Can I Make a Deposit at an ATM? How It Works

Depositing funds at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) offers a convenient way to manage your bank accounts outside of traditional banking hours. ATMs provide a reliable option for adding money to checking or savings accounts, offering flexibility for busy individuals. Utilizing an ATM for deposits can often save time compared to visiting a physical branch during business hours.

What You Can Deposit

Most ATMs accept both cash and paper checks for deposit. When depositing cash, ensure bills are smooth and unfolded for accurate counting. For paper checks, proper endorsement is necessary, typically by signing the back in the designated area. Many banks also advise writing “For Deposit Only” below your signature to enhance security. Items like money orders, foreign currency, or bonds are generally not accepted through ATM deposits and require a visit to a bank branch.

Before You Deposit

Before heading to an ATM to make a deposit, you will need your bank-issued debit card and your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your account at the machine. For cash deposits, ensure your bills are organized, flat, and free of any paper clips or bands to prevent machine errors. While some older ATMs might require you to place cash or checks into an envelope, most modern machines are “envelope-free,” allowing direct insertion of your items.

How to Make a Deposit

To make an ATM deposit, begin by inserting your debit card into the machine’s card reader and entering your PIN; once authenticated, select “Deposit” from the transaction options. You will then be prompted to choose the account (checking or savings) for the deposit. Insert your cash or checks into the designated slot. After insertion, the ATM counts the cash or scans the checks, displaying the total for your review and confirmation. Verify the displayed amount matches your deposit before finalizing the transaction and retrieving your receipt, which serves as proof.

Deposit Availability and Limits

The availability of deposited funds varies by deposit type and bank policy; cash deposits are often available immediately or within the same business day. Check deposits, however, are typically subject to a hold period, generally becoming available within one to two business days. Longer holds, up to seven to nine business days, may apply for larger check amounts, new accounts, or if collectibility is suspected. Banks also impose daily deposit limits, based on the number of bills for cash (e.g., 40 to 100 per transaction) or a specific dollar amount for checks, often ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Deposits exceeding $10,000 are subject to federal reporting requirements.