Can I Deposit Money in an ATM? Here’s What to Know

Depositing funds at an automated teller machine (ATM) offers a convenient alternative to visiting a bank branch or using mobile deposit services. Many financial institutions provide ATMs that facilitate various transactions beyond cash withdrawals, including adding money to your accounts. This widespread service allows individuals to manage finances efficiently at numerous locations, often outside of traditional banking hours. ATM deposits are a common method for routine financial transactions.

What You Can Deposit at an ATM

Most ATMs accept cash deposits directly to your checking or savings account. This capability is standard across banking networks, typically requiring bills to be flat and uncreased for smooth processing. Some ATMs may limit the number of bills accepted per transaction, but there is often no strict dollar-amount cap if done in multiple transactions.

Many ATMs also accept check deposits, though the technology and process can differ. Modern, image-enabled ATMs scan checks directly, displaying an image for your verification. Older models may require placing checks inside an envelope provided by the machine. Not all ATMs, particularly those not directly affiliated with your bank, accept deposits of any kind.

Deposit capabilities, including whether checks are accepted and how, largely depend on the bank and the ATM’s technology. Using an ATM operated by your own financial institution generally provides the broadest range of deposit options compared to third-party or network ATMs. Some banks may have ATMs designed for higher volume deposits, accepting dozens of bills and checks without an envelope.

Step-by-Step ATM Deposit Process

Initiating an ATM deposit begins by inserting your debit card or tapping it, then entering your personal identification number (PIN) to access your account. After successful authentication, select the “Deposit” option from the main menu. Choose whether you are depositing “Cash,” “Checks,” or “Both,” and specify the account where the funds should be placed, such as a checking or savings account.

For cash deposits, count your bills beforehand to ensure accuracy and organize them so they are all facing the same direction. Feed the bills smoothly into the designated slot; the ATM will count the cash and display the total for your confirmation. If depositing checks, ensure each check is properly endorsed on the back with your signature, ideally with a restrictive endorsement like “For Deposit Only” to enhance security.

For image-enabled ATMs, insert checks one by one or in a stack into the scanner; the machine will read and display the amount for each. If using an envelope-based ATM, place your endorsed checks inside the provided envelope and insert it into the appropriate slot, then manually enter the total amount. After the ATM processes the items, it will ask you to confirm the deposit amount on the screen before finalizing the transaction and issuing a printed receipt.

Key Details for ATM Deposits

Financial institutions often impose daily or per-transaction limits on ATM deposits, which can vary for both cash and checks. While some banks may not cap the total dollar amount for cash, they might limit the number of bills accepted per transaction, potentially ranging from 40 to 200 bills. Check deposit limits also exist and can be higher, with specific limits often depending on the bank’s policies.

A significant consideration for ATM deposits is the availability of funds, as deposited money may not be immediately accessible. Cash deposits are typically available on the same or next business day, especially if deposited at an in-network ATM.

For check deposits, federal regulations generally require banks to make the first $225 available on the next business day, with the remaining funds subject to longer holds, often two to five business days, depending on the check type and whether it’s an in-network or out-of-network ATM. Banks also have cut-off times, usually in the late afternoon, where deposits made after that time are treated as if they were made on the next business day.

Always retain the ATM receipt after completing your deposit, as it serves as crucial proof of the transaction. This receipt details the date, time, amount, and sometimes an image of the deposited items, which is invaluable if any discrepancies or issues arise with the deposit. In the event of a problem, such as a miscounted amount or a missing deposit, the receipt provides the necessary information for your bank to investigate and resolve the issue.