Can You Deposit Money in an ATM?

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) have become a ubiquitous feature of modern banking, offering a convenient way to manage finances outside of traditional bank hours. Many individuals frequently use ATMs for cash withdrawals, but a common question arises regarding their deposit capabilities. This article explores the functionality of ATMs for accepting deposits, detailing the process and what to expect after completing a transaction.

Understanding ATM Deposit Capabilities

Many ATMs provide the functionality to accept deposits, extending banking services beyond standard branch hours. However, this capability is not universal across all machines, as ATMs not directly affiliated with a bank, often found in retail locations, typically only offer cash withdrawals. Bank-owned ATMs, whether located at a branch or off-site, are the primary places where deposit services are available.

These machines generally accept both cash and checks for deposit. When depositing cash, ATMs are designed to take paper currency, but they do not accept coins. For checks, most modern ATMs can scan and process them directly, eliminating the need for an envelope. You typically need a debit card linked to your bank account and your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to initiate a deposit transaction. Some financial institutions also offer cardless deposit options through their mobile banking applications.

Making a Deposit at an ATM

Depositing funds at an ATM is a straightforward process that begins with inserting your debit card and entering your PIN. Once authenticated, the ATM will present a menu of transaction options; select “Deposit” to proceed. You will then be prompted to specify whether you are depositing cash or checks.

If depositing cash, the machine will instruct you to insert your bills into a designated slot. Many ATMs can count the currency automatically, displaying the total amount on the screen for your review. For check deposits, you will typically insert the endorsed check into a separate scanner slot, and the machine will often display an image of the check for verification. After inserting your funds, the ATM will display the total amount detected for your confirmation. Always verify the amount carefully before confirming the transaction to ensure accuracy.

Once you confirm the deposit amount, the ATM will process the transaction and usually offer you a receipt. This receipt serves as your immediate record of the deposit, containing important details such as the transaction date, time, the amount deposited, and a unique transaction identification number. It is advisable to keep this receipt until the deposit officially appears in your account statement.

After Your ATM Deposit

After completing an ATM deposit, it is important to understand the typical timelines for fund availability and how to verify your transaction. The funds from cash deposits are often available immediately or within a few hours. However, banks may place a temporary hold on a portion of larger cash deposits, usually making the first $225 available on the same business day.

For check deposits, funds are generally subject to a hold period. The availability of these funds can vary, but typically, the first $225 of a check deposit is made available on the next business day. The remaining balance is usually accessible within two business days for local checks and up to seven business days for non-local checks. These timelines can be influenced by factors such as the amount of the check, your banking history, and the time of day the deposit was made.

You should regularly check your bank’s online banking platform or mobile app to confirm that the deposit has posted correctly to your account. If you notice any discrepancies or the funds do not appear within the expected timeframe, contact your bank’s customer service immediately. Providing the transaction details from your ATM receipt will assist the bank in researching and resolving any issues.

Citations

1. Federal Reserve Board. “Check 21 and Expedited Funds Availability.” https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/regcc-check21.htm. Accessed August 24, 2025.