Most ATMs accept cash deposits, but not all — and the process depends on your bank
You can deposit cash or checks into an ATM if your bank's machine has a deposit slot or envelope deposit feature. Not every ATM accepts deposits — some are withdrawal-only — so you need to use one owned by your bank or a network your bank belongs to. The machine will guide you through the steps, but the deposit won't show in your account instantly. Most banks post ATM deposits within one business day, though some take longer depending on when you deposit and how the bank processes overnight batches.
ATM deposits are useful when the branch is closed or you need to deposit outside normal hours. They're also safer than carrying cash home. But they come with limits: most banks cap how much you can deposit per transaction and per day, and some charge a fee if you use an out-of-network machine.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank's ATM must have a deposit slot or envelope feature — not all machines accept deposits, so check before you go.
- Cash deposits post within one business day in most cases, but checks may take longer depending on your bank's clearing policy.
- Each bank sets its own daily deposit limits, which range widely; check your account terms or call your bank to learn yours.
- Using an out-of-network ATM for deposits usually costs a fee and may delay posting, so stick to your bank's machines when possible.
- The ATM will reject damaged bills, torn checks, or deposits that don't fit the slot, so inspect what you're depositing first.
How to deposit cash at an ATM
Insert your debit card and enter your PIN to log into the machine. Select "Deposit" or "Make a Deposit" from the menu — the exact wording varies by bank. The machine will ask whether you're depositing cash, checks, or both.
For cash, the ATM will either ask you to insert bills into a slot one at a time, or to place them in an envelope and feed the envelope into the machine. If you're using an envelope, seal it after placing your cash inside — the machine will scan the envelope and verify the amount. Some newer ATMs have a cash recycler that counts bills as you insert them and displays the total on screen. If the machine rejects a bill, it's usually torn, worn, or folded. Smooth it out and try again, or use a different bill.
Once the machine accepts your deposit, it will print a receipt showing the amount and a confirmation number. Keep this receipt until the deposit appears in your account, which usually happens by the next business day.
How to deposit checks at an ATM
Follow the same login steps and select "Deposit" from the menu. Choose "Check" or "Checks" when the machine asks what you're depositing. The ATM will ask you to insert the check into a slot, usually one at a time. The machine scans the front and back of the check to read the routing number, account number, and amount.
Before you insert a check, make sure it's signed on the back and endorsed to you — if it's a third-party check (made out to someone else), most banks won't accept it through an ATM. The check must also be legible and not damaged. If the machine can't read it, it will reject the check and return it to you.
Check deposits typically take longer to post than cash. Your bank may credit the amount within one business day, but the check itself won't clear for several days. During that time, the funds are in your account but not yet available to withdraw — your bank will hold them until the check clears from the other bank. The exact timeline depends on your bank's policy and whether the check is from another bank in the same region.
Daily and per-transaction deposit limits
Every bank sets its own limits on how much you can deposit through an ATM in a single transaction and per day. Some banks allow up to $5,000 per transaction and $10,000 per day; others are much lower. A few banks have no daily limit but cap individual transactions. You won't know your limit until you try to deposit or until you call your bank to ask.
If you hit your limit, the ATM will stop accepting deposits and tell you that you've reached your maximum. You can deposit the rest at a branch during business hours, or wait until the next day to use the ATM again. Limits reset at midnight or at a specific time set by your bank — check your account agreement or call customer service to learn when.
Some banks raise your limit if you've been a customer for a while or if you maintain a higher account balance. If you regularly deposit large amounts, it's worth asking your bank whether they can increase your ATM limit.
When ATM deposits don't post right away
Most ATM deposits post within one business day, but several things can delay them. If you deposit after the bank's cutoff time — often 9 p.m. or midnight — the deposit may not process until the next day. Deposits made on weekends or holidays won't post until the next business day. If you deposit a check, the bank may hold it for several days while it clears, even though the deposit shows in your account.
Damaged or unreadable deposits can also cause delays. If the ATM accepted your deposit but the bank's back-office staff can't read a check or verify the amount of cash, they'll contact you to resolve it. This usually takes a few days. To avoid this, make sure checks are clean and legible, and that bills aren't torn or folded.
If your deposit doesn't appear after two business days, contact your bank. Have your receipt ready — the confirmation number helps the bank track down what happened to your deposit.
Out-of-network ATM deposits and fees
If you use an ATM that doesn't belong to your bank, you may pay a fee for the deposit — typically $1 to $3 per transaction. Some banks charge the fee to you; others charge the fee to the other bank, which may delay posting. Out-of-network deposits also take longer to post, sometimes two to three business days instead of one.
To avoid fees and delays, use an ATM owned by your bank or a network your bank belongs to. Many banks are part of shared networks — for example, credit unions often belong to a CO-OP network or Allpoint network that lets you use thousands of machines without a fee. Ask your bank which networks it participates in, or look for the network logo on the ATM before you use it.
What happens if the ATM rejects your deposit
An ATM will reject a deposit if the bill or check doesn't meet its standards. Common reasons include torn or worn bills, checks with missing signatures or endorsements, checks that are too old (usually more than six months), and checks that are illegible or water-damaged. Some machines reject bills that are folded or creased.
If the machine rejects your deposit, it will return it to you immediately. Try smoothing out the bill or check and inserting it again. If it rejects it a second time, take it to a branch and deposit it with a teller instead. A teller can often accept deposits that an ATM won't, and they can verify the amount and condition on the spot.
If the ATM accepts your deposit but the bank later rejects it because it's damaged or unreadable, the bank will contact you and may reverse the deposit from your account. This is why keeping your receipt is important — it proves you deposited the money, and the bank can investigate what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an ATM deposit to show up in my account?
Most cash deposits post within one business day, often by the next morning. Check deposits take longer — the deposit may show in your account within one business day, but the funds won't be available to withdraw until the check clears, which can take three to five business days. Deposits made after your bank's cutoff time or on weekends won't post until the next business day.
Can I deposit a check that's made out to someone else?
Most ATMs won't accept third-party checks — checks made out to someone other than you. You would need to have the original payee sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]," then sign it yourself. Even then, many banks reject third-party checks through ATMs. Your safest option is to deposit it with a teller at a branch.
What if I deposit cash but the ATM doesn't count it correctly?
If you used an envelope, the ATM scanned it and recorded the amount you told it. If the bank later finds a different amount inside, they'll contact you to resolve the discrepancy. If you used a cash recycler that counted bills as you inserted them, the amount on your receipt should be accurate. Keep your receipt and contact your bank if the deposit doesn't match what the machine showed.
Can I deposit money into someone else's account using an ATM?
No. ATM deposits go into the account of the person whose card is in the machine. If you want to deposit money into someone else's account, you need to go to a branch and ask a teller, or transfer the money electronically if you have access to online banking.
Why did the ATM reject my cash deposit?
The most common reasons are torn or worn bills, bills that are folded or creased, or bills that are too old or damaged for the machine to read. Try smoothing the bill and inserting it again, or use a different bill. If the machine keeps rejecting your cash, take it to a branch and deposit it with a teller instead.