Avoid ATM Surcharges
Privileged Status or STARsf Directory
- What is surcharging?
- What is Privileged Status?
- What is STARsf?
- How will I know if an ATM is a Privileged Status or STARsf ATM?
- What transactions can be surcharged?
- How do I know if I'm being charged?
What is surcharging?
A surcharge fee occurs when other financial institutions make you pay for using their ATM. Each financial institution has the option to assess surcharge fees at ATMs they own. If a surcharge is imposed, the fee will be deducted from your account at the ATM in addition to the amount of your withdrawal.
Financial institutions that are members of either SHAZAM's Privileged Status or the STARsf "surcharge alliance" programs have the option to not allow (or allow) their ATM locations to assess a surcharge fee to other participating members' cardholders. ATMs participating in these programs will display the Privileged Status or STARsf logos if they will not assess a surcharge fee. Principal Bank has joined these "surcharge alliance" programs along with other participating financial institutions to provide you with "surcharge free" options.
What is Privileged Status?
It is a program within the SHAZAM network that:
- Allows customers of participating Privileged Status financial institutions to use Privileged Status ATMs of other participating financial institutions with no surcharge fees
- Expands the number of surcharge free ATM locations available to you
What is STARsf?
It is a program within the STAR network that:
- Allows customers of member STARsf financial institutions to use the STARsf ATMs of participating institutions at no charge
How will I know if an ATM is a Privileged Status or STARsf ATM?
Just look for ATMs that display the Privileged Status or STARsf logo.
A directory of these specific ATM locations can be found on the SHAZAM and STAR websites. Shown below are maps listing approximate numbers of surcharge-free ATMs by state.
Privileged Status
The Privileged Status map is updated through information supplied by the individual banks that own the ATMs. Principal Bank is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided through these sources.
STARsf
The STARsf map is updated through information supplied by the individual banks that own the ATMs. Principal Bank is not responsible for the accuracy of the information provided through these sources.
What transactions can be surcharged?
Cash withdrawals can be, as well as balance inquiries, deposit or transfers, although at this time only cash withdrawals are charged a fee.
Purchases made with your debit card at merchants or at point of sale (POS), along with cash-back transactions, cannot be surcharged.
How do I know if I'm being charged?
ATMs must provide a notice before you are committed to paying the fee. You will be given the option of continuing or canceling the transaction. If you choose to continue, you will receive your cash and be assessed the fee. If you choose not to continue, you can back out of the transaction and not be charged.
To learn more about either of these programs, visit the SHAZAM and STAR websites.
