The basic steps for ATM check deposit

Most ATMs that accept deposits have a slot for checks, usually labeled "Check Deposit" or shown with a check icon. Insert your check into that slot with the front facing up and the date at the top. The machine will read the check, display the amount on screen, and ask you to confirm the deposit. Once you confirm, the check is pulled into the machine and your account is credited—usually within one business day, though some banks take two.

Before you go to the ATM, sign the back of the check in the endorsement area (the blank space on the back, usually near the top). Write "For deposit only" above your signature if you want to be extra cautious, though most banks don't require it. Make sure you're using an ATM that belongs to your bank or a bank in your network—using an out-of-network ATM may charge you a fee and could delay the deposit.

Keep your receipt. The ATM will print one showing the amount deposited and the date. If the check doesn't post to your account within the timeframe your bank states, you'll have proof you made the deposit.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign the back of the check and insert it into the ATM's check deposit slot with the front facing up.
  • The ATM will display the amount and ask you to confirm before pulling the check in and crediting your account.
  • Use an ATM owned by your bank or a bank in your network to avoid fees and delays.
  • Keep your receipt as proof of deposit in case the check doesn't post within one to two business days.
  • Some ATMs have daily or per-transaction limits on check deposits, so very large checks may need to be deposited in person.

What happens if the ATM rejects your check

An ATM will reject a check if it cannot read it clearly. This usually means the check is torn, stained, or written in ink that doesn't scan well. It can also happen if the check is post-dated (dated in the future) or if you've already deposited it once before. If the machine rejects the check, it will return it to you immediately.

If your check is rejected, take it to a branch during business hours and deposit it in person. A teller can manually enter the check information and process it even if the machine couldn't read it. Bring your ID and the check itself.

ATM check deposit limits and timing

Many banks set a daily limit on how much you can deposit through an ATM—common limits are $5,000 to $10,000 per day, though this varies by bank and account type. If you're depositing a check larger than your limit, you'll need to go to a branch or split the deposit across multiple days.

The check will usually be credited to your account within one business day, but some banks take two. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days, so a check deposited on Friday may not post until Monday. Your bank's website or app will show you the exact timeline for your account.

Mobile check deposit as an alternative

If your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app, you can photograph the front and back of the check instead of visiting an ATM. You'll take two photos (one of each side), enter the amount, and submit. The process is often faster than going to an ATM, and you can do it from home.

Mobile deposit has the same one- to two-business-day posting time as ATM deposit. Some banks limit how many checks you can deposit this way per month or per transaction, so check your bank's rules before you rely on it for large deposits.

Checks that ATMs cannot process

ATMs cannot deposit checks that are made out to multiple people, checks with "two-party" in the memo line, or checks that are damaged beyond the machine's ability to read them. Starter checks (blank checks that come with a new account) sometimes won't scan properly either. Checks from outside the United States also cannot be deposited at ATMs.

If you have any of these types of checks, take them to a branch during business hours. A teller can process them manually and may be able to deposit them the same day.

Protecting yourself when using ATM check deposit

Never deposit a check that isn't made out to you or to you and someone else jointly. If a check is made out to someone else, that person must endorse it to you, and even then some banks won't accept it. Always verify the amount on the check matches what the ATM displays before you confirm the deposit.

If you're depositing a check from an unfamiliar source, ask the person who gave it to you to confirm the account number and routing number are correct. Fraudulent checks can take weeks to be discovered, and your bank may hold you responsible for the loss if you deposited it.

What to do if your check doesn't post

Check your account online or through your bank's app one to two business days after you deposited the check. If it hasn't posted and the timeframe has passed, contact your bank's customer service line. Have your receipt ready and be prepared to describe the check (the amount, who it was from, and the date you deposited it).

Your bank can trace the check through their system and tell you whether it was received and processed. If the check was lost or damaged during the ATM process, the bank can contact the check's issuer to request a replacement or a wire transfer instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person jointly. If someone wants to give you their check, they must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature, and even then many banks won't accept it at an ATM. Take it to a branch and ask a teller whether your bank will process it.

What if I deposit the same check twice by accident?

Your bank's system is designed to catch duplicate deposits. If the same check is scanned twice, the second deposit will usually be rejected or reversed within a few days. If it isn't, contact your bank and report the duplicate. They can reverse the second deposit and return the funds to your account.

How long does it take for a check deposited at an ATM to clear?

The check is usually credited to your account within one to two business days. However, the funds may not be fully available for withdrawal for five to seven business days, depending on your bank's policy and the check amount. Your bank's app will show you when the check posts and when the funds become available.

Can I deposit a post-dated check at the ATM?

Most ATMs will reject a post-dated check (one dated in the future). Take it to a branch instead and ask a teller to deposit it. They can usually process it even though it's post-dated, though the funds may not post until the date on the check.

What if the ATM eats my check and doesn't return it?

This is extremely rare, but if it happens, contact your bank immediately. Have your receipt ready. The bank can retrieve the check from the ATM's internal storage and confirm whether it was processed. If it was lost, they can help you contact the check's issuer to request a replacement.