Yes, but only if your bank's ATM has a deposit slot

Most banks now let you deposit checks at their ATMs, but not all ATMs have this feature. The machine must have a check deposit slot — a separate opening where you insert the check, usually below the cash dispenser. If the ATM only has a slot for cards and a cash drawer, it cannot take deposits.

The deposit goes into a holding account immediately, but the check itself clears on the bank's schedule, which is typically one to two business days. Some banks clear checks the same day if you deposit before a certain time (often 2 p.m. or 5 p.m.), but this varies by institution and by the bank that issued the check.

ATM check deposits work best for routine deposits during normal hours. If you need the money urgently, if the check is large, or if something seems wrong with it, a teller at a branch is a safer choice.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's ATM must have a physical check deposit slot to accept checks; not all ATMs have this feature.
  • You typically need to endorse the check (sign the back) and may need to enter the deposit amount on the ATM screen.
  • The deposit is recorded immediately, but the check clears within one to two business days depending on the issuing bank.
  • Some banks offer same-day clearing for checks deposited before a set time, but this is not may provide and varies by bank.
  • Large checks, checks with problems, or time-sensitive deposits are safer to hand to a teller in person.

What you need to do before inserting the check

Sign the back of the check in the space marked "Endorse here." Your signature is required for the deposit to be valid. Some banks ask you to write your account number below your signature, though this is not always mandatory — check your bank's instructions on the ATM screen or in your account materials.

Do not write anything else on the back of the check. Do not stamp it or add notes. The cleaner the endorsement, the faster it clears.

If the check is made out to two people (for example, "John and Jane Smith"), both people must sign it. If it says "John or Jane Smith," only one signature is needed. If you are unsure, ask a teller before using the ATM.

How the ATM deposit process works

Insert your debit card or ATM card and enter your PIN. Navigate to the deposit or transfer menu — the exact wording depends on your bank's system. Select "Deposit check" or "Mobile deposit" (if your bank offers remote deposit through the ATM).

The ATM will ask you to enter the amount of the check. Type the dollar amount carefully; if you make a mistake, the deposit may be rejected or delayed while the bank investigates the discrepancy. Some ATMs scan the check and display the amount for you to confirm.

Insert the check into the deposit slot with the front facing up and the top edge going in first, following the arrows on the machine. The ATM will pull it in and scan it. Wait for the screen to confirm the deposit was received. Do not remove the check if the machine is still processing — let it complete the cycle.

The ATM will print a receipt showing the deposit amount and the date. Keep this receipt until the check clears and you see the funds in your account online.

When the check clears and when you can use the money

The deposit is posted to your account the same day you make it, but the funds may not be available immediately. Federal rules allow banks to hold checks for up to two business days, though many clear faster. A check from another bank in your area often clears within one business day. A check from a distant bank or a smaller institution may take the full two days.

Your bank's website or app will show you the deposit amount and a "pending" or "available" status. Once the status changes to "available," you can withdraw or spend that money. If you spend it before the check clears and the check bounces, you will be responsible for the overdraft fee and the returned check fee.

Some banks offer next-day or same-day clearing for ATM deposits if you deposit before a certain time. Check your bank's policy in your account agreement or by calling customer service — the cutoff time and the terms vary.

Reasons to use a teller instead of an ATM

If the check is very large (over $5,000, though this threshold varies by bank), a teller can verify it on the spot and may be able to clear it faster. If the check is damaged, torn, or has writing on the back besides your signature, a teller can inspect it and advise you whether to deposit it.

If the check is made out to a business or to a name that does not match your account exactly, a teller can confirm that the deposit is allowed. If you need the money urgently and your bank offers same-day clearing, a teller can often process it faster than an ATM.

If you are depositing a check from a government agency, a court, or an insurance company for the first time, a teller can walk you through any special requirements. Some of these checks have restrictions on how they can be deposited.

What happens if the check is rejected or bounces

If the ATM rejects the check during the deposit, it will return it to you immediately and display an error message. Common reasons include a torn or unreadable check, a missing or illegible routing number, or an amount that does not match what you entered. Take the check to a teller, who can inspect it and advise you on next steps.

If the check is accepted by the ATM but bounces after it clears (meaning the account it was drawn from does not have enough money), the bank will reverse the deposit and charge you a returned check fee. This fee is typically $10 to $25, depending on your bank. The check will be returned to you, and you will need to contact the person who wrote it to ask for a new check or payment.

If you deposit a check that you know is bad or that you suspect is fraudulent, you can be held liable for the full amount plus fees. Only deposit checks you are confident are legitimate.

Mobile check deposit as an alternative

Many banks now offer mobile check deposit through their smartphone app, which lets you photograph the front and back of the check and submit it without visiting an ATM or branch. The process is similar to ATM deposit in terms of timing and clearing, but it is faster if you are at home or at work.

Mobile deposit has the same requirements: you must endorse the check, enter the amount correctly, and wait for the check to clear. Some banks limit the number of mobile deposits you can make per day or per month, or cap the total amount. Check your bank's app for these limits before you rely on mobile deposit for a large check.

If your bank does not offer mobile deposit or if you prefer not to use your phone, ATM deposit remains a standard option during business hours and outside of branch hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my bank's ATM does not have a check deposit slot?

Use a different ATM at a branch location or a partner bank in your bank's network — these are more likely to have deposit capability. If no ATM near you accepts deposits, visit a branch during business hours or use mobile deposit through your bank's app if it is available.

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?

Only if that person endorses it first and you have written permission from your bank. This is called a third-party check, and many banks no longer accept them due to fraud risk. Ask a teller whether your bank allows it before you try to deposit one at an ATM.

How long does it take for an ATM check deposit to show up in my account?

The deposit is usually posted the same day, but the funds may not be available for one to two business days while the check clears. Your bank's app will show the deposit as "pending" until it clears. Some banks offer faster clearing if you deposit before a certain time — check your bank's policy.

What should I do if the ATM keeps rejecting my check?

Take the check to a teller at a branch. The check may be damaged, the routing number may be unclear, or there may be an issue with the amount. A teller can inspect it in person and either deposit it manually or tell you why it cannot be accepted.

Can I deposit a check at any bank's ATM, or only my own bank's?

Only your own bank's ATM or an ATM in your bank's network. Depositing at another bank's ATM will not work — the machine will reject your card or the deposit. If you need to deposit at a different bank, visit a branch and ask if they offer services for non-customers, though most do not.