Do ATMs Accept Checks? How the Deposit Process Works
Navigate check deposits with confidence. This guide clarifies how ATMs handle checks, when funds are accessible, and other convenient options.
ATMs offer a convenient way to deposit checks, providing a banking solution outside of traditional branch hours. Many financial institutions have equipped their ATMs with the capability to accept check deposits, making it possible to manage your funds even when bank lobbies are closed. Understanding how these machines operate and the subsequent handling of your deposited funds can help ensure a smooth transaction.
How to Deposit Checks at ATMs
Depositing a check at an ATM begins with preparing the check itself. You should endorse the check by signing your name on the back, typically in the designated endorsement area. Some financial institutions may also require you to write “For ATM Deposit Only” or your account number below your signature for added security and proper processing. After endorsing, you will need your debit card and your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to initiate the transaction at the ATM.
Once at the ATM, insert or tap your debit card and enter your PIN when prompted. The machine’s screen will then present a menu of options, from which you should select “Deposit” and specify that you are depositing a check. Most modern ATMs feature advanced scanning technology, allowing you to insert checks directly into a designated slot without an envelope. The ATM will scan the check(s) and display the amount(s) detected, prompting you to verify the accuracy of the displayed figures.
It is important to carefully review the amount(s) the ATM has read from your check(s) before confirming the deposit. If there are any discrepancies, the ATM usually provides an option to correct the amount or cancel the transaction and retrieve your check. After confirming the details, the ATM will finalize the transaction and typically issue a receipt. Keeping this receipt is advisable, as it serves as proof of your deposit should any issues arise.
Understanding Funds Availability and Deposit Rules
After depositing a check at an ATM, the funds are not always immediately accessible. Federal regulations, Regulation CC, govern how quickly financial institutions must make deposited funds available to customers. As of July 1, 2025, banks are required to make the first $275 of a check deposit available for withdrawal by the next business day. The remaining portion of the deposit becomes available on the second business day.
However, several factors can influence these availability times, potentially leading to extended holds. Larger check deposits, exceeding $6,725, may be subject to longer holds, with funds becoming fully available up to nine business days later. Accounts that are newly opened, less than 30 days old, often face longer hold periods as banks establish a transaction history. Other reasons for extended holds can include repeated overdrafts on an account, suspicion of fraud, or if the check is from an out-of-state bank. Financial institutions are required to disclose their specific funds availability policies to account holders, often detailing these hold periods and exceptions.
Other Ways to Deposit Checks
Beyond ATM deposits, several other methods exist for depositing checks, each offering different levels of convenience and processing times. Mobile check deposit allows individuals to deposit checks using their smartphone or tablet. This process involves opening the bank’s mobile app, endorsing the check (often with “For Mobile Deposit Only” written below the signature), and then capturing images of both the front and back of the check with the device’s camera. Funds from mobile deposits are processed within one to two business days, though some banks may have daily or monthly deposit limits for this service.
Depositing a check in person at a bank branch remains a preferred method for some individuals. This involves presenting the endorsed check, and sometimes a completed deposit slip, to a bank teller. Tellers can often provide immediate access to a portion of the funds or confirm when the full amount will be available. For those unable to visit a branch or use digital methods, depositing checks by mail is another option. This requires endorsing the check, often writing “For Deposit Only” and the account number, and mailing it to the bank’s specified address, typically with a deposit slip. Mail deposits generally have the longest processing times due to postal delivery and internal bank handling.