Yes, you can deposit checks at many ATMs, but not all machines accept them

Most banks and credit unions now offer check deposit at their ATMs, but the machine has to be equipped for it. Not every ATM on the street accepts deposits — some only dispense cash. The ones that do are usually at bank branches, inside bank lobbies, or at credit union locations. Your bank's website or app will show you which machines near you have deposit capability, or you can call your bank to ask.

Check deposit at an ATM works differently than depositing cash. The machine scans the check, reads the amount and routing number, and deposits it into your account. You don't hand the check to a teller. The whole process takes about a minute, and you get a receipt showing what was deposited.

The main trade-off is timing. Checks deposited at an ATM may take longer to clear than checks deposited at a teller window, especially if you deposit after business hours or on a weekend. Your bank's policy determines when the funds become available — this is called the hold period.

Key Takeaways

  • Check-deposit ATMs are available at most bank branches and credit union locations, but not all ATMs have this feature.
  • The ATM scans and reads the check, so you need a legible image on both sides and the check must be signed and endorsed.
  • Checks deposited at an ATM may have a longer hold period than checks deposited with a teller, depending on your bank's policy.
  • Your bank's mobile app usually shows you which ATMs near you accept check deposits and what the current hold times are.

What the ATM needs from you and the check

The check must be signed on the back by the person it's made out to — that's called endorsement. If the check is made out to you, you sign it. If it's made out to you and someone else, both of you need to sign it, or the ATM will reject it. Some banks allow you to write "For deposit only" above your signature, which adds a small layer of protection if the check is lost.

The check itself has to be readable. The ATM scans both the front and back, so the numbers, routing information, and your signature all have to be clear and not smudged. If the machine can't read it, it will reject the check and return it to you. Checks that are torn, stained, or have writing in the wrong places often get rejected.

You'll also need your debit card or account number to complete the deposit. The ATM asks you to enter your PIN or insert your card, just like when you withdraw cash. This confirms which account the check goes into.

How long it takes for the money to show up

The ATM gives you a receipt immediately, but that doesn't mean the money is in your account yet. The bank has to physically process the check after you deposit it, which takes time. Federal rules allow banks to hold checks for up to two business days, but many banks hold them longer — sometimes five to seven business days depending on the check amount and your account history.

Checks deposited at an ATM often have a longer hold than checks deposited at a teller window. Some banks hold ATM deposits for an extra day or two. Your bank's website or the receipt from the ATM should tell you when the funds will be available. If you need the money right away, depositing at a teller window during business hours is usually faster.

The hold period starts when the bank receives and processes the deposit, not when you put the check in the machine. If you deposit a check on a Friday evening, the hold period may not start until Monday morning.

What happens if the ATM rejects your check

If the machine can't read the check or detects a problem, it will reject it and return it to you immediately. Common reasons for rejection include a missing signature, illegible numbers, a torn check, or a check that's too old (checks are usually only good for six months). The ATM will display an error message telling you why it was rejected.

If your check is rejected, you have two options: fix the problem and try again at a different ATM, or go inside the bank during business hours and deposit it with a teller. A teller can sometimes accept checks that the machine rejects, especially if the issue is minor.

Keep your receipt from the ATM. If there's a dispute later about whether the check was deposited, the receipt is your proof.

ATM check deposits versus mobile check deposits

Many banks now let you photograph a check with your phone and deposit it through the mobile app — this is called mobile check deposit or remote deposit capture. Mobile deposits are often faster than ATM deposits because you can do them from home, and some banks clear them in one business day instead of two or three.

The trade-off is that mobile deposits require you to have the bank's app and a smartphone with a good camera. You also have to photograph both sides of the check clearly, and the process is slightly more involved than walking up to an ATM. ATM deposits are still faster if you're already at the bank or nearby.

Some banks let you do both — use the ATM when you're out, and use mobile deposit when you're at home. Check your bank's app to see which methods are available to you.

Limits on how much you can deposit at an ATM

Most banks set a daily limit on how much you can deposit at an ATM, usually between $1,000 and $5,000 per day. Some banks also set a monthly limit. These limits vary by bank and by account type, so check with your bank about what yours are.

If you need to deposit more than the daily limit, you can deposit part of it at the ATM and bring the rest inside to a teller. Or you can wait until the next day and make another ATM deposit. If you regularly deposit large amounts, ask your bank whether they can raise your limit or whether you should use a teller window instead.

Finding an ATM that accepts check deposits near you

Your bank's website usually has a branch and ATM locator tool. Search for ATMs near your location, and the results will show you which ones accept deposits. Most ATMs at bank branches accept checks, but ATMs in grocery stores, gas stations, or other retail locations usually do not.

If you use a credit union, you may be able to use ATMs at other credit unions in the same network — ask whether those machines accept check deposits too. Some credit union networks allow shared branching, which means you can walk into a different credit union and deposit a check with a teller even if it's not your bank.

Your bank's mobile app often shows you the nearest deposit-capable ATM and may even tell you whether it's currently working. If an ATM is out of service, the app will usually flag it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I deposit a check at an ATM and it gets lost or damaged inside the machine?

The ATM scans the check before storing it, so the bank has an image of it even if the physical check is damaged. Keep your receipt. If there's a problem, contact your bank with the receipt number and they can look up the image and confirm the deposit. Banks have procedures for handling checks that jam or are damaged inside the machine.

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else at an ATM?

Only if both people whose names are on the check sign the back of it. If the check says "John and Jane Smith," both John and Jane need to endorse it. If it says "John or Jane Smith," usually only one signature is needed. The ATM may reject it if the endorsement doesn't match what it expects, so when in doubt, go to a teller.

Do I need to keep the physical check after I deposit it at an ATM?

No. Once the ATM accepts the check, the bank takes possession of it. You don't need to keep it, but keep your receipt for your records. The bank will destroy the check after it clears, which is usually within a week or two.

Why is my check deposit on hold for so long?

ATM deposits often have longer holds than teller deposits because the bank processes them in batches rather than immediately. The hold also depends on the check amount, your account age, and your bank's policy. Large checks or checks from unfamiliar banks may be held longer. If you need faster access to the money, ask your bank whether depositing with a teller would speed things up.

Can I deposit a check at an ATM from a different bank?

Yes, as long as the ATM belongs to your bank or a bank in your network. You cannot use another bank's ATM to deposit into your account — the machine only works with accounts at that bank or credit union. Use your own bank's ATM or a shared branching location if available.