banking, NAB Telephone Banking or NAB SMS Banking to check account balances (fees may apply to some of these options).

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 Am I going to be charged the (50c) non-NAB ATM fee?

No, since the industry reforms (which were effective from 3 March 2009), we have reviewed the non-NAB ATM fee and decided to reduce it to $0.00. This change is already in effect and will also backdate for any non-NAB ATM fees incurred since 3 March 2009. 

What if I’m a NAB Gold Banking, FlexiPlus Mortgage or Portfolio Facility customer?

Effective 3 March 2009, direct charges payable to the ATM owner will apply. There is no change to the way you bank at overseas ATMs – we will still waive overseas ATM access fees and the 2% foreign currency conversion fee.

 Where can I find out more?

To find out more about ATM Direct Charging, you can:
  • Call us on 13 22 65, 8am – 8pm EST, Monday to Friday
  • Visit your local branch
  • Go to Australian Payments Clearing Association (APCA) or the Reserve Bank of Australia to find out more about these industry-wide changes.

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