Which ATMs Let You Deposit Checks and How to Use Them

Yes, but only at ATMs your bank owns or partners with

You can deposit checks at an ATM, but not every ATM will take them. Your bank's own ATMs almost always accept check deposits. Many banks also partner with other banks or ATM networks, so you may be able to use those machines too. The catch: ATMs at other banks, convenience stores, or independent networks usually cannot process checks—they handle cash only.

Before you head to an ATM with a check, confirm that the machine is owned by your bank or a partner network. The easiest way is to open your bank's app or website and search for ATM locations, or call your bank's customer service line and ask which ATMs near you accept check deposits.

Key Takeaways

Your bank's own ATMs accept check deposits, but ATMs owned by other banks or independent networks typically do not.
You must endorse the back of the check and write your account number on it before inserting it into the machine.
The ATM will scan the check, show you an image on screen to confirm, and return the check to you or keep it depending on your bank's process.
Deposited checks usually post to your account within one to two business days, though some banks take longer.
If the ATM rejects your check, try a different machine or visit a branch in person during business hours.

How to deposit a check at an ATM step by step

Start by endorsing the check. Turn it over and sign your name on the back in the space marked "Endorse here." Below your signature, write your account number. This tells the bank whose account the money should go into.

Insert your debit card and enter your PIN. Navigate to the deposit option on the screen—it is usually labeled "Deposit" or "Make a Deposit." Select the account you want the money to go into if you have multiple accounts.

When the machine prompts you, insert the check into the slot. The ATM will scan it and display an image of both sides on the screen so you can verify the amount and payee information are correct. Review the image carefully. If something looks wrong, cancel the transaction and try a different machine or visit a branch.

Confirm the deposit on the screen. The machine will either return the check to you or keep it, depending on your bank's policy. Some banks return the original check; others shred it after scanning. Either way, the deposit is recorded. The machine will print a receipt—keep it until the check clears.

When ATM check deposits take effect

The timing depends on when you deposit and your bank's processing schedule. A check deposited at an ATM on a weekday morning may post the same day or the next business day. A check deposited on a Friday evening or weekend typically posts on Monday or Tuesday.

Your bank is required by federal law to make at least the first $225 of a check available within one business day. The rest may take longer—up to five business days for out-of-state checks or checks from smaller banks. Your bank's website or app will show you the exact posting date once the deposit is processed.

Do not assume the money is available just because the ATM accepted the check. Wait for your bank to confirm the deposit posted before you spend it. If you withdraw money before the check clears and it bounces, you may face overdraft fees.

What to do if the ATM rejects your check

ATMs reject checks for several reasons: the check is torn or creased, the ink is smudged or faded, the signature is missing, or the machine is having a technical problem. If the ATM returns your check, do not try the same machine again immediately.

Try a different ATM at another branch of your bank, or visit a branch in person during business hours and hand the check to a teller. A teller can deposit checks that machines reject and can also answer questions about why the machine did not accept it. If you are in a hurry, a branch deposit is often faster and more reliable than troubleshooting an ATM.

ATM check deposits versus branch deposits

ATM deposits are convenient because you can do them any time, day or night, without waiting in line. Branch deposits let you hand the check directly to a teller, who can spot problems on the spot and answer questions right away. If the check is damaged, unsigned, or from an unusual source, a teller is more likely to accept it than an ATM.

For routine checks from your employer or known sources, an ATM is usually fine. For larger amounts, checks from unfamiliar sources, or checks with any visible damage, go to a branch. Tellers can also deposit multiple checks at once and give you a detailed receipt listing each one.

Which banks and networks accept ATM check deposits

Most large national banks—including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank—accept check deposits at their own ATMs. Credit unions typically accept check deposits at their ATMs and often at ATMs in shared networks like CO-OP or Allpoint, though this varies by credit union.

Online banks and smaller regional banks may not have ATMs at all, or may only accept deposits at a limited number of machines. If your bank is small or online-only, ask whether ATM check deposits are available and where the nearest machine is located. Some online banks partner with larger banks to offer ATM access, while others require you to mail checks or deposit them through a mobile app.

Mobile check deposit as an alternative

If your bank offers mobile check deposit, you can photograph the front and back of the check using your phone and submit it through the bank's app. This is often faster and more convenient than finding an ATM, and it works 24/7. The check still takes one to two business days to clear, but you do not have to leave home.

Not all banks offer mobile deposit, and some limit the amount you can deposit per day or per month. Check your bank's app to see if the feature is available. If it is, you can usually deposit checks without visiting an ATM or branch at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

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. If it is made out to someone else, that person must endorse it to you, and you must then endorse it as well. Even then, many banks will not accept third-party checks at an ATM. Take it to a branch and ask a teller whether they can process it.

What if the ATM keeps the check but does not show a receipt?

Contact your bank immediately. Explain that you deposited a check at a specific ATM on a specific date and time, and ask them to look up the transaction. Your bank can retrieve the image the machine scanned and confirm whether the deposit was recorded. Keep the receipt the ATM printed, if you have one, as proof.

Can I deposit a check at an ATM from a different bank?

Rarely. Most ATMs owned by other banks only dispense cash. Some banks have partnerships that allow customers to use partner ATMs for deposits, but you have to check with your bank first. Call customer service or check your bank's website to see which ATM networks you can use.

How long does a check take to clear after I deposit it at an ATM?

One to two business days is typical for checks from accounts at the same bank. Out-of-state checks or checks from smaller banks may take up to five business days. Your bank will show the expected posting date in your app or online account once the deposit is processed.

What should I do with the check after the ATM returns it?

Keep it until the deposit posts and you see the money in your account. Once it clears, you can shred it or write "deposited" across it and file it. Do not deposit the same check twice—that is check fraud and can result in criminal charges.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.