Most ATMs cannot cash checks, but some banks offer check cashing through their machines
The short answer is: most ATMs will not cash a check for you. A standard ATM accepts deposits and dispenses cash, but it cannot read a check and hand you money in return. However, some banks and credit unions have installed check cashing ATMs — machines that scan the check, verify the amount, and dispense cash on the spot. Whether you have access to one depends on your bank and location.
If your bank does not offer check cashing ATMs, you have other options: deposit the check through a mobile app or ATM deposit slot, then withdraw cash at a regular ATM; visit a branch teller; or use a check cashing service. Each route has different timing and fees.
Key Takeaways
- Check cashing ATMs are available at some banks and credit unions, but not all — you need to ask your bank whether they offer this service.
- A standard ATM cannot cash checks; it can only accept deposits or dispense cash you already have in your account.
- If your bank does not have check cashing ATMs, depositing through an ATM or mobile app and then withdrawing cash is usually faster than visiting a teller.
- Check cashing services and retail locations charge fees that can range widely, so compare costs before using them.
- Mobile check deposit through your bank's app often clears within one business day, making it a practical alternative to ATM cashing.
How check cashing ATMs work
A check cashing ATM scans the front and back of your check, reads the amount and routing information, and then dispenses cash immediately or within a few minutes. You insert the check into the machine the same way you would insert a deposit envelope. The machine verifies that the check is valid and that you have sufficient funds in your account (or that the check will clear), then counts out the cash.
Not all banks offer this feature. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have rolled out check cashing ATMs at some locations, but availability varies by branch and region. Smaller banks and credit unions may not have them at all. The best way to find out is to call your bank's customer service line or visit your local branch and ask whether check cashing ATMs are available.
If your bank does offer check cashing ATMs, there is usually no fee for using them — you are simply converting a check into cash from your own account. However, if you are cashing a check from another bank or a third party, some banks may charge a small fee or require you to deposit it first.
Depositing a check and withdrawing cash instead
If your bank does not have check cashing ATMs, the fastest alternative is to deposit the check through an ATM deposit slot or your bank's mobile app, then withdraw the cash at a regular ATM. Most banks make mobile check deposits available within one business day, and some clear them the same day if you deposit before a certain time (usually 2 p.m. or 5 p.m., depending on the bank).
To deposit via mobile app, you photograph the front and back of the check using your phone, enter the amount, and submit it through your bank's app. The check is held in a secure envelope or sent to the bank for processing. Once cleared, the funds appear in your account and you can withdraw cash at any ATM in your bank's network.
This method works well if you are not in a hurry and have a bank account. It also creates a record of the deposit, which can be useful for accounting or dispute purposes.
Cashing checks at a bank branch teller
A bank teller can cash a check immediately during business hours. You bring the check and your ID to any branch of your bank, hand it to the teller, and receive cash on the spot. There is no fee for cashing a check at your own bank, and the transaction takes a few minutes.
If you are cashing a check from another bank or a personal check from someone else, the teller can still cash it, but the bank may place a hold on the funds for one to five business days depending on the amount and the check's origin. Some banks waive holds for smaller amounts or for customers with good account history.
The downside is that branch hours are limited. Most banks close by 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and have limited Saturday hours or none at all. If you need cash outside those hours, an ATM or check cashing service is your only option.
Check cashing services and retail locations
Check cashing services, payday loan stores, and some retail chains (like Walmart, Target, and grocery stores) will cash checks for a fee. The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount — typically 1 to 3 percent — though some charge a flat fee. For a $500 check, you might pay $5 to $15.
These services are open longer than banks, often until 9 p.m. or later, and some are open on Sundays. They do not require you to have a bank account. However, the fees add up quickly if you cash checks regularly, and some services charge extra for two-party checks or checks from out-of-state banks.
Before using a check cashing service, call ahead or check their website to confirm the fee structure and whether they accept the type of check you have. Fees vary widely between locations and companies.
What to do if the check is not in your name
If a check is made out to someone else, you cannot cash it at an ATM, a bank, or a check cashing service without the original payee's permission. Some banks allow a third party to endorse a check (sign the back and add "Pay to the order of [your name]"), but this practice is becoming less common due to fraud concerns.
The safest approach is to ask the person whose name is on the check to deposit it into their own account and then transfer the money to you, or to cash it themselves and give you the cash. If the check is made out to two people (you and someone else), both of you typically need to be present to cash it, though some banks allow one person to deposit it on behalf of both.
Timing: how long it takes to get cash
The speed of getting cash depends on the method you choose. A check cashing ATM or bank teller gives you cash immediately. A check cashing service also gives you cash the same day, though you pay a fee. Mobile check deposit takes one business day in most cases, sometimes the same day if you deposit early enough.
If you deposit a check through an ATM deposit slot (not mobile), it may take one to two business days to clear, depending on when you deposit it and your bank's processing schedule. Deposits made after business hours or on weekends are processed the next business day.
For checks from out-of-state banks or large amounts, holds can extend the timeline to three to five business days. Ask your bank about their specific hold policy if you are in a hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bank account to cash a check at an ATM?
Yes, you need an account at the bank that owns the ATM. Check cashing ATMs are tied to your account and verify that you have funds available. If you do not have a bank account, a check cashing service or retail location is your option, though you will pay a fee.
Can I cash a check from another bank at my bank's ATM?
No, ATMs only work with your own account. However, you can deposit a check from another bank through an ATM deposit slot or mobile app, and then withdraw cash once it clears. Some banks place a hold on out-of-state checks for a few days.
What if the check cashing ATM rejects my check?
The machine may reject a check if it is damaged, the amount is unclear, the signature is missing, or the routing information cannot be read. Try depositing it through an ATM deposit slot or mobile app instead, or take it to a teller who can inspect it in person and process it manually.
Are there fees for using a check cashing ATM?
Most banks do not charge a fee to cash your own checks at their check cashing ATMs. However, if you are cashing a check from another bank or a third party, some banks may charge a small fee. Ask your bank about their policy.
How do I learn about my bank has check cashing ATMs?
Call your bank's customer service number, visit your local branch, or check the bank's website. You can also ask a teller the next time you visit. Not all branches have them, so ask specifically about locations near you.