Most ATMs cannot cash checks — they only take deposits

Standard ATMs are built to accept checks for deposit into your account, not to dispense cash in exchange for a check. When you insert a check into an ATM, the machine scans it, credits your account, and keeps the physical check. You cannot walk away with cash and the check both.

Some banks and credit unions have installed newer machines called check-cashing ATMs or advanced ATMs that can dispense cash against a check you own, but these are not common. Even when they exist, they usually work only for checks drawn on that same bank or credit union, and they may have limits on the amount or the number of transactions per day.

If you need cash now and do not want to deposit the check, you have other options that are more widely available than check-cashing ATMs.

Key Takeaways

  • A regular ATM will deposit your check into your account but will not give you cash in return for it.
  • Check-cashing ATMs exist but are rare and usually only work with checks from the same bank or credit union.
  • Your bank teller can cash a check during business hours without requiring a deposit.
  • Retail stores, check-cashing services, and some employers can cash checks on the spot, though fees and restrictions vary.
  • Mobile check deposit through your bank's app lets you deposit a check remotely and withdraw cash later the same day at an ATM or branch.

How to cash a check at your bank during business hours

The simplest way to get cash for a check is to visit a teller at your bank or credit union during business hours. Bring the check and your ID. The teller will verify the check, confirm you have funds available, and hand you cash on the spot. There is no fee for this service at your own bank.

If the check is drawn on a different bank, your teller can still cash it, but the bank may place a hold on the funds for one to five business days before releasing the cash. Some banks will give you a partial amount immediately and hold the rest. Ask the teller what your bank's policy is before you hand over the check.

If you cannot visit during business hours, many banks now offer extended hours on weekdays and limited Saturday service. Call your branch or check the bank's website to confirm hours before you go.

Check-cashing services and retail stores

Check-cashing businesses will cash a check for you on the spot, but they charge a fee — typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, though some charge a flat fee instead. A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash. These services do not require you to have a bank account.

Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers also cash checks at their customer service desk. Fees are usually lower than dedicated check-cashing shops, often $2 to $5 per check, and some stores cash checks free for customers who use their loyalty card. Limits vary: some stores will not cash checks over $1,000, and others require the check to be drawn on a U.S. bank.

Before you go, call ahead or check the store's website to confirm they cash checks, what the fee is, and whether there are limits on the amount.

Mobile deposit and same-day cash withdrawal

If you have a smartphone and a bank account, mobile check deposit is often faster than visiting a branch. You photograph the front and back of the check using your bank's app, submit it, and the bank deposits it into your account. Most banks credit the funds within a few hours to one business day.

Once the deposit clears, you can withdraw cash at any ATM owned by your bank or its network. If you need the cash the same day, call your bank to ask whether they offer same-day mobile deposit processing. Some do; others process mobile deposits only on business days and may take longer.

Mobile deposit works only for checks you own — you cannot deposit a check that belongs to someone else. The bank will ask you to sign the back of the check and write "For mobile deposit only" before you photograph it.

Employer payroll and government benefit offices

If the check is a paycheck, your employer's payroll or human resources office may cash it for you on the day it is issued, even if you do not have a bank account. Policies vary by employer, so ask your HR department whether this is an option.

If the check is a government benefit check — Social Security, unemployment, tax refund, or similar — you can cash it at most banks and credit unions without having an account there. Bring the check and a government-issued ID. Some government agencies also operate payment centers where you can cash checks in person.

What to do if the check is not in your name

If someone else wrote the check to you but made it out to the wrong name, misspelled your name, or made it out to you and another person, most banks and check-cashing services will not cash it without the other person present or their signature. The safest route is to ask the person who wrote the check to issue a new one with the correct name.

If the check is made out to two people with the word "and" between the names, both people usually need to be present to cash it. If it says "or," either person can cash it alone. Ask the teller or check-cashing clerk to confirm before you hand over the check.

Holds and delays on check deposits

When you deposit a check at an ATM, the bank may place a hold on the funds — meaning you cannot withdraw the money right away, even though the deposit shows in your account. Holds exist because the bank has not yet confirmed the check is real and that the account it is drawn on has enough money.

Federal law allows banks to hold checks for up to five business days, but most banks hold local checks for one to two days and out-of-state checks for three to five days. Cashier's checks and government checks usually clear faster. If you need the cash immediately, ask the teller whether the bank will release part of the deposit without a hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at an ATM if I have a debit card from that bank?

No. Standard ATMs cannot cash checks regardless of whether you have a card. They only accept checks for deposit. A few banks have installed check-cashing ATMs, but these are uncommon and usually only work with checks from the same bank. Your best option is to visit a teller or use a check-cashing service.

What happens if I deposit a check at an ATM and then need the cash the same day?

It depends on your bank and the type of check. If the bank places a hold, you cannot withdraw the full amount immediately. Call your bank to ask about same-day availability, or visit a teller in person — they may release part of the deposit without a hold if you explain the situation.

Can I cash a check that is made out to my business?

Yes, but you will need to bring the check and a government-issued ID to a bank or check-cashing service. Some banks require a business account to cash business checks, so call ahead. If the check is made out to your business name and you are a sole proprietor, you may be able to endorse it with your personal signature.

Is it cheaper to cash a check at a check-cashing service or deposit it at my bank?

Depositing at your bank is free, but you have to wait for the funds to clear and may face a hold. Check-cashing services charge 1 to 3 percent but give you cash immediately. If you need the money right away and your bank is closed, the fee is usually worth it. If you can wait, deposit it free at your bank.

Can I cash a check at a bank where I do not have an account?

Yes. Most banks will cash checks drawn on their own bank for non-customers, though they may charge a small fee ($5 to $10). Checks drawn on other banks are harder — some banks refuse to cash them for non-customers. Call the bank first to ask their policy before you go.