Not every ATM accepts check deposits, and the ones that do depend on which bank owns the machine
You can deposit a check at an ATM, but only at machines owned by your bank or a bank in your bank's network. Most banks do not let you deposit checks at ATMs run by other banks, even if you can withdraw cash there. A Chase customer cannot deposit a check at a Bank of America ATM, for example. The machine will either reject the check or accept it but credit it to the wrong account.
The fastest way to know which machines accept your deposits is to open your bank's mobile app or website and search for "ATM locator" or "deposit-enabled ATMs". The results will show you which machines in your area have the camera and software needed to read checks. Not all of your bank's ATMs have this feature — some older machines or those in small branches may only handle cash.
Key Takeaways
- Check deposits work only at ATMs owned by your bank or at machines in a shared network your bank belongs to.
- Your bank's ATM locator tool will show you which specific machines accept check deposits in your area.
- ATMs that accept checks use a camera to photograph both sides and send the image to your bank for processing.
- Checks deposited at ATMs usually post to your account within one business day, though timing depends on when you deposit and your bank's processing schedule.
- If you deposit a check at an ATM outside your bank's network, the machine will likely reject it or send it to the wrong account.
How ATM check deposits actually work
When you insert a check into a deposit-enabled ATM, the machine scans both the front and back of the check with a built-in camera. The ATM reads the routing number, account number, and check amount from the MICR line at the bottom of the check — the same magnetic ink characters that sorting machines read at the bank. You then confirm the amount on the screen, and the machine stores the image and sends it to your bank's processing center.
Your bank receives the image file, not the physical check, within a few hours of deposit. A bank employee or automated system reviews the image to verify the amount and the routing information match. If everything looks correct, the funds are credited to your account. The physical check is returned to the issuing bank through the normal check-clearing system, which can take several more days.
This process is called mobile check deposit or remote deposit capture when done through a phone app, and ATM check deposit when done at a machine. The technology is the same — the bank is reading an image, not the paper itself.
Which banks and networks accept check deposits at ATMs
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank operate their own ATM networks and accept check deposits at most of their machines. If you bank with one of these institutions, you can deposit checks at any ATM with a deposit slot in their network.
Smaller regional banks and credit unions often belong to shared ATM networks. The most common are Allpoint, MoneyPass, Surcharge-Free Network, and CO-OP (for credit unions). If your bank is part of one of these networks, you can deposit checks at participating ATMs run by other banks in the same network. Your bank's website will tell you which network it belongs to and show you a map of participating machines.
Online banks and some smaller credit unions do not operate ATM networks at all. If you bank with one of these, you will not be able to deposit checks at ATMs — you will need to use your bank's mobile app, mail a check, or visit a branch. Check your bank's website under "deposit methods" or "how to deposit" to see what options are available to you.
Timing and posting of ATM check deposits
A check deposited at an ATM usually posts to your account within one business day. The exact timing depends on when you deposit the check and your bank's processing schedule. Most banks process ATM deposits that arrive before a certain cutoff time (often 9 p.m. or midnight) the same business day. Deposits after the cutoff are processed the next business day.
Weekends and bank holidays can add delays. A check deposited on Friday evening may not post until Monday. A check deposited on a holiday may not post until the next business day after the holiday. Your bank's ATM receipt or app will show you the expected posting date when you complete the deposit.
The funds may be available for withdrawal before the check fully clears. Many banks make ATM check deposits available immediately or within a few hours, even though the check is still moving through the clearing system. This is a courtesy — the bank is lending you the money temporarily. If the check bounces, the bank will reverse the deposit and charge you a fee.
What happens if you deposit a check at the wrong ATM
If you try to deposit a check at an ATM that does not belong to your bank or a network your bank is part of, the machine will usually reject the check outright. The ATM will not accept it into the deposit slot, or if it does, it will return the check to you immediately. You will see an error message on the screen saying the deposit cannot be processed.
In rare cases, an ATM from a different bank may accept the check but send it to the wrong account or routing number. This happens when the machine reads the check information but does not verify that your account actually exists at that bank. The check then sits in a processing queue until someone notices the error, which can take days or weeks. To avoid this, always use an ATM owned by your bank or a bank in your bank's network.
Alternatives if your bank's ATMs are not nearby
If you do not have access to a check-deposit ATM, you have other options. Most banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app by photographing the front and back of the check. This is often faster than visiting an ATM and works from anywhere with a phone and internet connection. The check posts on the same timeline as an ATM deposit — usually within one business day.
You can also mail a check to your bank. Include a deposit slip (or write your account number on the back of the check) and send it to the address on your bank's website. Mailed checks take longer to post — typically three to seven business days — because they have to travel through the mail and then through the bank's processing center.
If you need the money urgently, visit a branch in person and hand the check to a teller. This is the fastest way to deposit a check, and the funds are often available immediately. Many banks also let you deposit checks at partner retailers like Walmart or CVS, though this option is less common than it used to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check at a different bank's ATM if I have an account there too?
No. You can only deposit checks at ATMs owned by the bank where you want the money to go. If you have accounts at two different banks, you must use the ATM network of the bank you want to deposit into. A check cannot be deposited at Bank A and credited to your account at Bank B, even if you own both accounts.
What if the ATM eats my check?
If an ATM accepts your check but does not return it, contact your bank immediately. Tell them the date, time, and location of the ATM, and describe the check (amount, issuer, date). The bank can trace the check through its processing system and confirm whether it was received and credited. If the check was lost, the bank will work with you to resolve it, though this can take several days.
Do I need to endorse the check before depositing it at an ATM?
Most banks ask you to sign the back of the check before inserting it into the ATM, just as you would for a teller deposit. Some newer ATMs do not require this because they photograph the check and the bank can verify your identity through your account. Check your bank's instructions or the ATM screen to see if a signature is needed.
How much can I deposit at an ATM?
ATM check deposit limits vary by bank. Most banks allow between $5,000 and $25,000 per deposit, and some have daily or monthly limits as well. Your bank's website or app will show your specific limits. If you need to deposit more than the limit, you can make multiple deposits or visit a branch.
Can I deposit a check written to someone else at an ATM?
No. A check must be deposited into an account in the name of the person it is written to. If a check is written to you and someone else, both names must be on the account. If a check is written to someone else entirely, that person must deposit it themselves. ATMs will reject checks that do not match the account holder's name.