Yes, you can deposit checks at most ATMs, but not all machines accept them
Many ATMs let you deposit checks without going inside the bank. The machine scans the front and back of your check, reads the account number and routing number printed at the bottom, and credits the money to your account. The check itself stays inside the machine—you do not get it back. This works the same way whether you use your bank's ATM or a shared network ATM that your bank partners with.
Not every ATM has this feature. Older machines and ATMs in small locations often only handle cash. Your bank's website or app usually shows which machines near you accept check deposits. If you are not sure, you can call the bank or ask at a branch.
The deposit shows up in your account the same way a teller deposit does, but the timing depends on when you deposit it. A check deposited at an ATM on a weekday morning may post by the next business day. A check deposited on Friday evening or over the weekend typically posts on Monday or Tuesday, depending on your bank's processing schedule.
Key Takeaways
- ATM check deposits work by scanning both sides of the check and reading the routing and account numbers printed on it.
- Not all ATMs accept checks—your bank's app or website shows which machines near you have this feature.
- The check itself stays in the machine; you do not receive it back after depositing.
- Deposits posted through an ATM follow the same processing timeline as deposits made at a teller, usually one to two business days.
- Some banks limit how many checks you can deposit at once or cap the total dollar amount per transaction.
What happens to the check after you deposit it
Once the ATM scans your check, it pulls the check into a secure compartment inside the machine. The bank retrieves these checks later, usually the next business day, and stores them. You will not see the physical check again unless something goes wrong with the deposit.
The bank keeps the check on file for a set period—typically seven years—in case there is a dispute about the deposit or the check bounces. If the check bounces (meaning the account it was drawn on does not have enough money), your bank will reverse the deposit and charge you a returned-check fee, usually between $5 and $15. The money comes back out of your account.
If you need proof that you deposited a check, your bank's app or online banking shows the deposit as a transaction. You can take a screenshot or print it. You do not need the physical check as proof.
Limits on how much and how many checks you can deposit
Most banks set a limit on the number of checks you can deposit in a single ATM transaction. Common limits are five to ten checks per deposit. Some banks also cap the total dollar amount—for example, $5,000 per transaction or $10,000 per day across all deposits.
These limits vary by bank and sometimes by account type. A basic checking account might have lower limits than a premium account. Your bank's app usually shows your limit before you start the deposit, or you can call customer service to ask.
If you need to deposit more checks than the limit allows, you can make multiple transactions at the same ATM or visit a branch and deposit them with a teller. A teller can deposit as many checks as you bring in a single transaction.
How to deposit a check at an ATM step by step
Start by inserting your debit card and entering your PIN, just as you would for a cash withdrawal. Navigate to the deposit menu—it is usually labeled "Deposit" or "Make a Deposit." The screen will ask whether you want to deposit cash, checks, or both.
Select checks. The machine will tell you how many checks you can deposit in this transaction and what the dollar limit is. Endorse the back of each check by signing your name. Do not write anything else on the back—just your signature.
Insert the checks one at a time into the slot the machine indicates. The machine will scan each check and display the amount on the screen. Review the amounts to make sure they match what is printed on the checks. If an amount is wrong, the machine will usually reject that check and ask you to reinsert it or remove it.
Once all checks are scanned and confirmed, the machine will ask you to verify the total deposit amount. Review it carefully. If everything is correct, confirm the deposit. The machine will print a receipt showing the deposit details. Keep this receipt until the deposit posts to your account, usually within one to two business days.
When ATM check deposits can fail or get rejected
The most common reason an ATM rejects a check is that it cannot read the numbers at the bottom. This happens when the check is torn, stained, or written in faded ink. If the machine rejects a check, remove it and try again. If it rejects it a second time, the check is probably too damaged to scan. Take it to a branch and deposit it with a teller instead.
The machine may also reject a check if the account number or routing number is missing or illegible. Checks with post-dated dates (a date in the future) sometimes cause problems, though most banks will still accept them. If you are unsure whether a check will scan, ask a teller.
Occasionally the ATM itself malfunctions during a deposit. If the machine eats your check but does not confirm the deposit, contact your bank immediately. Explain what happened and provide the receipt if you have one. The bank can look up the transaction and either credit your account or return the check to you.
ATM deposits versus teller deposits: what is different
The main difference is speed and convenience. An ATM deposit takes a few minutes and you can do it any time the ATM is available. A teller deposit requires you to visit during business hours, but a teller can handle more checks at once and can answer questions on the spot if something looks wrong with a check.
Both types of deposits post on the same timeline—usually one to two business days for checks drawn on U.S. banks. The bank does not process ATM deposits faster than teller deposits just because they are automated.
If you are depositing a large number of checks or checks with unusual features (like a two-party check or a check made out to a business), a teller is usually the safer choice. Tellers can spot problems before the deposit goes through and help you fix them.
Mobile check deposits as an alternative
Many banks now let you deposit checks using your phone instead of an ATM. You photograph the front and back of the check using the bank's app, and the app submits the images to the bank. The check is not scanned by a machine—the bank's system reads your photos.
Mobile deposits work similarly to ATM deposits in terms of timing and limits. The check still needs to be endorsed, and the money usually posts within one to two business days. Some banks allow higher dollar limits for mobile deposits than for ATM deposits, and some have no limit at all.
The advantage of a mobile deposit is that you can do it from anywhere—home, work, or while traveling—without finding an ATM. The disadvantage is that if the photos are blurry or the check is damaged, the bank may reject the deposit and ask you to resubmit or visit a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign the back of a check before depositing it at an ATM?
Yes. Sign the back of the check with your name only. Do not write "for deposit only" or add account numbers—just your signature. If the check is made out to multiple people, all payees should sign it.
What if the ATM does not recognize the amount on my check?
The machine reads the amount printed in the bottom right corner of the check. If it displays a different amount than what you see, the check may be damaged or the printing may be unclear. Try reinserting it. If the machine rejects it again, take the check to a teller.
How long does it take for an ATM check deposit to show up in my account?
Most banks post ATM check deposits within one to two business days. Deposits made late in the day or on weekends may take longer. Your bank's app usually shows the deposit as pending immediately, then updates it to posted once it clears.
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else at an ATM?
No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person whose name is also on the account. If the check is made out to someone else, that person must deposit it themselves or sign it over to you in writing (called a third-party check), though many banks no longer accept third-party checks.
What happens if the check bounces after I deposit it at an ATM?
Your bank will reverse the deposit and remove the money from your account. You will be charged a returned-check fee, usually $5 to $15. The person who wrote the check is responsible for covering it, but you may need to contact them directly to recover the money.