Can You Cash a Check at an ATM?
Written by
Rudri Patel
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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Most ATMs don’t let you cash a check on the spot like a teller would. Instead, you deposit the check, and after the bank processes it — usually within a few business days — you can withdraw the funds from your account. Here’s how ATMs and banks handle check deposits and what to expect.
How ATMs and Banks Handle Check Deposits
When you deposit a check, the bank and staff will verify the authenticity of the check. In addition, they check if the funds are available and verify the identity of the payee. Allowing ATMs to accept deposits means technology will be used to process the transaction instead of relying on paid labor to deposit funds.
What Factors Influence Bank Hold Times
The next time you’re depositing your check at the ATM, expect the bank to review the following information:
- Type of check: Cashier’s checks, government checks and payroll checks take a shorter time to clear. Personal checks, especially those that are for a large amount, can take longer.
- Deposit amount: If your check is several thousand dollars, expect a longer time to wait for your check to clear.
- Account history: If you’re frequently hit with overdrafts or if checks are returned unpaid, you may have to wait a few more days for your check to clear.
- Location of deposit: Depositing your check at an out-of-network ATM can take longer than depositing at your bank’s branch ATM.
How the ATM Check Deposit Process Works
Follow these steps to deposit your check at an ATM:
- Properly endorse your check: Before heading to the ATM, make sure you’ve properly endorsed the check by signing your name and adding, “For Deposit Only.” List your account number on the back of the check and make sure it is correct.
- Insert your debit card into the ATM: After entering your debit card into the ATM, enter your PIN number.
- Select “deposit”: On the computer screen, select the account where you’d like to deposit your check.
- Submit your check: An ATM has a slot to submit your check. Some ATMs will require a deposit slip or an envelope.
- Confirm the amount: The ATM scanner will read the amount of the check. This amount will appear on the screen. If it is correct, verify that the amount is correct.
- Finalize the transaction: The ATM will give you a receipt for your transaction. The receipt may have a copy of your check and the deposit amount.
- Take your card: Make sure you take your debit card before you drive off.
What To Bring With You
- ATM card: You need your ATM card to access the machine.
- Endorsed check: The paper check with correct endorsements and account number is needed to credit the funds to your account.
ATM Deposit Limits, Fees and Processing Times
Curious about limits, fees and processing times at your large bank, online bank or credit union? This table should answer your questions.
| Feature | Large Banks | Credit Unions | Online Banks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Varies — largely dependent on your relationship with the bank. Can be $5,000 to $25,000, or more. |
Lower deposit limits than larger banks. Typically between $2,500 to $10,000. |
Online banks have higher deposit limits, usually in the tens of thousands of dollars. |
| Fees | Generally no fees at your bank’s ATM. Fees may apply to out-of-network ATMs. |
Generally no fees at your bank’s ATM. Fees may apply to out-of-network ATMs. |
No fees |
| Processing times | Some funds may be available the same or next day, the rest may take up to three days to clear. | Deposits are processed more quickly because depositors are members of the credit union. | Typically within one to two business days |
What Kinds of Checks Are Accepted at ATMs?
While you can’t cash checks directly at ATMs, you can deposit them. Most ATMs accept:
- Personal checks: Checks written from one individual to another. The first $225 is available the same day and the remainder of the funds will be available the next business day. Larger amounts may take several days to clear.
- Cashier’s checks: Checks are guaranteed by a bank, often used for significant transactions. The funds will likely be available the next business day.
- Government checks: Such as tax refunds or other government-issued checks. These funds should be available the next business day or sometimes sooner.
- Payroll checks: Checks issued by employers for salary or wages. It takes less time than a personal check since it is a payroll check.
Banks With ATMs That Accept Check Deposits
Here are a few banks that will take check deposits at ATMs.
| Bank | ATM Check Deposit Availability |
|---|---|
| Chase Bank | Yes — with or without envelopes |
| Bank of America | Yes — standard check deposit at ATMs |
| Wells Fargo | Yes — envelope-free deposits |
| Capital One | Yes — but some branches may not have ATMs |
| PNC Bank | Yes — check deposits accepted at most locations |
| Fifth Third Bank | Yes — standard check deposit at ATMs |
| Alliant Credit Union | Yes — check deposits accepted |
Alternatives if You Can’t Cash a Check at an ATM
If you’re unable to cash your check at an ATM, you have alternatives:
Bank Branches
You can cash your check at your own bank as long as you provide ID and have properly endorsed the check. This is the easiest option and doesn’t cost anything.
Another option is going to the bank that issued the check. You will have to provide ID, and the bank teller will verify if the funds are available. You may have to pay a check-cashing fee.
Check-Cashing Retailers
Walmart cashes the following checks: pre-printed checks, including payroll, government, tax refund and cashier’s checks. You will have to pay a fee and provide ID. Walmart has strict requirements on what checks they will cash.
Grocery stores also cash checks, but tend to charge a fee of 3% to 7%.
Mobile Apps
You can access your funds via your mobile app by taking a picture of the front and back of the check and uploading it to the app. The funds are generally available in one to two days.
Prepaid Debit Cards
You can use prepaid debit cards like Ingo and upload your check via an app. You can then use this prepaid app to get your funds immediately. There is a fee that is charged.
Tips for ATM Check Deposits
When using ATMs for check deposits, consider these tips to ensure a smooth and secure transaction:
- Check the processing time: Understand your bank’s processing times for check deposits made at ATMs.
- Know your limits: Be aware of any deposit limits your bank may have.
- ATM safety: Always use ATMs in secure, well-lit areas.
- Hold onto your check: Keep the physical check until you’re sure the deposit has cleared.
Final Take
So, while the answer to can you cash a check at an ATM is usually no, ATMs still make banking easier by letting you deposit checks quickly and securely. If you need instant cash, though, bank branches, retail locations or mobile banking apps may be better options.
ATM Check Deposit FAQs
Got questions about depositing or cashing checks at an ATM? Here are quick answers to the most common ones.- How long does it take for a check to clear at an ATM?
- Time periods vary. It typically takes one or two days for a check to clear at an ATM. Larger checks and out-of-state checks may take longer to clear.
- Is there a fee to deposit a check at an ATM?
- It depends. There is not a fee to deposit a check at your bank's ATM. Fees may apply for deposits made at out-of-network ATMs.
- What is the maximum check amount I can deposit at an ATM?
- It varies by bank, but most banks will allow you to deposit up to $10,000 at an ATM.
- Can you get money instantly by cashing a check at an ATM?
- No, you cannot get money instantly by cashing a check. Instead, you will have to deposit the check at the ATM and wait for a specific timeframe to withdraw the money. Some banks may offer same-day availability of funds.
