Where to find ATMs that take deposits

ATMs that accept deposits are usually at your bank's branches, at other branches of the same bank network, or at ATMs run by credit unions in your network. The fastest way to find one is to open your bank's mobile app or website and search "ATM locator" — you can filter by location and by whether it takes deposits. If you bank with a large national bank, most of their ATMs will accept deposits. If you use a smaller regional bank or credit union, you may have fewer options, and some may only accept deposits during certain hours.

Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores also have ATMs, but most of these do not take deposits — they only dispense cash. Before you go to an unfamiliar ATM, check whether it accepts deposits by looking it up in your bank's app or calling your bank's customer service line. Some banks charge a fee if you use an ATM outside their network, and some ATMs charge you a fee to use them, so knowing in advance saves money.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's mobile app or website has an ATM locator tool that shows which machines near you accept deposits.
  • ATMs at your bank's branches almost always take deposits, but ATMs at grocery stores and gas stations usually do not.
  • If you use a credit union, you may be able to use ATMs at other credit unions in your network at no charge.
  • Some ATMs charge a fee to use them, and some banks charge you a fee for using an out-of-network ATM, so check before you deposit.

How to use a deposit ATM

Insert your debit card or ATM card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit" from the menu. The machine will ask you to insert your checks or cash one at a time. For checks, the ATM scans the front and back and displays the amount on screen — verify it matches before you confirm. For cash, count it before you insert it; the machine counts it and shows you the total. Once you confirm the amount, the ATM prints a receipt showing what you deposited and when it will post to your account.

Keep that receipt until the deposit appears in your account, which usually takes one to two business days. If the amount does not match what you deposited, or if the deposit does not show up, you will need the receipt and the ATM location to file a dispute with your bank. Some ATMs have daily limits on how much you can deposit — this varies by bank, but $5,000 to $10,000 per day is common — so if you are depositing a large amount, check your bank's limits first.

Differences between bank ATMs and credit union ATMs

If you have a checking account at a bank, you can usually deposit at any ATM owned by that bank, but you may pay a fee to use ATMs owned by other banks. If you have an account at a credit union, you may be able to use ATMs at other credit unions in your network — often the CO-OP or Allpoint network — at no charge. Check your account paperwork or call your credit union to find out which network you belong to and which ATMs you can use for free.

Some online banks and smaller regional banks do not own ATMs at all, so they partner with networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass to let their customers deposit and withdraw for free. If your bank uses one of these networks, the ATM locator in your app will show you participating machines. If your bank does not have a network partnership, you may have to go to a branch to deposit checks, or you may be able to deposit by mail or through mobile check deposit if your bank offers it.

Mobile check deposit as an alternative

Many banks let you deposit checks without going to an ATM or branch by taking a photo of the front and back of the check with your phone and uploading it through the bank's app. This is called mobile check deposit or remote deposit capture. It is often faster than an ATM deposit because the check posts within one business day, and you do not have to leave home. However, not all banks offer it, and some have limits on how many checks you can deposit this way per day or per month.

If you receive direct deposit paychecks, you do not need to deposit them at all — your employer or payroll service deposits them directly into your account. If you receive checks from other sources and your bank offers mobile deposit, that is usually the easiest option. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit and you do not have a nearby ATM that takes deposits, you can deposit by mail (which takes longer) or visit a branch during business hours.

What to do if there is no deposit ATM near you

If you cannot find a deposit ATM within a reasonable distance, contact your bank and ask what options you have. Some banks will mail you a prepaid envelope so you can deposit checks by mail, though this takes five to ten business days. Some banks let you deposit at any branch, even if it is not your home branch. Some banks offer mobile check deposit to customers who do not have easy ATM access. A few banks will even arrange for you to deposit at a partner bank's branch if you are traveling.

If you are switching banks or opening a new account, ask about ATM access before you sign up. Banks with large national networks or credit unions that belong to shared branching networks usually have more deposit options. If you receive most of your income through direct deposit, ATM access matters less because your paychecks go straight into your account without you having to do anything.

Fees and limits to know about

Your bank may charge you a fee for using an out-of-network ATM — this is usually $2 to $3 per transaction. The ATM itself may also charge you a fee, which appears on your receipt. Some banks waive out-of-network fees if you maintain a certain balance or pay a monthly fee for a premium account. Check your account agreement or call your bank to find out what fees apply to you.

Daily deposit limits vary by bank and by account type. A typical limit is $5,000 to $10,000 per day, but some banks allow more and some allow less. If you need to deposit more than your daily limit, you can split the deposit across two days, or you can go to a branch and deposit in person. Some ATMs also have limits on the number of checks you can deposit at once — usually 10 to 20 — so if you have a large stack, you may need to make multiple trips or use a branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash at any ATM?

No. Most ATMs only dispense cash; they do not accept deposits. Use your bank's ATM locator to find machines that accept cash deposits. ATMs at your bank's branches almost always take cash, but ATMs at gas stations and convenience stores usually do not.

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

ATM deposits usually post within one to two business days. The receipt will tell you when the bank expects the deposit to appear. Weekends and holidays can delay posting, so a deposit made on Friday may not show until Monday or Tuesday.

What happens if the ATM keeps my check?

If an ATM jams or rejects your check, it will usually return it to you. If it does not, contact your bank right away with the receipt and the ATM location. Your bank can investigate and either return the check or credit your account if it was processed.

Can I deposit checks at a different bank's ATM?

Usually no. Most banks only let you deposit at their own ATMs or at ATMs in their network. Some credit unions let members use ATMs at other credit unions in the same network. Check your bank's ATM locator or call customer service to find out which machines accept your card.

Is mobile check deposit safer than ATM deposit?

Both are secure if you use your bank's official app. Mobile deposit may be safer because you keep the original check and can destroy it after the bank confirms the deposit. With ATM deposit, the machine keeps the check, so you depend on the bank to process it correctly.