What it is: Despite the widespread acceptance of plastic, consumers
still need cash. A convenient way of extracting cash from bank accounts
is via an ATM. Less popularly and even less conveniently, banks usually
demand money in exchange for the service when noncustomers use their ATMs.
How to avoid: Plan ahead and get cash from your bank or an ATM that your bank owns. Alternatively, many grocery stores, major drugstores and stores such as Target and Wal-Mart offer the option of cash back when using a debit card to make a purchase.
