Most ATMs accept check deposits, but not all of them
Many banks and credit unions now let you deposit checks directly into ATMs, but the machines that do this are not the same as the ones on every corner. You need a check deposit ATM — sometimes called an "advanced ATM" or "deposit-enabled ATM" — which has a slot or envelope system designed to accept paper checks. A standard ATM that only dispenses cash cannot take your check, no matter which bank owns it.
Whether your bank offers this service depends on which institution you use and how new their ATM network is. Larger national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have rolled out check deposit ATMs at many locations. Smaller regional banks and credit unions vary widely — some have them everywhere, others nowhere. The only way to know for certain is to check your bank's website, call the number on the back of your card, or look at the ATM itself before you try to use it.
Key Takeaways
- Check deposit ATMs are a real feature at many banks, but only some ATMs have this capability — you cannot use a standard cash-only ATM to deposit a check.
- Your bank's website or mobile app usually shows which ATMs near you accept check deposits, often with a filter or search function.
- Checks deposited at an ATM are typically processed the next business day, though some banks hold them longer depending on the amount or your account history.
- You will need to endorse the back of the check and may need to photograph it or insert it into an envelope, depending on the ATM model.
- If your bank does not offer ATM check deposits, you can still deposit checks at a branch, through mobile deposit, or by mail.
How to find a check deposit ATM near you
Start with your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks have a branch and ATM locator tool where you can filter by "check deposit" or "advanced deposit" capability. If you use Chase, for example, you can search their ATM locator and select "check deposit" to see only machines that accept them. Credit unions often use the same approach, or you can call the main number and ask which ATMs in your area have this feature.
If you cannot find the information online, visit an ATM in person and look at the screen or the machine itself. Many check deposit ATMs display a logo or label saying they accept deposits. You can also ask a teller at your bank's branch — they know the network better than anyone and can tell you the closest location with a working deposit machine.
What happens when you deposit a check at an ATM
The process varies slightly by bank and machine, but the basic steps are the same. You insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "deposit" from the menu. The ATM will ask you which account to deposit into. You then endorse the back of the check (sign it) if you have not already, and either insert it into a slot or place it in an envelope that the machine provides.
Some ATMs photograph the check as it goes in, so you see a preview on the screen to confirm the amount and account. Others simply accept the check and tell you it will be processed. Either way, the machine prints a receipt showing the deposit amount and the account it went to. Keep this receipt until the money appears in your account, which usually happens the next business day.
Processing time and holds on ATM check deposits
A check deposited at an ATM is usually processed the next business day, just like a check deposited at a teller window. However, your bank may place a hold on the funds — meaning the money is credited to your account but you cannot withdraw it yet — for one to five business days depending on the check amount and your account history. A $100 check might clear overnight, while a $5,000 check might be held for three days.
Your bank's deposit policy explains how long holds last. You can find this in your account agreement or by asking a teller. Some banks also show expected availability dates in your mobile app or online banking portal after you deposit the check. If you need the money urgently, depositing at a teller window during business hours sometimes results in faster processing, though the hold period is usually the same.
What to do if your bank does not offer ATM check deposits
If your bank has not yet added check deposit ATMs to its network, you have other options. Mobile deposit — where you photograph the front and back of a check using your phone and submit it through your bank's app — is now available at most banks and is often faster than ATM deposit. You can deposit a check from home in under a minute, and it typically posts the next business day.
You can also deposit checks the traditional way: at a branch during business hours, speaking to a teller. If you cannot get to a branch, many banks accept checks by mail. You sign the back of the check, write your account number on it, and mail it to the address your bank provides. This takes longer — usually five to ten business days — but it works if you have no other option.
Endorsing your check correctly for ATM deposit
Before you insert a check into an ATM, you must sign the back of it. This is called endorsing the check. Turn the check over and look for the blank line on the back, usually near the top. Sign your name exactly as it appears on the front of the check. That is all you need to do for a standard ATM deposit.
Some banks ask you to write your account number below your signature, especially if you are depositing into an account that is not in the same name as the check. Check your bank's instructions before you deposit. If you are unsure, sign your name and let the ATM process it — if something is wrong, the bank will contact you or reject the deposit and return the check.
Common problems with ATM check deposits
The most frequent issue is that the ATM rejects the check because it cannot read it. This happens when the check is wrinkled, torn, faded, or written in pen that does not scan well. If the machine rejects your check, it will return it to you. Smooth out any creases, make sure the amount and numbers are dark and clear, and try again. If it keeps rejecting the check, deposit it at a branch or use mobile deposit instead.
Another common problem is that the check does not appear in your account when you expect it. This usually means the bank is still processing it or has placed a hold on it. Check your account online or in your app — you should see the deposit listed as "pending" even if the money is not available yet. If you do not see it listed at all after two business days, contact your bank to confirm they received it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit someone else's check at an ATM?
No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it is made out to someone else, they must endorse it to you first, and even then, many banks will not accept it at an ATM. Your best option is to have the original payee deposit it themselves, or ask your bank whether they will accept a third-party check at a branch.
What if the ATM eats my check?
This is rare with modern machines, but if it happens, the check is stored inside the ATM and your bank retrieves it during their next service cycle. The deposit will still post to your account. Contact your bank and tell them the ATM kept your check — they will confirm the deposit went through and retrieve the physical check for their records.
Can I deposit a check at any bank's ATM, or only my own bank's?
Only your own bank's ATM. You cannot deposit a check into another bank's machine, even if you have an account there. Use your bank's locator tool to find a check deposit ATM in your network.
How much can I deposit at an ATM?
Most banks allow between $5,000 and $10,000 per transaction at an ATM, though limits vary. Your bank's website or account agreement lists your specific limit. If you need to deposit more, you can make multiple transactions or go to a branch.
Does depositing a check at an ATM cost money?
No. ATM check deposits are free at your own bank. You will never be charged a fee for using your bank's check deposit ATM, though you may be charged if you use another bank's ATM for other transactions.