How to Deposit a Check Using an ATM

Using an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) for check deposits offers a convenient method to manage finances outside traditional bank hours. This option provides a quick way to add funds to an account without needing to visit a bank branch or interact with a teller.

Preparing for Your Deposit

Before heading to an ATM to deposit a check, preparatory steps are necessary. Properly endorsing the check is a primary requirement. This involves signing the back of the check in the endorsement area. Write “For Deposit Only” and your account number below your signature to ensure the check is credited to the correct account.

Understanding your bank’s deposit limits for ATM transactions is also important, as these can vary. While some banks may not impose a hard limit on the check’s value, they often have daily or per-transaction limits for the amount that can be deposited via ATM, commonly ranging up to several thousand dollars. Confirm these limits with your financial institution, especially for large checks.

You will need to bring the physical check, your debit or ATM card linked to the account where the funds will be deposited, and your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Locate a suitable ATM. While you can often use ATMs outside your bank’s network, depositing at your own bank’s ATM generally ensures quicker processing and avoids potential fees. Confirming the ATM accepts check deposits is also a useful step, as not all machines have this functionality.

Step-by-Step ATM Deposit Process

Once at the ATM, the deposit process begins by inserting your debit or ATM card into the designated slot and entering your PIN. You will then navigate the on-screen menu to select the “Deposit” option, followed by “Check Deposit.”

The ATM will prompt you to insert the check into a specific feeder slot. Many modern ATMs are “envelope-free,” meaning you insert the check directly, and the machine scans it. Older models might require you to place the check inside a deposit envelope before insertion.

After the check is inserted, the ATM typically displays the amount it read from the check. Verify that this amount matches your check. If there is a discrepancy, the ATM usually provides options to correct the amount or re-insert the check. Once the amount is confirmed, you will finalize the transaction.

Confirming the transaction concludes the deposit. Always opt for a printed receipt as proof of deposit. If the ATM rejects the check or encounters an issue, carefully re-insert it as prompted, or cancel the transaction and consider depositing it with a teller or through another method.

After the Deposit

Retaining the printed receipt is important. This receipt provides a physical record of the transaction, including the date, time, and the amount deposited, which is valuable for your personal financial records and for resolving any potential issues.

Funds from an ATM check deposit are typically not available for immediate use. Financial institutions place a hold on deposited checks to ensure funds clear from the issuing bank. While a small portion, often the first $225, may become available the next business day, the remaining balance becomes accessible within one to two business days. This timeframe can extend for larger check amounts, new accounts, or if deposited at an ATM outside your bank’s network, potentially taking up to five business days or longer.

It is advisable to monitor your account balance through online banking or your mobile app to confirm the deposit posts correctly and the funds become fully available. If the deposit does not appear as expected, or if there is any discrepancy in the amount, promptly contact your bank’s customer service. Providing details from your ATM receipt will assist them in investigating and resolving the issue.