Can You Deposit Money in an ATM?

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) offer a convenient way to manage finances, including depositing funds. While primarily known for cash withdrawals, many modern ATMs accept both cash and check deposits. This allows banking transactions outside traditional branch hours, offering flexibility.

Deposit Capabilities and Locations

You can deposit both cash and checks at ATMs, though capabilities vary by machine and financial institution. Most major banks offer deposit-enabled ATMs; confirm a particular ATM accepts deposits before a transaction. These machines are usually found at bank branches or in secure, well-lit locations.

Deposits are most reliably made at ATMs owned by your specific bank or credit union. Some ATMs in large, shared networks, such as Allpoint+ or MoneyPass, may also accept deposits for accounts linked to participating financial institutions. To identify a deposit-enabled ATM, look for specific signage, logos indicating deposit services, or check your bank’s website or mobile application, which often provides an ATM locator with filtering options.

Making Your Deposit

Making a deposit at an ATM is straightforward. Begin by inserting your debit card and entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your account. From the main menu, select the “Deposit” option and specify whether you are depositing cash or checks, and into which account.

For cash deposits, most ATMs allow you to insert bills directly without an envelope. Checks can often be fed into a separate slot, with many machines scanning and reading details automatically. After inserting funds, the ATM displays the counted amount for verification; confirm this amount and finalize the transaction. Take your receipt, as it serves as proof of deposit.

Understanding Deposit Limitations and Timing

ATM deposits are subject to limitations and processing timelines affecting fund accessibility. Financial institutions often impose daily deposit limits, particularly for cash, which may be based on the number of bills (e.g., 40-50 per transaction) rather than a total dollar amount. Some banks also set daily dollar caps, with amounts varying, though cash deposits exceeding $10,000 generally trigger an IRS reporting requirement.

Fund availability depends on the deposit type and bank policies. Cash deposits are often available immediately or by the next business day. For checks, federal regulations stipulate that at least the first $200 to $275 must be available on the next business day, with the balance typically accessible on the second business day. Deposits made after a bank’s daily cut-off time (noon to late evening) are usually processed on the subsequent business day, potentially delaying availability. Larger check deposits, especially those exceeding $5,525, or deposits into newer accounts may experience extended holds.