How to Deposit a Check at an ATM

The basic steps for ATM check deposit

Most ATMs that accept deposits will take a check if your bank offers mobile check deposit or remote deposit capture through that machine. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit" from the menu. The ATM will ask you to choose the account you want to deposit into. Endorse the back of the check with your signature, write your account number below it, and insert the check into the slot when the machine prompts you. The ATM will scan it, show you an image of both sides on the screen, and ask you to confirm the amount. Once you confirm, the machine will keep the check and give you a receipt with a confirmation number.

Not every ATM has this feature. ATMs owned by your bank are more likely to have deposit capability than machines in convenience stores or other locations. If you are unsure whether a specific ATM accepts checks, look for a "Deposits" button on the screen before you insert your card, or call your bank's customer service line to ask which machines near you have this function.

Key Takeaways

You must endorse the check with your signature and write your account number on the back before inserting it into the ATM.
The ATM will display images of both sides of the check for you to review and confirm the amount before the deposit is final.
Not all ATMs accept check deposits; bank-owned machines are more likely to have this feature than ATMs in retail locations.
The check is scanned and held by the machine, and you receive a receipt with a confirmation number for your records.
Funds from ATM check deposits typically appear in your account within one to three business days, depending on your bank's processing schedule.

Preparing the check before you go to the ATM

Sign the back of the check in the endorsement area, which is usually a blank line or box at the top of the reverse side. Write your account number directly below your signature. Some banks ask you to write "For deposit only" followed by your account number, which adds a layer of security if the check is lost. Check your bank's website or the instructions on the ATM screen to see if your bank has a specific format it prefers.

Make sure the check is not torn, bent, or faded in a way that makes it hard to read. The ATM's scanner needs to capture clear images of both the front and back. If the check is damaged or the numbers are unclear, the machine may reject it, and you will need to deposit it in person at a branch or through another method.

What happens after you confirm the deposit

Once you confirm the amount on the ATM screen, the machine will pull the check inside and store it. You will receive a printed receipt showing the date, time, amount, account number, and a confirmation number. Keep this receipt until the funds appear in your account, which usually takes one to three business days. If there is a problem with the deposit, the confirmation number helps your bank track it.

The check itself is held by the bank, not returned to you. You do not need to do anything else after leaving the ATM. The bank will process the scanned image and the physical check through its clearing system. If the check bounces or there is a problem with it, your bank will contact you, usually by email or phone.

When ATM check deposit may not work

Some banks do not offer ATM check deposit at all, or they limit it to certain account types or certain machines. If your bank does not have this feature, you can deposit checks by mailing them to the bank with a deposit slip, taking them to a branch in person, or using mobile check deposit through your bank's app if available. Mobile deposit is often faster and more convenient than ATM deposit because you can do it from home.

Checks over a certain amount may also be rejected by the ATM. Many banks set limits on ATM deposits, sometimes as low as $5,000 or as high as $25,000 per transaction. If your check exceeds your bank's ATM limit, you will need to deposit it at a branch or through mobile deposit instead. Your bank's website or app will tell you what the limit is.

Differences between ATM deposit and mobile check deposit

ATM check deposit requires you to go to a physical machine, while mobile check deposit lets you photograph the front and back of the check using your phone and submit it through your bank's app. Both methods scan the check image, but mobile deposit is usually faster because you do not have to travel to an ATM location. Mobile deposit also works at any time, even when ATMs are offline or busy.

The main advantage of ATM deposit is that you get a physical receipt immediately, which some people prefer for record-keeping. Mobile deposit sends you a digital confirmation, which you can screenshot or save. Both methods typically take the same amount of time for funds to appear in your account. Check your bank's app to see if mobile deposit is available to you; if it is, it may be more convenient than finding an ATM that accepts checks.

Troubleshooting common ATM check deposit problems

If the ATM rejects your check, the most common reason is that the image quality is too poor for the scanner to read. This can happen if the check is faded, torn, or if the numbers are printed in a way the machine cannot interpret. Remove the check, inspect it for damage, and try a different ATM if one is available. If the same machine rejects it twice, take the check to a branch instead.

If the ATM accepts the check but you do not see the funds in your account after three business days, contact your bank's customer service with your confirmation number. Provide the date and time of the deposit and the amount. The bank can look up the transaction and tell you whether the check is still being processed, whether it was rejected during clearing, or whether there is another issue. Keep your receipt until the matter is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to write "For deposit only" on the check?

It is not required, but it is a good security practice. If the check is lost before you deposit it, "For deposit only" followed by your account number prevents someone else from cashing it. Your bank may have a preferred format; check your bank's website or ask at a branch.

How long does it take for the money to show up after I deposit at an ATM?

Most banks post ATM check deposits within one to three business days. Some banks are faster, especially for checks under a certain amount. Your bank's website or app will show you the typical timeline. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.

What if the ATM keeps rejecting my check?

The check image may be too unclear for the scanner to read, or the check itself may be damaged. Try a different ATM if one is available. If multiple machines reject it, take the check to a branch in person or use mobile deposit through your bank's app instead.

Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?

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. ATMs do not accept third-party checks. Take it to a branch if you need to deposit a third-party check.

Is there a limit to how much I can deposit at an ATM?

Yes. Most banks set a per-transaction limit, which ranges from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the bank and account type. Your bank's website or app will show your specific limit. If your check is larger, deposit it at a branch or split it into multiple deposits if your bank allows.

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.