Not every ATM accepts check deposits, and the ones that do have limits
You can deposit a check at an ATM, but only if that ATM is owned by your bank or a bank in your bank's network. Most banks have their own ATMs that accept deposits. Some banks also belong to shared networks — like Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP — that let you use other banks' machines. If you try to deposit at an ATM that is not part of your bank's network, the machine will reject the check.
Even when you use the right ATM, there are usually limits on how much you can deposit in a single transaction and how much in a day. These limits vary by bank. Some banks cap daily check deposits at $5,000; others allow $10,000 or more. Your bank's app or website will show your specific limits, or you can call the customer service number on the back of your card.
Key Takeaways
- Check deposits at ATMs only work at machines owned by your bank or at ATMs in your bank's shared network.
- Most banks limit how much you can deposit per transaction and per day, and these limits are different for each bank.
- The ATM will scan and hold the check, then credit the funds to your account — usually within one to two business days.
- If the ATM rejects your check, you can deposit it at a branch, through mobile check deposit, or by mailing it to your bank.
How to find an ATM that accepts check deposits at your bank
Start by checking your bank's website or app. Most banks have a branch and ATM locator tool that lets you filter for ATMs that accept deposits. You can search by location and see which machines near you have the deposit function.
If your bank is part of a shared network, you can also use that network's locator. For example, if you bank with a credit union, it may belong to the CO-OP network, which has thousands of ATMs across the country. Allpoint and MoneyPass are two other large networks. Your bank's website will tell you which network it belongs to and provide a link to find machines.
Not all ATMs at a single bank location accept deposits — some are cash-only machines. The locator tool will show you which ones do. If you are not sure, call your bank's customer service line before you go.
What happens when you deposit a check at an ATM
You insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select the deposit option. The ATM will ask you to enter the amount of the check. You then insert the check into the slot, and the machine scans it and holds it inside. The ATM will show you a confirmation screen with the amount and a reference number. Keep that number in case you need to dispute the deposit later.
The funds are usually credited to your account within one to two business days. Some banks credit check deposits faster — sometimes the same day or next business day — but this depends on the bank and the time you deposit. Deposits made after business hours or on weekends are typically processed the next business day.
The check itself stays in the ATM and is sent to your bank's processing center. You do not get the physical check back. If you need proof of deposit, the ATM receipt and your bank statement will both show the transaction.
Deposit limits and what they mean for you
Banks set deposit limits to reduce fraud and manage processing volume. A typical limit might be $2,500 per transaction and $10,000 per day, but these numbers vary widely. Some online banks have higher limits; some traditional banks have lower ones. A few banks do not allow check deposits at ATMs at all.
If you need to deposit more than your limit allows, you have two options: deposit the check at a branch during business hours, or split the deposit across multiple days if you can wait. Some banks will waive or raise limits if you call and ask, especially if you are a long-standing customer or have a high account balance.
Check your bank's terms or app to see your specific limits. If the limit is not listed online, call customer service and ask what the per-transaction and daily limits are for check deposits at ATMs.
When an ATM will reject your check
An ATM may reject a check if it is damaged, torn, or illegible. The machine scans the check to read the routing number, account number, and amount, so if the print is faded or the check is bent, the scanner cannot read it. If this happens, the ATM will return the check and ask you to try again or use a different method.
The ATM will also reject a check if it is post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), or if the amount you entered does not match what is written on the check. Some ATMs reject checks that are not in English or that have unusual formatting.
If your check is rejected, deposit it at a branch, use your bank's mobile check deposit feature if available, or mail it to your bank. Mobile deposit is often faster than mailing and works for most checks.
Mobile check deposit as an alternative to ATM deposits
Many banks offer mobile check deposit through their app. You photograph the front and back of the check with your phone, enter the amount, and submit it. The bank processes the image and credits your account, usually within one to two business days — the same timeline as an ATM deposit.
Mobile deposit is useful when you cannot reach an ATM or when the ATM rejects your check. It also has no location requirement — you can deposit from home or anywhere with phone service. However, mobile deposit also has limits, and they are often lower than ATM limits. Some banks cap mobile deposits at $1,000 per transaction or $5,000 per day.
Check your bank's app to see if mobile deposit is available and what the limits are. If your bank does not offer it, you can still deposit at a branch or by mail.
What to do if your bank does not have ATM check deposit
If your bank does not offer check deposits at ATMs, you have three other options: deposit at a branch during business hours, use mobile check deposit if your bank offers it, or mail the check to your bank.
Branch deposits are processed immediately and are the most reliable method. Mobile deposit is faster than mail and works for most checks. Mailing takes longer — usually five to ten business days — but works for any check and requires no trip to the bank.
If you frequently need to deposit checks and your bank does not support ATM deposits, consider switching to a bank that does. Many online banks and credit unions offer ATM check deposit as a standard feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check at an ATM from a different bank?
Only if your bank is part of the same network as that ATM. For example, if you bank with a credit union in the CO-OP network, you can deposit at any CO-OP ATM. If the ATM is not in your bank's network, it will reject the check. Use your bank's ATM locator to find machines that accept your deposits.
How long does it take for a check deposited at an ATM to clear?
Most ATM check deposits are credited within one to two business days. Some banks credit deposits the same day or next business day if you deposit early enough. Deposits made after hours or on weekends are usually processed the next business day. Your bank's app will show when the funds are expected to arrive.
What if the ATM eats my check?
The ATM does not eat the check — it holds it and sends it to your bank's processing center. You will see a confirmation on the screen with a reference number. If the deposit does not appear in your account within the expected timeframe, call your bank with the reference number and they can investigate.
Can I deposit a third-party check at an ATM?
Most banks do not allow third-party check deposits at ATMs. A third-party check is one made out to someone else that they sign over to you. ATMs are designed for checks made out to the account holder only. If you have a third-party check, deposit it at a branch or ask your bank if mobile deposit accepts them.
Is there a limit to how many checks I can deposit at one ATM?
There is no limit on the number of checks, only on the total dollar amount per transaction and per day. You could deposit ten $100 checks at once if your limit allows, or deposit multiple times throughout the day up to your daily limit. Check your bank's terms for the exact limits.