Yes, you can deposit cash and checks at most ATMs connected to your bank

Most ATMs let you put money directly into your checking account without going inside the bank. You insert your debit card, enter your PIN, select "Deposit," and the machine accepts your cash or check. The money usually shows up in your account within one business day, though some banks take longer.

Not every ATM has a deposit slot — some only let you withdraw cash. The safest bet is to use an ATM owned by your bank or a network your bank belongs to. If you use an ATM from a different bank, it may charge you a fee, and the deposit might take longer to process.

Key Takeaways

  • Most bank ATMs accept both cash and check deposits directly into your checking account using your debit card and PIN.
  • Deposits made at your bank's ATM usually post within one business day, though timing varies by bank and time of day.
  • Using an ATM from a different bank may result in a fee and slower processing, so stick to your bank's machines when possible.
  • Some older ATMs only dispense cash and cannot accept deposits, so look for a deposit slot before you approach the machine.
  • If your ATM deposit is rejected, the machine will return your cash or check when ready, and you can deposit it inside the bank instead.

What happens when you insert cash or a check into the deposit slot

When you choose "Deposit" on the ATM screen, the machine asks you how much money you are putting in. For cash, you count it yourself and tell the machine the total. For checks, you write your account number on the back and insert them one at a time. The machine scans each check to read the amount.

The ATM then accepts or rejects what you put in. If it rejects a check — because the image is blurry, the amount is unclear, or the check is damaged — the machine returns it when ready. If it rejects cash, that usually means the bills are torn or too worn to read. Again, the machine gives them back right away. You can then take the rejected item inside the bank and deposit it with a teller.

Once the ATM accepts your deposit, it prints a receipt showing the amount and your new account balance. Keep this receipt until you see the deposit in your online banking. Most banks post ATM deposits within one business day, but some take up to two or three days, especially if you deposit after hours or on a weekend.

Which ATMs accept deposits and which ones do not

ATMs fall into two categories: deposit-enabled and cash-only. A deposit-enabled ATM has a slot where you insert cash or checks. A cash-only ATM has no slot — it only lets you withdraw money. Before you walk up to an ATM, look at the front of the machine. If you see a wide horizontal slot below the card reader, it accepts deposits. If you only see a narrow slot for cards and a cash dispenser, it does not.

Your bank's website or app usually shows which of its ATMs accept deposits. Some banks mark them on a map. If you are not sure, call your bank's customer service line or ask a teller. Using your own bank's deposit ATM is always the safest choice — the money goes straight into your account, and there are no fees.

If you use an ATM owned by a different bank, two things can happen. First, you may be charged a fee — usually between $1 and $3 — by either your bank or the ATM's bank. Second, the deposit may take longer to post because it has to move between banks. Some banks call this an "out-of-network" deposit and hold it for an extra day or two.

When your deposit shows up in your account

The timing depends on when you deposit and which bank you use. If you deposit cash or a check at your bank's ATM during business hours on a weekday, most banks post it the same day or by the next morning. If you deposit after 9 p.m. or on a weekend, the bank usually treats it as if you deposited it the next business day.

Checks take slightly longer than cash because the bank has to verify that the check is real and that the account it comes from has enough money. Your bank may place a hold on a check deposit — meaning you cannot withdraw that money right away — while it confirms these details. Holds usually last one to five business days, depending on the check amount and your account history.

If you deposit at an out-of-network ATM, add one extra business day to the timeline. The deposit has to travel from that ATM's bank to your bank before it posts to your account.

What to do if the ATM rejects your deposit

If the machine rejects your cash, it is usually because the bills are damaged, torn, or too worn for the machine to read. Older bills and bills that have been folded or written on sometimes trigger rejections. If this happens, the ATM returns your cash when ready. Take it inside the bank and hand it to a teller, who can deposit it for you without any problem.

If the machine rejects a check, the reasons are usually a blurry image, a missing signature, or a torn corner. The check comes back out of the slot right away. Look at the back of the check to make sure you signed it and wrote your account number. If the check itself is damaged, you may need to contact the person who wrote it and ask for a replacement. If it looks fine, try depositing it at a different ATM or bring it inside to a teller.

Rejected deposits do not affect your account or your ability to deposit later. The machine straightforward returns what you tried to put in, and you can try again or use a different method.

ATM deposits versus deposits at the bank counter

The main difference is speed and convenience. An ATM deposit takes a few minutes and you can do it any time — even at 2 a.m. A teller deposit happens during business hours and may involve a short wait. Both methods are equally safe and both post to your account within one to two business days.

One advantage of depositing with a teller is that they can spot problems on the spot. If a check is missing a signature or the amount is unclear, the teller tells you when ready and you can fix it or ask the check writer for a new one. An ATM just rejects it and you find out later. Also, if you have a large number of checks or cash to deposit, a teller can process them faster than an ATM machine.

For most everyday deposits — one or two checks, or a small amount of cash — an ATM is faster and more convenient. For large deposits or if you want to ask questions about your account, go to the counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 entirely, that person needs to deposit it into their own account. If it is made out to you and someone else, you may both need to sign the back, depending on your bank's rules.

What if I deposit the wrong amount by accident?

If you told the ATM you were depositing $100 but actually put in $150, the machine will reject the deposit because the amounts do not match. The money comes back out. Count your cash carefully before you start, or deposit it with a teller instead if you are unsure of the total.

Do I need to endorse a check before I put it in the ATM?

Yes. Write your signature on the back of the check and include your account number. The ATM scans the back of the check, so make sure your signature is in the correct spot — usually the left side of the back. If you forget to sign it, the ATM will reject it.

Can I deposit money into someone else's checking account using an ATM?

No. ATM deposits only go into the account connected to the debit card you use. If you want to put money into someone else's account, you have to go inside the bank and ask a teller to help you, or transfer the money online if your bank offers that option.

What if the ATM eats my debit card?

This is rare, but if it happens, call your bank when ready. The machine will hold your card for a few days and then destroy it. Your bank will send you a replacement card in the mail, usually within five to seven business days. In the meantime, you can still access your account online or by phone.