Most ATMs accept check deposits, but not all machines and not all banks

You can deposit a check at many ATMs, but the machine has to be equipped for it. Not every ATM takes deposits — some only dispense cash. The ones that do are usually called deposit-enabled ATMs or check deposit ATMs. Your bank's website or app will show you which machines near you accept checks, or you can call the bank's customer service line and ask.

The process is straightforward if your machine has the feature: insert your check into the slot, follow the on-screen prompts, confirm the amount, and the machine scans and holds the check. Your bank then processes it, usually within one to two business days. Some banks post the funds immediately as a pending deposit, even though the check is still being verified.

Check deposits at ATMs work best for routine deposits during off-hours. If you need the money urgently, a teller deposit during business hours is faster because the bank can verify the check right away. If the check is damaged, unsigned, or the amount is unclear, a teller can catch that on the spot; an ATM cannot.

Key Takeaways

  • Not all ATMs accept check deposits — confirm your machine has the feature before you go, using your bank's ATM locator or by calling customer service.
  • The ATM scans the check and holds it; your bank processes it within one to two business days, though some banks show it as pending immediately.
  • Checks must be signed, legible, and endorsed on the back with your signature for an ATM deposit to work.
  • If a check is rejected by the ATM, you will need to deposit it with a teller during business hours instead.
  • ATM deposits are convenient for off-hours but slower than teller deposits if you need the money right away.

What the ATM machine needs to see on your check

Your check must be signed by the person who wrote it. If it is blank on the signature line, the ATM will reject it. You must also sign the back of the check (the endorsement) with your name. Some banks require you to write your account number on the back as well — check your bank's instructions on the ATM screen or in your account materials.

The check amount must be legible and match what you enter into the machine. If the numbers are smudged, faded, or torn, the ATM may not read it correctly and will reject the deposit. The same goes for checks with stains, creases, or damage to the routing number or account number at the bottom.

Post-dated checks (dated in the future) can sometimes cause problems. Some banks will reject them at the ATM, while others will accept them and hold them until the date on the check. Call your bank before depositing a post-dated check to know what will happen.

How long it takes for the money to show up in your account

Most banks credit ATM check deposits within one to two business days. Some banks are faster — a few credit them the same day if you deposit before a certain time, usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Your bank's website or app will tell you the cutoff time and the expected posting date.

The check itself stays with the bank for verification. You will not get it back. If you need proof of the deposit, the ATM usually prints a receipt with a confirmation number, and your bank keeps a record in your account history.

If the check bounces (the account it came from does not have enough money), your bank will reverse the deposit and charge you a fee, usually $10 to $15. This can happen days or even weeks after the deposit posts, so do not assume the money is yours until the check has fully cleared.

When an ATM will reject your check

The machine will reject a check if it cannot read the amount, if the signature is missing, if the check is damaged, or if the routing number at the bottom is unclear. When this happens, the ATM returns the check to you immediately and displays an error message. You will need to take it to a teller during business hours.

Some ATMs also reject checks that are older than a certain age — usually six months. Banks do this because very old checks are riskier; the account may have closed or the funds may no longer be there. If your check is old, ask a teller whether it can still be deposited.

Checks written on accounts outside the United States may also be rejected by ATMs. International checks require special handling and must go through a teller. The process is slower and often involves a fee.

ATM check deposits versus mobile deposits and teller deposits

You have three main ways to deposit a check: at an ATM, through your bank's mobile app (if it offers mobile deposit), or with a teller. Mobile deposits are often the fastest — you photograph the front and back of the check with your phone, and the bank processes it within hours. ATM deposits take one to two days. Teller deposits are immediate if you need the money right away, but they require you to visit during business hours.

Mobile deposits work well for small checks and routine deposits. ATM deposits are good for off-hours access. Teller deposits are best if the check is large, if you need the money urgently, or if the check is damaged or unclear in any way.

Not all banks offer mobile deposit, and not all ATMs accept checks. If your bank does not have either option, a teller is your only route. Check your bank's website to see which methods are available to you.

What to do if the ATM keeps rejecting your check

If the machine rejects your check more than once, do not keep trying. Each attempt can damage the check further. Instead, take it to a teller during business hours. Bring your ID and your account information. The teller can inspect the check, determine why it was rejected, and either deposit it manually or tell you what needs to be fixed.

If the check is from a business or government agency and the amount is large, a teller can also verify that the check is legitimate before it goes into your account. This protects you from depositing a fraudulent check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to endorse the check before I put it in the ATM?

Yes. Sign the back of the check with your name before inserting it. Some banks also ask you to write your account number on the back. Check the on-screen instructions at your ATM or your bank's website to see what your bank requires.

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?

No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it is made out to someone else, that person must deposit it themselves. Some banks allow a third party to deposit a check on your behalf if they sign it and write "for deposit only," but ATMs do not support this — you would need a teller.

What happens if I deposit a check that bounces?

Your bank will reverse the deposit and remove the money from your account. You will also be charged a fee, usually $10 to $15. If you wrote checks or made purchases based on that deposit, those transactions may bounce too, triggering additional fees.

Can I deposit a check at any bank's ATM, or does it have to be my bank?

It has to be your bank's ATM or an ATM in your bank's network. Using another bank's ATM may result in a fee, and the check deposit feature may not work. Use your bank's ATM locator to find machines you can use for free.

How do I know if my ATM accepts check deposits?

Look at the machine itself — deposit-enabled ATMs usually have a slot labeled "checks" or "deposits" in addition to the cash slot. You can also check your bank's website, use the ATM locator app, or call customer service to confirm which machines near you accept checks.