2025-09-08T23:06:18Z

What if your next run for hot chips could also save you from those sneaky ATM fees? You won’t believe where Aussies are lining up for cash these days—hint: it smells like fries and feels like freedom!

In an age where banks are yanking out ATMs faster than you can say "Declined," getting your hands on actual cash is becoming unexpectedly stressful. Remember when you could just duck into your local bank or corner store for a quick withdrawal? Not anymore. With the big Australian banks scaling back their ATM networks, the old cash-out routine has become almost as rare as a McFlurry machine that actually works. Enter the unlikely hero: the McDonald's drive thru.

This all started when an Aussie woman called into the popular Jimmy & Nath show on 2Day FM, sharing a surprisingly simple hack. Instead of battling with the disappearing ATM population—or paying those outrageous fees at privately-run cash machines—she just swings by her local Macca's drive thru. No need to get out of your pajamas, no requirement to buy a Big Mac, and zero fees: just ask for cash at the window. She explained that when her kids need a few bucks for school events or the canteen, this trick is her go-to.

And yes, it’s legit. McDonald's Australia confirmed to the Daily Mail that you can withdraw cash, fee-free, at their front counter or right through the drive thru. There’s no need to buy anything, though the temptation of fries might be real. There’s a catch, of course: the maximum cash you can pull in a single go is usually between $100 and $200, depending on how much is in the till—and that limit can vary by location. Sometimes, if the cash supply is low, they just can’t do it. Still, it’s a game-changer for those sick of hunting for a rare, fee-free ATM, especially late at night or on the go.

Once the news spread through Jimmy & Nath’s TikTok, the reaction was instant. Aussies poured into the comments thanking the caller for not gatekeeping the secret. “This has saved the tooth fairy a dozen times in our house,” joked one relieved parent, finally able to grab coins late at night. Others debated the ethics: is it really saving money if you end up buying a cheeky cheeseburger you didn’t plan for? But let’s be real, if you’re paying for food, at least you get something tasty instead of a boring ATM fee.

Even the radio hosts admitted they had no idea this was possible—proving that sometimes, the best life hacks are hiding in plain sight (or behind a tray of nuggets). A former McDonald’s manager chimed in with a word of caution: don’t rely entirely on the Golden Arches for your cash needs, as there are times when the registers run low and you might leave empty-handed. And for those who don’t fancy a drive thru run, other big Aussie retailers—like Coles, Woolworths, Big W, and Bunnings—also offer cash withdrawals, usually with similar limits and no extra charges.

So next time you’re desperate for notes and coins, think outside the bank. Fast food might just be your fastest way to cash—no ATM fee, no hassle, and, if you want, a side of fries to sweeten the deal. It’s a 2024 cash hack straight from an AI generated newscast about money smarts Down Under.