Most ATMs cannot cash checks — they only accept deposits
The short answer is no. Standard ATMs are built to accept checks for deposit into your account, not to dispense cash in exchange for a check. When you insert a check into an ATM, the machine reads it, photographs both sides, and credits the funds to your account — usually within one to three business days. The machine does not give you cash back.
Some banks and credit unions have begun testing check cashing ATMs that can dispense cash directly, but these are still rare and available only at certain locations. Even when available, they typically work only with checks drawn on the same bank or credit union that owns the ATM.
If you need cash from a check right now, you have other options that are faster and more widely available than waiting for a deposit to clear.
Key Takeaways
- Standard ATMs deposit checks into your account but do not dispense cash for them.
- Check-cashing ATMs exist at some banks and credit unions but are not common and usually only work with checks from the same institution.
- Your bank's teller window will cash a check immediately if you have an account there.
- Retail check-cashing services, grocery stores, and some retailers will cash checks for a fee if you do not have a bank account.
How mobile check deposit works instead
Most banks now offer mobile check deposit through their smartphone app. You photograph the front and back of the check, submit it through the app, and the bank deposits the funds into your account. The process takes a few minutes, though the funds typically do not become available for one to three business days depending on the check amount and your bank's policy.
Mobile deposit is faster than mailing a check or visiting a branch, but it is not the same as getting cash immediately. If you need the money today, you will need to withdraw it from an ATM or teller after the deposit clears — or use one of the other methods below.
Getting cash from a check at your bank's teller window
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, the fastest way to get cash from a check is to walk into a branch and hand it to a teller. The teller will verify the check, confirm you have funds available, and give you cash on the spot. This takes about five minutes and costs nothing.
You will need to bring a photo ID and your account information (or your debit card). If the check is drawn on a different bank, the teller may place a hold on part or all of the funds until the check clears, which typically takes one to three business days. If the check is drawn on the same bank, you usually get the full amount immediately.
Check-cashing services and retail options
If you do not have a bank account, or if you need to cash a check outside of business hours, check-cashing services are available at dedicated storefronts, payday loan shops, and some grocery stores and retailers. These services charge a fee — typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, though fees vary widely by location and the type of check.
Walmart, Target, and many grocery store chains offer check cashing at their customer service desk during store hours. Fees are usually lower than at dedicated check-cashing shops. You will need a photo ID, and the store may have limits on the check amount they will cash.
Check-cashing services do not require a bank account and do not place holds on funds — you get cash immediately. The trade-off is the fee and the risk that a check might bounce after you have already spent the cash. If that happens, the service may pursue you for the amount.
Why some banks are testing check-cashing ATMs
A small number of banks and credit unions have installed ATMs that can dispense cash for checks, usually as a way to serve customers outside of branch hours. These machines work by scanning the check, verifying the funds, and dispensing cash from the ATM's cash supply.
The catch is that most check-cashing ATMs only work with checks drawn on the same bank or credit union. If you try to cash a check from a different bank, the machine will reject it or ask you to deposit it instead. Availability varies by institution and location — your bank may not have one, or it may only be at certain branches.
If your bank has a check-cashing ATM, it will usually be labeled clearly or mentioned in your account materials. Call your bank's customer service line or visit their website to find out whether this service is available at your branch.
What to do if the check is from a different bank
If the check is drawn on a bank where you do not have an account, your options are more limited. You can deposit it through your own bank's ATM or mobile app and wait for it to clear, or you can take it to a check-cashing service and pay a fee.
Some banks will cash checks drawn on other banks for their own customers, but they may place a hold on the funds or charge a fee. Call your bank and ask whether they offer this service and what the terms are. If they do, bring the check and your ID to a teller window.
If you do not have a bank account, a check-cashing service is your most straightforward option. Bring the check and a photo ID. The service will verify the check and give you cash minus their fee, usually within a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at an ATM if it is from the same bank?
Most standard ATMs cannot cash checks from any bank, including the one that owns the ATM. They only accept deposits. A few banks have installed special check-cashing ATMs that work with their own checks, but these are uncommon. Your best option is to visit a teller window during business hours.
How long does it take for a check to clear after I deposit it at an ATM?
Clearing time depends on the check amount and your bank's policy, but typically ranges from one to three business days. Checks under $200 often clear faster. Your bank's app or website will show you when the funds become available. You can usually withdraw the money once the deposit shows as posted.
What happens if I cash a check and it bounces?
If you cash a check at a check-cashing service and it bounces, the service may pursue you for the amount. If you deposit a check through your bank and it bounces, the bank will reverse the deposit and may charge you a fee. Either way, you are responsible for the amount if the check writer does not have sufficient funds.
Can I cash a check at a grocery store ATM?
Grocery store ATMs work the same way as bank ATMs — they accept check deposits but do not dispense cash for checks. However, many grocery stores have customer service desks that offer check cashing for a fee during store hours. Ask at the desk rather than at the ATM.
Is there a fee to cash a check at my bank?
No. If you have an account at the bank and you cash the check at a teller window, there is no fee. If the check is drawn on a different bank, some banks may charge a fee or place a hold on the funds. Call your bank to ask about their policy before you visit.