New York ? Cash machines cost Americans more than $4 billion a year, reports Bankrate.com. You pay an average $1.64 per transaction every time you withdraw money from an ATM owned by a bank where you don’t hold an account. Tack on the average $1.25 your own bank charges for each withdrawal and you’re looking at fees of roughly $300 a year. Here are four ways to sidestep surcharges:

1. Take out larger amounts of money. Avoid extra fees by withdrawing one lump sum to cover your weekly expenses.

2. Make a point of “point-of-sale” transactions. Don’t overlook the opportunity to get cash back at your local grocery store or pharmacy. It generally costs far less than visiting an “off-network” ATM.

3. Avoid abusing out-of-town ATMs. When traveling, plan on using checks and credit cards instead.

4. Consider credit unions. Many credit unions offer lower transaction fees. You may have a harder time getting at your cash, given the dearth of credit union ATMs, but it will save you money in the long run.