Yes, you can deposit checks at most ATMs, but not all machines have this feature
Many ATMs let you deposit checks without going inside the bank. You insert the check into a slot, the machine reads it, and the deposit goes into your account. But not every ATM has this capability — some older machines or ATMs at convenience stores only handle cash. Before you count on depositing a check at an ATM, check whether your bank's machines support check deposits, and whether the specific ATM you plan to use has the feature.
The process is faster than waiting in line, and the deposit usually posts to your account the same day or the next business day. However, there are limits on how many checks you can deposit at once and how much money the checks can total. Your bank sets these limits, and they vary.
Key Takeaways
- Not all ATMs accept check deposits — confirm your bank offers this feature before you rely on it.
- The check must be made out to you or to you and someone else, and you may need to sign the back.
- Most banks process ATM check deposits the same day or next business day, but some take longer.
- ATMs usually have daily and per-transaction limits on check deposits, such as a maximum of five checks or $5,000 per day.
- If the machine rejects your check, you can still deposit it inside the bank or through mobile check deposit if your bank offers it.
Which ATMs accept check deposits
Your bank's own ATMs are most likely to have check deposit capability. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have check deposit at most of their ATMs. Credit unions and smaller regional banks vary — some have it at all machines, others at only a few locations.
ATMs at convenience stores, gas stations, or other banks usually do not accept check deposits. If you are not sure whether a specific machine has the feature, look at the screen when you insert your card. The menu will show you what options are available — if "deposit check" or "mobile deposit" does not appear, that machine cannot take checks.
You can also call your bank's customer service line or check their website to see which ATMs in your area accept checks. Many banks list this on their ATM locator tool.
What the machine needs from you and your check
The check must be made out to you, or to you and another person. If it is made out to someone else only, you cannot deposit it at an ATM — you would need to go inside the bank and have that person sign it over to you, or deposit it in their account.
You may need to sign the back of the check before inserting it. Some machines ask you to sign in a specific area; others do not require a signature. The ATM screen will tell you what to do. If you are unsure, sign the back of the check in the upper left corner, which is the standard endorsement area.
The check must be readable. If it is torn, stained, or the numbers are faded, the machine may reject it. If that happens, you can deposit it inside the bank instead, where a teller can manually process it.
How long it takes for the money to show up
Most banks post ATM check deposits the same day if you deposit before a certain time — often 9 p.m. or midnight. If you deposit after that cutoff, or on a weekend or holiday, the deposit usually posts the next business day.
Some banks hold ATM check deposits for one or two business days before the money is available to spend, even though the deposit shows in your account. This is called a hold. Your bank's policy determines how long the hold lasts. You can ask your bank how long holds typically last for ATM deposits.
The check itself takes longer to clear — usually three to five business days. During that time, the bank is verifying that the check is real and that the account it is drawn on has enough money. If something goes wrong during clearing, the bank may reverse the deposit.
Limits on how many checks and how much money
ATMs have limits to prevent fraud and reduce the risk of machine jams. Your bank sets these limits, and they differ from bank to bank. Common limits are five checks per transaction, or a total of $5,000 per day. Some banks allow more; others allow less.
If you try to deposit more checks than the limit allows, the machine will reject the extras. You can deposit them in a separate transaction, or go inside the bank to deposit them all at once.
If you regularly deposit large numbers of checks or large amounts, ask your bank what the ATM limits are. You may be able to request a higher limit, or you may need to use the drive-through or go inside the bank.
What to do if the ATM rejects your check
If the machine will not accept your check, it will return it to you. This usually happens because the check is damaged, the image is not clear enough for the machine to read, or you have hit a deposit limit. The ATM screen will show an error message explaining why.
You have two options: deposit the check inside the bank during business hours, or use mobile check deposit if your bank offers it. Mobile deposit lets you photograph the front and back of the check using your phone and submit it through the bank's app. This works for most checks and is often faster than going to the bank.
If the check is damaged or the writing is unclear, go inside the bank. A teller can look at the physical check and may be able to process it even if the machine could not read it.
Checks that ATMs cannot accept
ATMs cannot deposit checks that are not made out to you. This includes checks made out to a business, a deceased person, or someone else's name. You also cannot deposit a check that is post-dated — meaning the date on the check is in the future. The machine will reject it.
Checks that are very old — usually more than six months old — may be rejected by the ATM or by the bank during clearing. Ask the person who wrote the check to issue a new one if the check is older than six months.
If a check has already been deposited once, you cannot deposit it again. The bank's system will catch this during clearing and reverse the second deposit.
Mobile check deposit as an alternative
If your bank offers mobile check deposit, you can photograph a check using your phone instead of going to an ATM or the bank. You take a picture of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit it through the bank's app. The deposit usually posts within one business day.
Mobile deposit is convenient if you do not have time to get to an ATM, or if the ATM near you does not accept checks. However, not all banks offer it, and some banks limit how many checks you can deposit per day or per month through the app. Check your bank's app to see if this feature is available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to endorse the check before I put it in the ATM?
It depends on your bank. Some ATMs require you to sign the back of the check in the endorsement area before inserting it. Others do not require a signature. The ATM screen will tell you what to do. When in doubt, sign the back of the check in the upper left corner.
Can I deposit a check made out to two people?
Yes, if the check is made out to you and another person. Both names must be on the check. If the check says "and" between the names, both people usually need to sign it. If it says "or", either person can deposit it. Check your bank's rules if you are unsure.
What happens if the check bounces after I deposit it at the ATM?
If the check bounces — meaning the account it is drawn on does not have enough money — the bank will reverse the deposit and remove the money from your account. You may also be charged a fee. The bank will notify you when this happens. You can contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one or provide cash.
Can I deposit a check at an ATM that belongs to a different bank?
Most ATMs at other banks do not accept check deposits. Use an ATM owned by your bank, or go inside your bank to deposit the check. Some banks are part of a shared network that allows deposits at partner ATMs, so ask your bank if this option is available to you.
How do I know if my bank's ATM accepts checks?
Insert your card and look at the menu on the screen. If "deposit check" appears as an option, that machine accepts checks. You can also call your bank or check their website for a list of ATMs that accept deposits in your area.