Yes, many ATMs accept cash and check deposits, but not all of them do

Most ATMs owned by your bank will let you deposit cash and checks, but some will only let you withdraw. The machine itself has to have a deposit slot — you cannot deposit at a basic withdrawal-only ATM. If your bank's ATM has a slot, you can usually deposit during any hour the machine is accessible, even outside of branch hours. The deposit goes into your account the same way a teller deposit does, though the funds may not clear until the next business day.

ATMs at other banks or in stores like grocery chains often do not accept deposits at all. Even if they do, you may face fees or slower processing. Your own bank's ATM is almost always your best option.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's ATM with a deposit slot will accept cash and checks during any hour, and the deposit posts to your account the same day or next business day.
  • Not all ATMs have deposit capability — withdrawal-only machines cannot accept deposits, and you should check your bank's ATM locator to find deposit-enabled machines.
  • Deposits made after your bank's cutoff time (usually 9 p.m. or later) may not process until the next business day.
  • Checks deposited at an ATM must be endorsed on the back and may take longer to clear than checks deposited with a teller.

How to deposit cash at an ATM

Insert your debit card and enter your PIN. Navigate to the deposit option on the screen. The machine will prompt you to insert cash into the slot — most ATMs accept bills one at a time, though some newer machines accept multiple bills at once. The ATM counts the bills and displays the total on screen. Confirm the amount and complete the transaction.

The cash is now in your account. Your bank may place a hold on the deposit if the amount is unusually large or if you are a new customer, but this is rare for ATM deposits. Check your account balance on your phone or at the next ATM to confirm the deposit posted.

How to deposit checks at an ATM

Sign the back of the check in the endorsement area (the back left side). Write "For deposit only" and your account number below your signature — this protects you if the check is lost. Insert your debit card and select the deposit option. When prompted, insert the check into the slot face-up or face-down depending on what the machine shows on screen.

The ATM scans the check and displays the amount. Confirm the amount matches the check, then complete the transaction. The check image is sent to your bank for processing. Checks typically clear within one to three business days, though some banks take longer. Keep the check stub or take a photo of the front and back for your records until you see the funds in your account.

Which ATMs have deposit capability

Your bank's main branch and most of its full-service ATMs have deposit slots. Drive-through ATMs at branches almost always accept deposits. Standalone ATMs in remote locations, grocery stores, or gas stations often do not. ATMs inside bank branches are more likely to have deposit capability than ATMs outside.

Use your bank's ATM locator on its website or app to find machines near you that accept deposits. The locator usually shows whether each ATM accepts cash deposits, check deposits, or both. If you cannot find a deposit-enabled ATM nearby, you can deposit at a branch during business hours or use mobile check deposit through your bank's app if it offers that service.

Timing and processing for ATM deposits

Deposits made before your bank's cutoff time (usually 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., but check your bank's specific time) post to your account the same business day. Deposits made after the cutoff or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. Your bank's app or website will show you the exact cutoff time.

Cash deposits are usually available immediately or within a few hours. Check deposits take longer because the bank has to verify the check is real and that the account it is drawn from has sufficient funds. Most checks clear within one to three business days. If you need the money urgently, ask your bank whether it offers next-day availability for checks deposited at ATMs — some do, though they may place a hold if the check is large.

ATM deposits from other banks and fees

You can deposit at another bank's ATM if it accepts deposits, but your bank may charge you a fee for using an out-of-network machine. The other bank may also charge a fee. These fees are usually $1 to $3 per transaction. Some banks waive out-of-network fees for their customers; check your account terms.

Deposits at out-of-network ATMs may also take longer to process. Your bank has to route the deposit through the other bank's system, which can add a day or two. Use your own bank's ATM whenever possible to avoid fees and delays.

What to do if the ATM rejects your deposit

ATMs reject deposits for several reasons: the machine is full and cannot accept more envelopes, the bill or check is damaged or unreadable, or the machine is malfunctioning. If the ATM rejects your cash, it will return the bills immediately. If it rejects a check, it will return the check and you can try again or deposit it at a branch.

If the ATM keeps your deposit or malfunctions, contact your bank right away. Report the issue with the date, time, location, and amount. Your bank can check the ATM's records to see whether the deposit was processed. If the machine kept your money, the bank will investigate and credit your account if the deposit is confirmed. This process usually takes a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check at an ATM without signing it?

No. You must sign the back of the check and write "For deposit only" with your account number. An unsigned check cannot be processed. If you forget to sign it before inserting it into the ATM, the machine will reject it and return it.

How long does it take for an ATM deposit to show up in my account?

Cash deposits usually appear within a few hours or the same business day. Checks take one to three business days to clear. Deposits made after your bank's cutoff time or on weekends post the next business day. Check your bank's app to see the exact cutoff and expected processing time.

What is the maximum amount I can deposit at an ATM?

Most banks do not have a per-transaction limit for ATM deposits, but some machines have a daily limit of $5,000 to $10,000. Check your bank's terms or call customer service to confirm the limit. If you need to deposit more, use a branch or split the deposit across multiple days.

Can I deposit money into someone else's account at an ATM?

No. ATM deposits go only into the account linked to the debit card you insert. To deposit into another person's account, you must go to a branch and provide their account information, or they can deposit the money themselves using their own card.

What happens if I deposit a check that bounces?

Your bank will reverse the deposit and remove the funds from your account. If you have already spent the money, you may overdraft. The bank will notify you of the reversal. Contact the person who gave you the check to get a new one or a refund.