When Will a Check I Deposit at an ATM Be Available?

When depositing a check at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), understanding when funds become accessible is important. Fund availability is not always immediate and depends on banking rules and specific circumstances.

Standard Check Deposit Availability

Federal regulations, primarily the Expedited Funds Availability Act (EFAA) and its implementing Regulation CC, establish how quickly banks must make deposited funds available. These rules define a “business day” as any day from Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays, when a bank is open for banking functions. Transactions initiated on weekends or holidays are processed on the next business day.

For most check deposits, banks are required to make the first $275 available by the next business day. This amount was adjusted to $275 as of July 1, 2025. The remaining portion becomes available on the second business day. If a deposit is made at an ATM not owned by your bank, funds may be available no later than the fifth business day. For deposits at an ATM owned by your bank, funds are generally available by the second business day.

Factors Influencing Fund Availability

Several elements can influence or extend fund availability for ATM deposits. The type of check affects availability: U.S. Treasury checks must have next-day availability. Cashier’s or certified checks are typically available on the second business day. Personal checks generally adhere to the standard availability schedule.

The amount of the deposit also plays a role. Deposits exceeding $6,725 are considered large and can be subject to extended holds for the portion exceeding this threshold. Banks can hold the excess amount for an additional period, typically two to five business days. If a bank account has been open for less than 30 days, it is considered a “new account,” and deposits into such accounts may face longer hold periods.

The time of day a deposit is made is another factor. Banks set daily cut-off times for processing deposits; any deposit made after this time is treated as received on the next business day. For ATM deposits, this cut-off time can be no earlier than noon. Extended holds may also apply if an account has a history of frequent overdrafts, if the bank has reasonable doubt about the check’s collectibility, suspects fraud, or for redeposited checks or those deposited during emergency conditions.

Understanding Check Holds

A “check hold” occurs when a bank temporarily restricts access to deposited funds. This allows the bank time to ensure the check clears and funds are received from the issuing bank. These holds are governed by federal regulations, specifically Regulation CC, which outlines maximum permissible hold periods and requires banks to disclose their funds availability policies.

Banks may place holds for several reasons, acting as safeguards against potential losses. Common reasons include large deposits exceeding $6,725, new accounts opened within 30 days, or accounts with a history of being repeatedly overdrawn. Holds can also be applied if the bank has reasonable cause to doubt the check’s collectibility, suspects fraudulent activity, or if the check has been redeposited after an initial return. Emergency conditions, like communication malfunctions, can also lead to holds.

When a hold is placed, the bank is required to notify the customer. This notification explains the reason for the hold and specifies when funds are expected to become available. This information may appear on the ATM receipt or be sent via mail or email. A hold is generally “reasonable” if it does not exceed one business day for checks drawn on the same bank or five business days for other checks. For deposits at an ATM not owned by the bank, holds can extend up to six business days. In cases involving new accounts or other exceptions, funds may not be fully available until the seventh business day.

Checking Fund Availability and Accessing Funds

Most financial institutions offer several methods to check the availability of deposited funds. This can be done through online banking portals, which display account balances and pending transactions. Mobile banking applications also provide real-time updates on fund availability.

Customers can also contact the bank’s customer service for deposit status. The ATM receipt often contains information about any holds and the expected availability date. Banks are required to provide a copy of their funds availability policy disclosure upon request.

After funds become available, they can be accessed through various means. These include cash withdrawals at an ATM or bank branch, using a debit card for purchases, initiating online transfers, or writing checks. Receiving an ATM receipt does not automatically mean funds are immediately available for use.