How to Deposit Cash at an ATM: The Procedure

Depositing cash at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) provides a convenient way to add funds to your bank account without needing to visit a branch during business hours. ATMs are widely available and offer a self-service option for common banking transactions. It is a standard service offered by most financial institutions, streamlining the deposit process for account holders.

Preparing for Your Deposit

Before heading to an ATM for a cash deposit, gather the necessary items. You will need a valid ATM or debit card linked to the account where you intend to deposit the cash. This card serves as your identification and grants access to your account at the machine.

Ensure all bills are flat, unfolded, and free from any paper clips, rubber bands, or foreign objects. Damaged or heavily crumpled bills might not be accepted by the machine.

Know the specific account type, such as checking or savings, where you wish to place the funds. Confirm that the ATM you plan to use accepts cash deposits, as not all machines are equipped for this function. Many banks provide ATM locators on their websites or mobile apps that specify deposit-enabled machines.

Step-by-Step Deposit Process

Once at the ATM, insert your ATM or debit card into the designated slot. You will be prompted to enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) on the keypad. After authentication, the ATM screen will display a menu of transaction options.

From the main menu, select the “Deposit” option, then choose “Cash Deposit” if multiple deposit types are presented. The ATM will ask you to select the specific account, such as checking or savings, for the funds.

The machine will indicate when to insert your cash into the deposit slot. Most modern ATMs allow you to insert a stack of bills directly, without an envelope. The ATM will automatically count the money and display the total amount for your review.

Verify that the displayed amount matches the cash you inserted. If the amount is correct, confirm the transaction. If there is a discrepancy, some ATMs provide an option to correct the amount or return the cash. After confirming, the ATM will finalize the deposit.

Confirming Your Deposit

Upon completion of the transaction, always take the printed receipt. This receipt serves as your proof of deposit, detailing the date, time, amount, and account number. Review the receipt immediately to ensure all information is accurate.

For cash deposits, funds are often available immediately. However, banks may have policies where funds become available on the next business day, or they might place a hold on larger deposits, depending on the bank’s internal procedures and the time of day the deposit was made.

In the event of an issue, such as an ATM malfunction or incorrect amount credited, contact your bank immediately. Retain your receipt, note the ATM’s location, and the time of the transaction. Banks have procedures to investigate and resolve deposit discrepancies.