High fees at independent ATMs in Germany

Tourist hotspots, especially independent ATMs labelled Euronet, Cashzone or Cardpoint/Cardtronics.

How it works

These machines usually charge high convenience fees for withdrawals. This is a fee risk rather than evidence that the machine is fraudulent.

Warning signs

The machine is labelled Euronet, Cashzone or Cardpoint/Cardtronics.
The screen adds a convenience or access fee before you confirm.

How to avoid it

Prefer a bank-operated ATM.
Read the full fee screen before confirming.
Cancel the withdrawal if the fee is too high.
Check whether your own bank also charges for overseas withdrawals.

If it happens to you

Keep the receipt and check your account. Ask your card issuer about any charge you did not agree to.

Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument.
Check what is missing. Block stolen cards and secure any affected accounts immediately.
Save receipts, transaction records and messages. Write down the time, place and what happened.
Report the incident to police. Call 110 for urgent police help, or 112 for a medical emergency or fire.
Contact your embassy or passport authority if your passport was stolen or given an unofficial stamp.
Contact your insurer and card issuer where relevant. Keep the police report details and copies of your evidence.

What it can costOften €4–€5 in convenience fees.

Where it happensTourist hotspots, especially independent ATMs labelled Euronet, Cashzone or Cardpoint/Cardtronics.

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in GermanyPoor ATM currency conversion: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the high fees at independent ATMs scam in Germany?

These machines usually charge high convenience fees for withdrawals. This is a fee risk rather than evidence that the machine is fraudulent.

How can I spot it early?

The machine is labelled Euronet, Cashzone or Cardpoint/Cardtronics. The screen adds a convenience or access fee before you confirm.

How do I avoid high fees at independent ATMs in Germany?

Prefer a bank-operated ATM. Read the full fee screen before confirming. Cancel the withdrawal if the fee is too high. Check whether your own bank also charges for overseas withdrawals.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Keep the receipt and check your account. Ask your card issuer about any charge you did not agree to.

Where in Germany does this happen?

Tourist hotspots, especially independent ATMs labelled Euronet, Cashzone or Cardpoint/Cardtronics.

How much can it cost me?

Often €4–€5 in convenience fees.

How common is this scam in Germany?

Common. Germany is generally very safe, and crime rates are low. Visitors should mainly watch for pickpockets in busy places, false appeals for money in Berlin, and costly ATM or currency exchange offers. Near Checkpoint Charlie, souvenir passport stamps can also cause serious travel problems.

Are there similar scams in Germany?

Yes: poor ATM currency conversion.

Who can I report it to?

Police: approach an officer or patrol, or report the incident at a police station. Call 110 for an urgent police emergency. Officers generally understand at least basic English or can find a colleague who does. Federal police (Bundespolizei): approach federal police for incidents at airports, train stations and border crossings, where they are responsible for policing. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or verified contact number to block stolen cards and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or passport authority: use official contact details for help with a stolen passport or advice about an unofficial passport stamp. Foreign nationals who are arrested can also contact their embassy. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, police report details and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Germany?

Police emergency: 110, Medical emergencies and fire: 112.

Reviewed by @snuck