Money & Payments in Chicago (2026)

Good to know

Good to Know

Chicago is highly card-friendly; most visitors rarely need cash beyond tipping.
Some independent pizza, Mexican restaurants, and fish markets remain cash-only or strongly prefer cash, but these are exceptions.
ATM surcharges can add up quickly; use free ATM networks or get cash back at checkout when possible.
Tipping culture is strong and expected in restaurants, bars, and hotels. Digital tipping via card terminal is now the norm, eliminating the need for cash tips.
Service charges (fixed 18–20%) are increasingly appearing on restaurant bills; review your bill to confirm whether tipping on top is customary at that establishment.
Illinois state law (effective 2024) prohibits credit card networks from charging merchants interchange fees on sales tax and tips, reducing surcharges for consumers in some cases.
Transit fares can be paid digitally via Ventra app or mobile wallet; no need to carry coins for the 'L' (CTA) or Metra.

ATM Fees

Avoidance Strategies: Use in-network ATMs at your bank's branches or partner network ATMs. Many online banks and credit unions offer ATM fee reimbursement programs. Cash back at checkout when shopping (often free at major retailers) is another option.
Surcharge Free Access: Chicago has extensive surcharge-free ATM networks including Allpoint, MoneyPass, CO-OP, and Star SF. Free ATMs are commonly available at Walgreens, 7-Eleven, CVS, Target, and Circle K. Many local banks and credit unions participate in these networks, allowing surcharge-free withdrawals.
Out Of Network Average Total: $4.77

ATM Fee Breakdown

Typical Bank Outofnetwork Fee: $1.64
Typical ATM Operator Surcharge: $3.22

Tipping Norms

Tipping Payment Method: Digital tipping (card terminal, app) is now the standard and does not require cash. Cash tips are still appreciated but not necessary.
Automatic Service Charges: Some Chicago restaurants have shifted to automatic service charges (18–20%) instead of tips, particularly for larger parties (6+ diners) or as a business model choice. Always check the bill to avoid double-tipping.

Hotels

Standard: 10–20% for housekeeping per night; $1–2 per bag for bellhop
Context: Service charge may be automatically added at high-end hotels; verify before tipping.

Bars And Cafes

Standard: $1–2 per drink or round up to next dollar; 15–20% for cocktails or skilled bartenders
Context: Casual bars: simple rounding. Craft cocktail bars: higher tips appreciated.

Delivery Services

Standard: 15–20% through app; minimum $3–5
Context: Third-party apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) allow app-based tipping.

Restaurants Table Service

Standard: 15–20% of bill before taxes
Context: 20% has become the norm in most urban areas and at tourist-oriented establishments; 15% remains acceptable but on the lower end. Exceptional service may merit higher tips.

Counter Service Fast Casual

Standard: 10–15% or $1–2 per order
Context: Tipping is becoming expected at digital payment terminals even for minimal service.

Card Acceptance

Detail: Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards are accepted at most restaurants, retail stores, transit systems, and service providers in Chicago. Cash-only or cash-preferred venues are uncommon and limited to a few niche establishments such as certain independent pizza shops, dive bars, and specialty food markets.
Status: Widely accepted across the city; cash-only venues are rare exceptions
Transit Payments: CTA and Metra transit can be paid via contactless credit/debit cards through the Ventra app or physical Ventra cards; mobile wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) also accepted on transit.

Banking

Overview: Non-residents can open US bank accounts, though in-person verification is typically required at major traditional banks. Fintech platforms offer more flexible remote options.
Process Notes: Most traditional US banks require in-person branch visits for non-residents. Requirements vary significantly by bank and branch; calling ahead to confirm current requirements and documentation is essential. Fintech platforms allow fully remote onboarding but may have country eligibility restrictions.

Fintech Alternatives

Wise
Mercury
Relay
Payoneer

Requirements For Nonresidents

Valid passport or government-issued photo ID
Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement dated within 60 days)
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if no US SSN; SSN not strictly required
Initial minimum deposit (typically $25–$500 depending on bank)

Major Banks Accepting Nonresidents

Wells Fargo
Note
Known as most foreigner-friendly; accepts non-residents without SSN
Bank of America
Note
Accepts broad range of IDs including foreign passports and consular cards; offers student accounts
Chase
Note
Requires in-person verification and proof of US address
Citibank
Note
Known for relatively open policy toward non-residents via Citigold international offering; requires physical presence and high minimum balances

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Chicago

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in Chicago