Most ATMs with deposit slots take cash and checks, but not all machines accept deposits
Not every ATM lets you put money in. Some machines only dispense cash. Before you walk up to an ATM expecting to deposit, look for a slot labeled "Deposits" or check your bank's app or website to confirm the machine accepts deposits. If the slot is there, you can deposit cash, checks, or both — depending on what your bank allows at that specific machine.
The process itself is straightforward: insert your card, select deposit, feed in your cash or checks, and the machine counts and confirms the amount before adding it to your account. Most deposits show up in your account immediately or within one business day, though some banks hold deposited checks for a few days while they verify them.
Key Takeaways
- Check that the ATM has a deposit slot before you arrive, because many machines only dispense cash.
- You will need your debit card or the account number the ATM requests to complete a deposit.
- Cash deposits typically post to your account right away, but check deposits may take one to three business days to clear.
- If the machine rejects your deposit or malfunctions, contact your bank immediately with the ATM location and time — most banks have a process to investigate and credit your account if money went missing.
What you need to bring and how to start the deposit
Bring your debit card or have your account number ready. Some ATMs ask for your card; others let you enter your account number and PIN. Walk up to the machine, insert your card, and enter your PIN when prompted. Select the deposit option from the menu — it is usually labeled "Deposit," "Make a Deposit," or shown with an image of money going into the machine.
The machine will then ask whether you are depositing cash, checks, or both. Choose the type of deposit you are making. If you are depositing both, you may need to do them as separate transactions — some machines require you to finish one deposit before starting another.
How to deposit cash into the ATM
Once you select cash deposit, the machine will open a slot or drawer. Insert your bills one at a time, facing the same direction, into the slot. Most machines accept bills in denominations from $1 to $100, though some older machines may not take $100 bills. The machine will pull each bill in and display the amount on the screen as it counts.
If you have a large stack of bills, feed them slowly and let the machine pull each one completely before inserting the next. If a bill gets jammed or rejected, the machine will return it to you. Once you have inserted all your cash, press the button to confirm or proceed. The machine will show you the total amount it counted. Review this number — if it is wrong, press cancel and contact your bank with the ATM location and time.
After you confirm, the machine will ask if you want to deposit more or finish the transaction. Select finish, and your cash will be added to your account. Most banks post cash deposits immediately, so the money should be available in your account within minutes or by the next business day at the latest.
How to deposit checks into the ATM
Select check deposit from the menu. The machine will open a slot for checks. Insert one check at a time, facing the direction the machine specifies — usually with the front of the check facing you and the top of the check going in first. Some machines accept multiple checks in one envelope; others require you to insert them one by one. Follow the on-screen instructions for your specific machine.
The machine will scan the check and display the amount on the screen. Verify that the amount is correct. If the machine cannot read the check — because the ink is faded, the check is torn, or the numbers are unclear — it will reject it and return it to you. You will need to deposit that check at a branch or try a different ATM.
After the machine accepts the check, it will ask if you want to deposit more checks or finish. Once you confirm, the check is added to your deposit total. Check deposits typically take one to three business days to clear, depending on your bank and the bank the check was drawn from. Your bank will hold the funds during this time to verify the check is valid and the account it came from has sufficient money.
What happens if the ATM takes your money but does not confirm the deposit
If the machine accepts your cash or check but then malfunctions, freezes, or disconnects before showing a confirmation screen, contact your bank immediately. Have the ATM location, the date, and the time ready. Your bank can look up the transaction using the ATM's camera and internal records to confirm whether the money was received.
If the deposit was received but not credited to your account, your bank will investigate and add the funds. If the machine malfunctioned and the money was not actually deposited into the system, your bank will also credit your account once they confirm this happened. This process usually takes three to five business days. Do not assume the money is lost — banks have systems to track and recover deposits that machines accept but fail to process.
Daily deposit limits and holds on check deposits
Your bank may set a daily limit on how much you can deposit at an ATM. This limit varies by bank and account type — some banks allow $5,000 per day, others allow $10,000 or more. Check your bank's website or app, or call customer service to find out your specific limit. If you try to deposit more than your limit, the machine will reject the excess amount and return it to you.
Check deposits are also subject to a hold, which means your bank will not let you withdraw the full amount immediately. The hold period depends on the check amount and your bank's policy. A check for $100 might clear in one business day, while a check for $5,000 might be held for three to five business days. During the hold, the money is in your account but marked as unavailable. Your bank will notify you when the hold is lifted and the funds are available to spend.
Troubleshooting common ATM deposit problems
If the machine rejects your cash, it is usually because the bills are torn, creased, or too worn for the scanner to read. Try smoothing out the bills and reinserting them. If the machine still rejects them, take them to a bank branch — tellers can deposit worn bills without issue.
If the machine rejects a check, the image quality is likely too poor for the scanner to read the routing number, account number, or amount. Make sure the check is clean, the numbers are dark and clear, and there is no writing or marks over the numbers. If the check is damaged or the numbers are faded, deposit it at a branch instead. If you are depositing a check from a foreign bank or a check written in a currency other than U.S. dollars, ATMs will not accept it — you must go to a branch.
If the machine says your card is invalid or your PIN is wrong, double-check that you are entering your PIN correctly. If you have forgotten your PIN, you will need to reset it through your bank's app or website, or call customer service. You cannot complete an ATM deposit without a valid card and PIN, or without entering your account number if the machine offers that option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money into someone else's account at an ATM?
No. ATM deposits go only to the account associated with the card you insert or the account number you enter. If you want to put money into someone else's account, you must go to a bank branch and ask a teller to process the deposit, or transfer the money electronically if you have their account details.
How long does it take for a cash deposit to show up in my account?
Cash deposits usually post within minutes to a few hours. Some banks post them immediately; others post them by the end of the business day. Check your bank's policy or your account history to see when deposits typically appear. If a cash deposit does not show up within 24 hours, contact your bank.
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If the check is made out to someone else, that person must deposit it themselves or sign it over to you (called a third-party check), though many banks no longer accept third-party checks. Ask your bank whether they allow them before you try to deposit one.
What if the ATM eats my card?
If the machine retains your card, it will usually return it after a set time — typically 30 seconds to a few minutes. If it does not, contact your bank immediately. Your bank can retrieve the card from the ATM or cancel it and send you a replacement. In the meantime, you can still access your account through the bank's app or website.
Do I need to bring a receipt after I deposit money?
The machine will offer to print a receipt. Take it. The receipt shows the amount deposited, the date, and the ATM location. Keep it until the deposit appears in your account. If there is a discrepancy, the receipt is proof of what you deposited and when.