Common Questions

What is Alliance One?

Alliance One is a nationwide cooperative group of credit unions, small community banks and thrifts that have joined forces to let their cardholders access each others’ ATMs all over America without having to pay ATM surcharges.

How does Alliance One work?

Normally, if you use a so-called “foreign” ATM, you may expect to pay two surcharges. Your financial institution may charge you a surcharge because it has to process a transaction from another financial institution’s ATM, and the financial institution that owns the ATM may charge you a surcharge – called a surcharge – because it has to process a transaction from someone who’s not an account holder.

Here’s the good news. If your financial institution participates in Alliance One, the owners of the Alliance One ATMs do not assess this surcharge when you access your accounts through their ATMs.

When I visited an Alliance One ATM, my financial institution charged me a surcharge. Why?

While Alliance One eliminates surcharges, fees called "foreign ATM fees" may still apply. Foreign ATM fees are fees charged by your financial institution when you access your account at another financial institution’s ATM. For details about applicable foreign ATM surcharges, contact your financial institution.

I visited an Alliance One and paid a surcharge. What do I need to do to dispute the surcharge?

To dispute a surcharge, you’ll need to gather some information about your transaction. Note the amount of the surcharge, the location of the ATM, the amount of the transaction you performed, the date and time of day. Have your card number ready and contact your financial institution to dispute the charge.

Do I need to match one of the network logos on the back of my card with a logo on the ATM?

Yes. Not all Alliance One ATMs may be accessible to every cardholder. Be sure to match a network logo (i.e. STAR, Plus, Cirrus, NYCE) on the back of your ATM card with a logo on the ATM. For questions about your ATM card, participating ATM networks and ATM surcharges, contact your financial institution.

How can I ensure my safety at an ATM?

General ATM Safety Tips

Never share your Personal Identification Number (PIN) or give it out over the telephone, even if the caller identifies himself as your financial representative or a police officer.
Commit your PIN to memory. Do not write it on your card or keep your card and any written record of your PIN in the same location.
As you approach an ATM, be aware of your surroundings. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, visit the ATM later or visit another Alliance One ATM location. Help your financial institution make your use of the ATM safer by reporting any unusual occurrences or discrepancies to them as soon as possible.
Wait until you leave the vicinity of the ATM to count your money.
Immediately report a lost or stolen card to your financial institution.

Walk-up ATM Safety Tips

Have your card ready and in hand, along with other transaction materials, before you approach an ATM.
As a matter of courtesy, wait until previous cardholders have finished with their transactions before approaching the ATM. Allow an adequate amount of distance between you and the others using the ATM.
Stand close to the ATM when entering your PIN. Do not allow anyone to watch.

Drive-up ATM Safety Tips

Pull up close to the ATM.
Remain in your car while conducting your ATM transaction. For added security, keep car doors locked and windows rolled up before and after making your transaction.
Keep your car running while operating the ATM.
Remember that your personal safety while conducting transactions at an ATM depends largely on the safety steps you follow. By making you aware of these important ATM safety tips, Alliance One hopes to keep you and your funds safe and secure.