How to Deposit a Check at an ATM

The basic steps for ATM check deposits

Most ATMs let you deposit a check without going inside the bank. You insert your debit card, select "deposit" from the menu, choose "check," and the machine walks you through the rest. The ATM scans the front and back of the check, you confirm the amount it reads, and the deposit goes into your account. The whole process takes about two minutes.

Not every ATM accepts checks — only machines owned by your bank or a bank in your bank's network will take them. ATMs in grocery stores, gas stations, or other banks usually cannot process check deposits. Before you try, look for a label on the machine or check your bank's website to see which ATMs near you have this feature.

Key Takeaways

ATM check deposits require your debit card and a check endorsed (signed on the back) by the person who received it.
The ATM scans both sides of the check and displays the amount it reads so you can confirm it is correct before submitting.
Deposits made at an ATM usually post to your account within one business day, though some banks take longer.
Only ATMs owned by your bank or a partner bank will accept check deposits — machines at other locations will reject them.

What you need before you start

You need your debit card and the check itself. The check must be endorsed — that means the person who received the check has signed the back. If the check is made out to you and you have not signed it yet, sign it before you get to the ATM. Write your signature on the back, below the line that says "endorse here" or similar.

Some banks ask you to write "for deposit only" and your account number below your signature. This is optional at most banks, but it adds a layer of protection if the check is lost. Check your bank's website or call the number on the back of your debit card to see if your bank recommends it.

The check should be in good condition — not torn, faded, or water-damaged. If the amount is hard to read or the routing numbers at the bottom are smudged, the ATM may reject it or the bank may have trouble processing it later.

Walking through the ATM deposit process

Insert your debit card into the ATM and enter your PIN. Navigate to the menu and look for "deposit," "mobile deposit," or "financial services" — the exact wording varies by bank. Select "check" from the deposit options. The machine will tell you where to insert the check and which way it should face. Follow the on-screen instructions exactly, as some ATMs are particular about orientation.

The ATM will scan the front of the check, then ask you to reinsert it so it can scan the back. Once both sides are scanned, the screen will display the amount the machine read from the check. Look at this number carefully and make sure it matches the amount written on the check. If it is wrong, you can cancel the transaction and try again, or take the check inside to a teller instead.

After you confirm the amount, the ATM will ask which account you want the deposit to go into. Select the correct account, review the final summary on the screen, and confirm. The machine will return your debit card and your check. Keep the check until the deposit shows up in your account — usually within one business day — in case there is a problem and the bank needs to see it again.

How long it takes for the money to show up

ATM check deposits usually appear in your account within one business day. Some banks post them the same day if you deposit before a certain time — often 2 p.m. or 5 p.m. — but this varies. Check your bank's website or the receipt the ATM prints to see the expected timeline for your deposit.

The money may show as "pending" for a day or two before it becomes available to spend. This is normal. The bank is verifying that the check is real and that the account it is drawn from has enough money to cover it. Once the status changes to "posted," the money is yours and you can withdraw it or spend it.

What happens if the ATM rejects your check

The ATM may reject your check if it is damaged, if the amount is illegible, if the signature is missing, or if the routing numbers are unclear. If this happens, the machine will return the check and display an error message. Do not try the same check in another ATM — take it inside to a teller instead, who can process it by hand and may be able to read it even if the machine could not.

Occasionally an ATM will accept a check but the bank will later reject it during processing. This happens if the check bounces (the account it is drawn from does not have enough money) or if there is a problem with the signature or account number. The bank will notify you and the money will be removed from your account. If you deposited a bad check, contact the person who gave it to you and ask them to provide a new one or repay you in another way.

ATM check deposits versus mobile check deposits

Many banks now offer mobile check deposits, where you photograph the front and back of a check using your phone and submit it through the bank's app. This is faster than going to an ATM because you can do it from home, and it works 24 hours a day. The money usually posts within one business day, the same as an ATM deposit.

The main difference is convenience. ATM deposits require you to go to a machine, but they are straightforward and you get a receipt immediately. Mobile deposits are faster and easier, but you need the bank's app and a phone with a good camera. Both methods are free at most banks. If your bank offers mobile deposits, try that first — if it does not work or you do not have the app, the ATM is your next option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else at the ATM?

No. The check must be endorsed by the person it is made out to, and that person's signature must match the name on the check. If someone gives you a check made out to them and asks you to deposit it into your account, that is not allowed. The person who received the check must deposit it themselves or sign it over to you in writing, which some banks allow but many do not.

What if the ATM keeps saying the check amount is wrong?

The machine may be having trouble reading the numbers because of fading, smudging, or the way the amount is written. Try reinserting the check and letting the ATM scan it again. If it still does not work, take the check to a teller inside the bank. They can read it by eye and process it manually, which takes a few extra minutes but always works.

Do I need to keep the check after I deposit it at the ATM?

Keep it for at least one business day after you deposit it, until the money shows up in your account. After that, you can shred it or throw it away. If the deposit does not post or the bank contacts you about a problem, you may need to show the check again, so do not destroy it immediately.

Can I deposit a check at any bank's ATM, or does it have to be my bank?

It has to be your bank's ATM or an ATM in your bank's network. ATMs owned by other banks will not accept check deposits from you, even if they accept deposits from their own customers. Check your bank's website to find ATMs near you that accept deposits, or call the number on the back of your debit card.

What if I accidentally deposit the same check twice?

The bank will catch it during processing and remove the duplicate deposit from your account. You will see both deposits post, then one will be reversed a day or two later. If you are worried you made a mistake, contact your bank right away and let them know — they can flag the deposit and watch for duplicates.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.