What Is the Largest Check You Can Deposit in an ATM?

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) offer a convenient way to manage your finances outside of traditional banking hours. While ATMs are widely accessible, they do come with certain limitations, particularly when depositing larger amounts. Understanding these practical constraints is important for efficiently handling your funds.

Understanding ATM Check Deposit Limits

Banks establish daily or per-transaction limits for ATM check deposits, which can vary significantly by institution. These limits are primarily in place for fraud prevention and risk management, helping to ensure the legitimacy of funds before they become fully available. The physical capacity of the ATM itself, such as the number of checks it can process in a single transaction, can also influence these limits.

Several factors determine a customer’s specific ATM deposit limit, including the bank’s internal policies, the type of account held, and the customer’s banking history. For example, newer accounts or those with a history of frequent overdrafts may have lower limits. You can find your specific ATM deposit limits on your bank’s website, mobile app, or by contacting customer service. Some ATMs may also display these details during a transaction.

If a check’s amount surpasses the ATM’s set limit, the deposit may be rejected entirely, or the ATM might only accept a portion of the funds. In other cases, the entire deposit might be accepted but held for an extended review period, delaying access to the funds. Banks have protocols for handling such situations, and knowing these can prevent inconvenience.

Other Ways to Deposit Large Checks

When a check’s value exceeds ATM deposit limits, or if you prefer alternative methods, several other options are available for depositing large checks. Each method offers different levels of convenience and typically has varying deposit thresholds.

Depositing a check in person at a bank branch with a teller often provides the highest or no deposit limits, making it a suitable choice for substantial amounts. This method allows direct interaction with bank staff and immediate confirmation. You will need to present valid identification and properly endorse the check.

Mobile check deposit, utilizing your bank’s smartphone application, offers considerable convenience, allowing you to deposit checks from almost any location by simply taking photos of the front and back of the endorsed check. While widely available, mobile deposit limits are generally lower than ATM limits and significantly less than in-person deposits. Daily mobile deposit limits commonly range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars; for instance, some banks may have limits like $2,000 per day or $10,000 per month, with higher limits sometimes available for established customers or those in preferred rewards programs. Should your check exceed the mobile deposit limit, some banks may allow you to request a temporary increase.

Another option is to deposit checks by mail, which involves sending the endorsed check to your bank’s designated processing center. This method can be practical if you do not have immediate access to a branch or ATM, but it is the slowest deposit method due to postal delivery times. For very large checks, mailing may introduce a higher risk of loss or delay.

Understanding Deposit Holds

Regardless of the deposit method, banks may place a “deposit hold” on funds from a check, which means the money is credited to your account but not immediately available for withdrawal or use. These holds serve as a protective measure for both the bank and the customer, allowing the bank time to verify that the check will clear and that the funds are legitimate. This prevents fraud and situations where a check might be returned unpaid, avoiding overdrafts and fees.

Federal regulations, such as the Expedited Funds Availability Act (EFAA) and Regulation CC, govern maximum hold periods for deposits. Generally, financial institutions must make the first $275 of a check deposit available by the next business day. For the remaining amount, funds from most checks are available within two business days following the deposit.

However, certain factors can trigger or extend a hold beyond the standard timeframe. These include the amount of the check, particularly deposits exceeding $5,525, which can lead to longer holds. Other reasons for extended holds may involve new accounts opened for less than 30 days, accounts with a history of repeated overdrafts, or if the bank has reasonable doubt about the check’s collectability, such as if it appears altered or was previously returned unpaid. Banks are required to notify you if a hold is placed, indicating the reason and when the funds will become available. You can check the status of a hold through your bank’s online platform, mobile app, or by contacting customer service.