Can You Fax at Your Bank? Maybe -- But There Is a Faster Way
Some banks let account holders fax for free, but availability varies by branch. Skip the uncertainty and fax from your phone in 60 seconds.
Many banks and credit unions still keep a fax machine at their branches, and some will let account holders use it for free. But the experience is far from guaranteed. Policies vary by institution and even by branch location.
TL;DR: If your bank confirms fax is available and you are already visiting the branch, use it. Otherwise, skip the trip and fax online for $3.50. Sources: Municorn Fax, FaxBurner
Do Banks Actually Offer Fax Services?
The short answer: sometimes. Here is what to expect.
Account holders only
Most banks restrict fax access to customers with active accounts. Walk-ins are usually turned away.
Inbound-only at some branches
Some banks only receive faxes on your behalf. If you need to send one, you may be out of luck.
Online banks have no fax
Digital-only banks like Ally, Marcus, Chime, and SoFi have no physical branches and no fax machines.
Service is not advertised
You will not find "fax services" on most bank websites. You have to call or visit to ask.
Limited hours and staff
Bank lobbies close at 4-5 PM on weekdays. If the branch is busy, your fax will wait.
No delivery confirmation
Bank staff will not give you a transmission report or real-time tracking. You just have to trust it went through.
Bank Fax vs OneFaxNow -- Side by Side
See how in-branch faxing compares to online pay-per-fax
| Criterion | Bank Fax | OneFaxNow |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free for account holders (if available); non-members pay per page | $3.50 flat (1-10 pages), $5.00 (11-50 pages) |
| Availability | Branch hours only (M-F, ~9 AM-5 PM) | 24/7 from any device |
| Account required | Yes -- bank account in most cases | No account at all |
| Location | Must drive to a branch | Send from phone, laptop, or tablet |
| Delivery tracking | None -- no confirmation provided | Real-time tracking + email confirmation |
| Privacy | Documents handled by staff in a public lobby | Private -- files encrypted and deleted after delivery |
| HIPAA compliance | No | Optional HIPAA mode with instant BAA ($6.50) |
| Retries on busy line | Staff may try once | Automatic retries (up to 3 attempts) |
Bank fax availability varies by institution and branch. Sources: Municorn Fax, FaxBurner. Verified Feb 2026.
When Your Bank Is the Right Choice
You already have an account and the branch confirms fax is available
Your document is one page and non-sensitive
The branch is on your commute and you are heading there anyway
When OneFaxNow Is Better
You need to fax now and cannot drive to a branch
Your bank is online-only or does not offer fax
You need delivery confirmation for a deadline-sensitive document
Your document contains medical information requiring HIPAA compliance
It is after business hours, a weekend, or a holiday
Skip the Branch. Fax From Your Phone.
No bank account needed. No branch visit. Upload, send, and track delivery in real time for $3.50.
Bank Fax FAQs
Can I fax documents at my bank for free?
Some banks and credit unions offer free fax services to account holders, but policies vary widely. Call your branch before visiting to confirm availability. Online-only banks typically do not have fax machines.
Do all banks have fax machines?
No. While many traditional banks with physical branches still maintain fax machines, availability is declining. Online banks, neobanks, and smaller branches may not have one. There is no industry-wide standard.
Can I use the bank fax machine without an account?
In most cases, no. Bank fax services are a courtesy for account holders. Some credit unions and community banks may make exceptions, but you should not count on it.
Is faxing at a bank HIPAA-compliant?
No. Bank lobbies are public spaces and bank staff are not trained HIPAA associates. If your document contains Protected Health Information (PHI), use a HIPAA-compliant fax service like OneFaxNow's HIPAA mode, which includes encryption, audit logs, and an instant BAA.
What are the best alternatives to faxing at a bank?
Online fax services like OneFaxNow let you send a fax from your phone or computer in under two minutes. No bank account, no branch visit, and no subscription required. Pricing starts at $3.50 for up to 10 pages.
Can OneFaxNow fax to international numbers?
OneFaxNow supports U.S. and Canada fax numbers only. If you need to fax internationally, consider a service with global coverage.