How to Get Free Convenience Store ATM Fees | Explaining Conditions by Time Zone, Bank, and ATM

convenience store ATMs are handy for daily life, but we all want to minimize the fees incurred when using them. In fact, by understanding a few key points, you might be able to use convenience store ATMs for free.

This article will explain in detail the basic mechanism of how convenience store ATM fees are incurred, specific approaches to make them free, general trends for major convenience store ATMs, and important points and precautions for saving on fees.

Basics of Convenience Store ATM Fees and Fundamental Knowledge for Making Them Free

First, let’s organize the basic knowledge of why convenience store ATM fees occur and under what circumstances they might become free.

Why Do Fees Occur When Using Convenience Store ATMs?

The main reasons why fees occur when using convenience store ATMs are as follows:

• ATM Operation and Maintenance Costs: Various costs are involved in operating and maintaining ATMs, such as the purchase and installation costs of the ATM unit, cash management, security, system maintenance, and rent for the installation location. Fees are set to have users bear a portion of these costs.
• Partnership Costs: Many convenience store ATMs operate through partnerships between the bank that operates the ATM (such as Seven Bank, Lawson Bank, etc.) and the financial institutions where users have their accounts. Costs are also incurred in these partnerships, which may be reflected in the form of fees.
• Costs for Off-Hours Use, etc.: For use during specific times, such as nights or weekends/holidays when bank counters are closed, the costs for system operation and security maintenance may be higher than usual, and this can be added to the fees.

For these reasons, it’s important to recognize that using convenience store ATMs basically incurs fees.

Common Patterns for Fee-Free ATM Use (Bank Preferential Treatment, Specific Time Slots, etc.)

Common patterns for getting convenience store ATM fees waived include the following:

• Use as Your Own Bank’s ATM: If the ATM in the convenience store belongs to the bank where you have an account (e.g., using a Seven Bank account at a Seven Bank ATM), fees may be waived if certain conditions are met.
• Bank Preferential Programs: Many banks offer preferential programs that waive partner convenience store ATM fees a certain number of times per month, depending on factors like designating the account for salary deposits, account balance, status of specific financial product contracts, or membership tier.
• Use During Specific Times/Days: Some banks may set partner convenience store ATM fees to be free or discounted only during specific times or days, such as during weekday daytime hours.
• Partner Bank Benefits: Depending on the partnership between the bank operating the convenience store ATM and your bank, fees may be preferential.
• Limited-Time Campaigns: Convenience store ATM fees may temporarily be waived through campaigns for new account openings or promotions for specific services.

Understanding these patterns and comparing them with your usage situation and contract details is the first step towards fee-free ATM use.

Main Approaches to Make Convenience Store ATM Fees Free

Several specific approaches can be considered to make convenience store ATM fees free. Let’s find the optimal method according to your situation.

Utilize Preferential Programs and Membership Tiers Offered by Your Bank

Check if your current bank offers a preferential program for partner convenience store ATM fees. Many banks set membership tiers according to customer transaction status and offer benefits such as a certain number of free ATM transactions per tier.

• How to Check: You can check on the bank’s official website, internet banking member page, at bank counters, or in brochures.
• Examples of Conditions: Conditions vary by bank, such as designating the account for salary or pension receipts, maintaining a certain minimum deposit balance, using financial products like investment trusts or foreign currency deposits, or credit card spending.

If you think you can meet the conditions, actively utilizing them can save you convenience store ATM fees.

Choose Fee-Free Times/Days to Use the ATM

Depending on the bank or ATM type, fees may be waived for use during specific times or days. For example, fees might be free or cheaper during weekday daytime hours (e.g., 8:45 AM – 6:00 PM) and higher during early morning/late night hours or on weekends/holidays.

• How to Check: Check the fee fluctuation times on your bank’s official website or the official website of the convenience store ATM you use.
• Important Note: Conditions for fee-free use based on time slots are set in detail by each bank and ATM, so prior confirmation is essential.

If it’s not urgent, try to use the ATM during times when fees are free or cheaper.

Understand and Plan Your Use of Monthly Free Transaction Allowances

It’s important to plan your use of benefits like “up to X free transactions per month” offered through bank preferential programs.

• Check the Number of Free Transactions: Accurately grasp how many times per month convenience store ATM fees are waived under your bank’s preferential conditions.
• Check Usage Status: You may be able to check the remaining number of free transactions for the current month via internet banking.
• Planned Use: Avoid unnecessary withdrawals and try to use your free transactions only when truly needed. It’s also good to set your own rules, like withdrawing a lump sum at the beginning of the month or adjusting at the end of the month.

Be careful, as exceeding the number of free transactions will incur standard fees.

Actively Use Fee-Free Partner ATMs (Including Other Banks’ ATMs)

Your bank may offer services allowing fee-free use of specific partner convenience store ATMs. Also, not just convenience store ATMs, but other partner financial institutions’ ATMs installed in supermarkets or stations may be available for free.

• How to Check: Check your bank’s official website for the partner ATM network and fee-free conditions.
• Unexpected Discoveries: You might find that ATMs in convenience stores or locations you don’t usually use are actually available fee-free.

It’s worth taking a little extra effort to find an ATM you can use for free.

Check for Limited-Time Campaigns and Bank-Specific Benefits

Some banks may run limited-time campaigns to waive convenience store ATM fees for new account holders or to promote the use of specific apps.

• Information Gathering: Regularly check bank official website announcements, email newsletters, and in-store posters.
• Condition Confirmation: Campaigns often have conditions such as application periods, eligible persons, and limits on the number of uses, so it’s important to carefully check the details.

If the timing is right, smartly utilizing these campaigns is one option.

[By Major Convenience Store ATM] List of Banks and Conditions for Fee-Free Use

For each major convenience store ATM, we will explain the general trends and points to check for potential fee-free use. However, specific free conditions constantly change depending on individual bank service details and partnership statuses, so always check the latest information on your bank’s official website.

Seven Bank ATMs: Banks and Conditions for Fee-Free Withdrawals and Deposits

Seven Bank ATMs are widely installed nationwide and are highly convenient.

• Seven Bank Account Holders: If you have a Seven Bank account, fees may be waived depending on transaction times and conditions.
• Users of Partner Banks: Many city banks, regional banks, and online banks partner with Seven Bank ATMs. When using these banks’ cash cards, you may be able to make withdrawals and deposits fee-free a certain number of times per month if you meet the conditions of that bank’s preferential program (e.g., salary deposit, minimum deposit balance, membership tier).
• Check Points: On your bank’s official website, check the partnership status with Seven Bank ATMs and the conditions for fee-free use (time slots, number of free transactions, eligible transactions, etc.).

Source: How to Use Seven Bank ATMs for 0 Yen Fee | Seven Bank

Lawson Bank ATMs: Banks and Conditions for Fee-Free Withdrawals and Deposits

Lawson Bank ATMs are also deployed mainly in Lawson stores nationwide.

• Lawson Bank Account Holders: If you have a Lawson Bank account, fees may be preferential.
• Users of Partner Banks: Lawson Bank ATMs also partner with many financial institutions, and you may be able to use them fee-free by meeting the preferential conditions offered by the partner bank. Free conditions vary by bank.
• Check Points: On your bank’s official website, check if Lawson Bank ATMs are included as partner ATMs and if conditions for free use are set.

Source: Mastering Convenience Store ATMs for Savings | Lawson Bank

FamilyMart (Japan Post Bank ATMs / E-net ATMs): Banks and Conditions for Fee-Free Withdrawals and Deposits

FamilyMart stores mainly have “Japan Post Bank ATMs” or “E-net ATMs.” Partnership status and fee structures may differ depending on which ATM is installed.

• Japan Post Bank Account Holders (for Japan Post Bank ATMs): When using a Japan Post Bank cash card or passbook, you can use the ATM fee-free depending on the time and day.
• Users of E-net ATM Partner Banks (for E-net ATMs): E-net ATMs partner with many banks, and customers of partner banks may be able to use them fee-free according to the conditions set by their bank.
• Check Points:
  • First, check if the ATM installed in the FamilyMart you use is a “Japan Post Bank ATM” or an “E-net ATM.”
  • Then, check your bank’s official website to see if your bank partners with that ATM and if fee-free conditions apply.

Source: ATM Usage Fees and Charges – Japan Post Bank
Source: E-net ATM Fees and Service Hours | E-net Co., Ltd.

Ministop (AEON Bank ATMs): Banks and Conditions for Fee-Free Withdrawals and Deposits

Ministop stores mainly have AEON Bank ATMs.

• AEON Bank Account Holders: If you have an AEON Bank account, there are preferential treatments, such as widely set fee-free hours for using AEON Bank ATMs.
• Users of Partner Banks: AEON Bank ATMs also partner with other financial institutions, and you may be able to use them fee-free if you meet the partner bank’s preferential conditions.
• Check Points: Check your bank’s official website for partnership status with AEON Bank ATMs and fee-free conditions. Information on partner financial institutions may also be available on the AEON Bank official website.

Source: ATM Services | AEON Bank

Possibility of Fee-Free Use at Other Convenience Store ATMs

Some convenience store chains other than those mentioned above may have their own ATMs or strong partnerships with specific regional banks. At these ATMs too, users of specific banks may receive preferential fee treatment. If there’s an ATM at a convenience store you usually use, it’s a good idea to check which banks it partners with and what its fee structure is.

Checkpoints and Precautions to Get “Effectively Free” ATM Fees

To make convenience store ATM fees free, or as close to free as possible, there are several important checkpoints and precautions.

Understand Fee Differences Based on Transaction Type (Withdrawal, Deposit, Transfer)

Convenience store ATM fees may vary depending on the transaction type.

• Withdrawals and Deposits: Generally, many bank preferential programs cover cash withdrawals and deposits using a cash card as fee-free transactions.
• Transfers: Transfers at partner convenience store ATMs are generally not covered by fee-free conditions, or a separate transfer fee may be required. Transfer fees also vary depending on the recipient’s financial institution and the transfer amount.

It is important to confirm in advance which transactions are covered by the fee-free conditions.

Always Check the Latest Free Conditions on Your Bank’s Official Website

This is the most important point. Bank service details, fee structures, and partner ATM conditions can change without notice. Conditions that were previously free may have changed to charged, or new preferential treatments may have started.

• Habit of Checking: Make it a habit to check the latest information on your bank’s official website before using an ATM or periodically.
• Information Sources: Information is often found on pages like “Fee List,” “ATM Information,” or “FAQ” on the bank’s official website.

Do not rely on uncertain information; always refer to the official latest information.

Pay Attention to How Free Transactions are Counted and Reset Timing

If there’s a monthly free transaction allowance, you need to accurately understand how it’s counted and when it resets.

• Counting Method: For example, if it’s “up to 5 free transactions per month,” check what “month” refers to (e.g., from the 1st to the end of the month, from the 15th of one month to the 14th of the next, etc.).
• Reset Timing: If you don’t know the exact date and time the free transaction count resets, you might think it’s still free when it has reset, incurring a fee.
• Counting per ATM: If there are free benefits at multiple partner ATMs, you also need to check if usage at each ATM is counted together or separately.

These are minor details, but they are important points for ensuring fees are definitely waived.

Checkpoints to Avoid Overlooking “Conditional Free” Offers

Fee-free conditions may involve a combination of multiple conditions, such as “for those who have an XX account AND use YY service.”

• Confirmation of Detailed Conditions: Don’t just focus on the words “fee-free”; check the conditions for it in detail. Pay attention to easily overlooked conditions like minimum deposit balance, registration for a specific app, or salary deposit実績 (track record).
• Applicable Period: For temporary free benefits from campaigns, etc., remember to check the period, as standard fees will apply after it expires.

Read the conditions carefully to avoid unintentionally paying fees.

What to Check if a Fee Occurs (Misoperation, Unmet Conditions, etc.)

If a fee occurs when you thought it would be free, try checking the following points:

• Check Transaction Slip: Check the transaction slip issued by the ATM or your transaction history in internet banking to see how much the fee was and for which transaction it occurred.
• Reconfirm Free Conditions: Recheck the fee conditions on your bank’s official website and check if you might not have met them. Reasons could include the time slot, exceeding the number of free transactions, or an ineligible transaction.
• Contacting the Bank: If you can’t figure out the reason, consider contacting the bank’s call center to inquire.

By identifying the cause, you can apply it to your next use.

Alternative Methods and Savings Tips to Avoid Incurring Fees

If it’s difficult to get convenience store ATM fees waived, or if you want to save even more on fees, the following alternative methods and tips can be helpful.

Benefits of Using Your Own Bank’s ATMs as Much as Possible

The most basic saving measure is to use your own bank’s ATMs (ATMs installed at bank branches or sub-branches).

• Wider Fee-Free Hours: Your own bank’s ATMs generally have wider fee-free hours than partner ATMs.
• Lower Fees: Even if a fee is charged, it’s often lower than using a partner ATM.

Except when you urgently need cash while out, you can reduce fees by planning to use your own bank’s ATMs.

Reduce ATM Usage Frequency by Utilizing Online Banking and Smartphone Payment Apps

Reducing the opportunities for cash withdrawals and deposits themselves also leads to indirect fee savings.

• Transfers via Online Banking: Using online banking, where transfer fees are often set lower than at ATMs, reduces the need to make transfers at ATMs.
• Use of Smartphone Payments (QR Code Payments, Barcode Payments, etc.): Using smartphone payments for daily shopping can reduce the amount of cash you carry, thereby reducing the frequency of cash withdrawals at ATMs.
• Use of Debit Cards: Using a debit card allows for immediate withdrawal from your account, reducing the need to carry cash and minimizing concerns about overspending like with credit cards.

By skillfully utilizing these cashless payment methods, you can reduce the number of ATM uses itself, consequently reducing the chances of incurring fees.

If Fees Are Unavoidable, Choose Cheaper Time Slots or ATMs

Even if you can’t meet the fee-free conditions, it’s possible to make efforts to keep fees as low as possible.

• Use During Cheaper Time Slots: For example, choose to use ATMs during times when fees are relatively low, such as weekday daytime hours.
• Choose ATMs with Lower Fees: If there are multiple convenience stores nearby, you can compare the fees of each ATM and choose the cheaper one (however, if the fee difference is small, consider the balance with the effort involved).

The difference may be minimal, but it can add up to a significant amount over time.

Plan Your Monthly ATM Use to Prevent Unnecessary Fee Incurrence

Using ATMs without a plan can lead to unknowingly accumulating fees.

• Understand Your Monthly Cash Needs: Figure out how much cash you withdraw from ATMs each month and plan your withdrawals accordingly.
• Consolidate Withdrawals: Instead of making many small withdrawals, withdraw a larger sum at once to reduce the number of uses, effectively utilize your free transaction allowance, or reduce the number of times fees are incurred if charges apply.

A little awareness can prevent unnecessary fee payments.

Last updated: June 11, 2025