Can You Deposit Cash at an ATM on a Holiday?

Automated teller machines (ATMs) offer a convenient solution for depositing cash, especially when traditional bank branches are closed. Many individuals find themselves needing to deposit cash, and understanding how these deposits work, particularly on holidays, can help ensure smooth financial transactions. This article explores the mechanics of depositing cash at an ATM and the factors influencing when those funds become available.

Depositing Cash at an ATM on a Holiday

Depositing cash at an ATM on a holiday is possible, as these machines operate around the clock. Most modern ATMs equipped for deposits can accept cash at any time.

The process for depositing cash at an ATM involves inserting a debit card and entering a personal identification number (PIN). After selecting the deposit option, users are prompted to feed cash directly into a designated slot. The ATM counts the bills and displays the total amount for confirmation. Confirm the displayed amount matches the cash inserted before finalizing the transaction.

Not all ATMs are equipped to accept cash deposits; verify this capability through signage or your bank’s website or app. Out-of-network ATMs may also accept deposits, but they could incur fees or result in longer processing times. Most banks limit the number of bills per transaction, commonly around 40 to 50 bills, rather than a specific dollar amount.

When Your Holiday Deposit Becomes Available

While an ATM will physically accept your cash deposit on a holiday, the availability of those funds for withdrawal or use is subject to the bank’s processing schedule. Banks and the Federal Reserve observe federal holidays, meaning transactions initiated on these days will not begin processing until the next business day. The act of depositing does not equate to immediate fund availability.

A “business day” is defined as Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Therefore, a deposit made on a Saturday, Sunday, or a federal holiday is considered received by the bank on the next business day. For example, a deposit made on a Friday federal holiday would be treated as if it was made on the following Monday, assuming Monday is a regular business day.

Federal regulations, specifically Regulation CC, govern the availability of deposited funds. While cash deposits made in person to a teller are available the next business day, cash deposited at an ATM are subject to different timelines. Some banks make a portion of the cash available immediately, such as the first $275 as of July 1, 2025, with the remainder available on the second business day following the deposit. Delays can also occur if the deposit is made after the bank’s daily cutoff time for ATM transactions, which varies by institution and machine.

Key Considerations for ATM Cash Deposits

When making an ATM cash deposit, several aspects warrant attention. Always obtain and keep the ATM receipt. This receipt serves as important proof of your deposit, detailing the amount, time, and location of the transaction. In the event of a discrepancy or issue, this receipt is important for resolving the matter with your bank.

Be aware of your bank’s specific policies regarding ATM deposits, as these can vary. Information on daily deposit limits, which might be based on the number of bills or a total dollar amount, is typically available from your financial institution. Some banks may impose a dollar limit per transaction, such as $5,000, or a daily limit up to $20,000, depending on the institution.

If an issue arises with an ATM deposit, such as the machine not crediting the correct amount or failing to return cash, contact your bank immediately. Documenting the incident by noting the time and location, and taking photos of any error messages, can assist in the investigation. Under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, banks are obligated to investigate such errors, typically within 10 to 45 days.