On a budget and looking for free ATMs in Kenya - Any top banks?
As a frequent traveler, Co-op Bank and Prime Bank were my go-tos: zero ATM fee, smooth withdrawals, and English menus everywhere. Only downside? If you’re deep in rural Kenya, sometimes only Equity or KCB machines are available and you’ll have to eat the fee. Take out the max KSh 40,000 and keep some small change for everyday bus rides and snacks. No problems at Jomo Kenyatta airport ATMs either-usually well stocked!
Almost every major bank in Kenya lets you pull KSh 40,000 a time (except GT Bank, which sometimes has lower limits). Banks like KCB and Absa charge in USD ($4 or $4.30 per withdrawal), which is higher than the local banks-so skip them if you can. Try Co-op bank, Family Bank - both fee-free last time I checked. Cash is still king at markets and for taxis, so keep your pockets stocked. If heading out of Nairobi, always withdraw in advance-ATMs can run dry in smaller towns.
If you're sticking to a tight budget in Kenya, look for Gulf African Bank or I&M bank - they dont charge any fees. GT Bank also also fee-free. Most banks allow you to withdraw KSh 40,000 per transaction, so take out the max so you dont land up paying a lot of fees. Standard Chartered is the most expensive I've seen at KSh 480 per transaction. Try and plan your ATM visits for daylight hours-security and cash availability are both better in the morning!
Just finished a trip through Nairobi and Mombasa-Prime Bank and GulfAfrican have zero ATM withdrawal fees for foreign cards, and their daily limit is usually KSh 40,000. DTB and I&M Bank are also fee-free but DTB charges KSh 200 after the first withdrawal. Avoid Stanbic - it has like 413 Ksh fee!). Equity Bank also charged KSh 230). Machines are everywhere in city centers, especially near the main malls and markets. My Wise card worked everywhere, but always double-check your home bank's charges too.
Same NCBA ATM - modern machine on a clean street. No issues withdrawing money.
NCBA ATM in Kenya worked great with my debit card. Location is clean and machine reliable.
In Kenya, GT Bank ATMs offer conversion, but choosing Decline Conversion saved me from paying extra fees.
Service at KCB was quick. In and out in minutes.