We’ve come to expect them, but that doesn’t mean we can’t avoid them.

When you use an automated teller machine that doesn’t belong to your bank, you pay your bank a fee that averages $1.50.

Many consumers get burned at both ends. Separate fees charged by the owners of the so-called “foreign” ATMs, relatively rare five years ago, are now common.

The obvious way to avoid ATM surcharges is to withdraw money from your bank’s ATMs. However, customers of a small bank may find this difficult, especially if they are away from home.

Here are other ways to avoid ATM surcharges:

l Take advantage of cash-back opportunities at supermarkets and mini-marts. When you use your ATM or debit card to buy groceries, you can get money back directly from your checking account.

l Some banks belong to surcharge networks, where surcharges at the network’s ATMs are waived. Ask your bank manager if the bank belongs to one.

l Try to take out enough money for the week when you deposit your paycheck. This helps to avoid multiple trips to an ATM.