Can You Cash Checks at an ATM?

If your paycheck or some other check is burning a hole in your wallet, you might be able to cash it at an ATM. Depositing a check into an ATM can be a convenient, effortless way to get your cash fast.

If you don’t have access to remote banking or just can’t make it to a bank during business hours, cashing a check at an ATM can be an excellent alternative.

Steps to Cash a Check at an ATM

If you do use a bank that offers ATM check cashing, the first thing you’ll need to cash a check at an ATM is a checking account. A checking account traditionally comes with an account number and a debit card. You will also need both of these.

Make sure you’ve activated your debit card, selected and memorized a personalized identification number (PIN), and that you know your account number. The debit card and PIN are essential for performing the most basic transactions, including making ATM deposits and withdrawals.

Once you have your account details, card, and PIN number, cashing your check at an ATM is pretty much the same as making a cash deposit at an ATM. Most banks will require you to have a minimum amount in your checking account to cash your check.

Here are the steps to cashing a check at an ATM:

•   Endorse the back of your check. With a pen (not a pencil), sign your name on the back of your check and write your account number. Security tip: Wait until you get to the ATM location to sign the back of your check, even if you have to bring a pen with you. If an endorsed check gets lost or stolen, someone else could cash it.

However, consider adding your signature before your turn at the ATM to save time and as a courtesy to those waiting behind you.

•   Fill out a deposit slip. Some banks may still require you to fill out a deposit slip to insert into the ATM along with your check. These deposit slips are typically available in the bank branch or the ATM area. Some banks may require you to put the check and the slip into a deposit envelope.

•   Insert a compatible card. To begin the transaction, you’ll need a valid ATM card, debit card, or prepaid debit card issued by a bank or credit union.

•   Enter your PIN. After inserting your card, the ATM will prompt you to enter your PIN. Do not share your PIN number with anyone.

•   Follow the prompts. Follow the instructions that appear on the ATM screen. This can involve selecting “Make a deposit” and “Get cash back” and entering a dollar amount.

•   Insert the check into the machine. The ATM will invite you to make your deposit. If no check envelope is used, it will scan your check and ask you to confirm the amount.

If you’re a customer who qualifies for same-day deposits, you may be able to withdraw funds right away, essentially “cashing your check” while avoiding additional transaction fees. In other cases, you may only have $225 available to withdraw, for example.

One thing to keep in mind: Even an in-network machine may have ATM withdrawal limits — which typically range from $300-$3,000 per day, though some may be closer to $5,000 depending on the bank and account type.,

With some bank ATMs and account types, the funds may not be available until the second business day after the deposit. And if you’re using an out-of-network ATM, you may be charged additional ATM transaction fees and have to wait up to five business days before you see the money in your account.

Types of Checks That May Be Cashed at an ATM

There is more than one kind of check. Personal, cashier’s, and certified checks are all ways to distribute sums of money without the risk of handling cash. But what kind of checks will an ATM accept?

Here are some check types you can feed into an ATM that won’t get spit back out:

•   Personal checks: If you find yourself wondering, “Can I cash a personal check at an ATM?”, the answer is “yes!” So go on, deposit that birthday check from Aunt Trudy. You can even write a check to yourself from another account and deposit it.

•   Cashier’s check: A cashier’s check draws on a bank’s funds and is signed by a cashier to guarantee the money. To cash this kind of check, it’s advisable to use an ATM of the bank that issued the check. You can also deposit it in your own bank’s ATM if you want the money to go into your account.

•   Certified checks: Like cashier’s checks, certified checks are issued by the bank but signed by you instead of a cashier. As long as you have your debit card, you can go ahead and deposit the certified check at the ATM.

•   Any preprinted check: Basically, any preprinted check can be deposited and withdrawn against at an ATM if your bank allows it. Government checks (such as a tax refund check) are the most straightforward for a bank to verify, and you may even be able to get your money right away. Foreign-issued checks may take longer to process.

Do All ATMs Support Check Deposits?

Not all ATMs support check deposits. Some ATMs located in grocery and convenience stores, restaurants, and other businesses may only have the ability to dispense cash and allow you to check your bank balance.

If you’re looking to cash a check at an ATM, your best bet is to use the machine at your bank. Most major banks and credit unions support check cashing at their ATMs. Plus, you’re likely to avoid ATM fees.

Alternative Ways to Cash a Check

You don’t have to use an ATM to turn your paycheck into cash. There are other ways to cash a check for free, because who wants to pay more in bank fees? These alternatives include:

•   Going to a bank teller: If you have time during business hours, you can cash your check the old-fashioned way. Your bank branch or credit union will likely perform the service, as long as you have a deposit slip, a debit card, and a valid ID, and you meet your account’s requirements.

•   Going to the check distributor’s bank: You may be able to cash the check by visiting the bank at which the checkwriter holds the account. This could be a valid option if you are unbanked (don’t have any bank accounts). The checkwriter’s bank will probably be able to verify that the issuing account is in good standing and extract the funds for you.

•   Using mobile apps: Who uses cash anyway these days? If your bank offers a mobile banking feature, also known as a mobile deposit, and you have a smartphone, you can use the app to take a photo of your check and deposit it from the comfort of your living room couch. You can get access to your money quickly (even instantly with some accounts) and pay back your bestie through Venmo.

•   Visiting a retail store: Some retail shops, including Walmart, grocery stores, and even gas stations may cash your check. However, they could charge you a small fee.

•   Going to a check-cashing store: The name says it all. Check-cashing businesses will give you cash for your check, but they typically charge a higher transaction fee. You may want to pursue other options and save this as a last resort because of the charges.

The Takeaway

Using an ATM to cash a check can be a quick and secure way to get your money. As long as you have an account at a bank that supports check cashing, the minimal required funds in your account, and your debit card and PIN on hand, you’ll likely leave with some cash in your hand.

FAQ

Can you deposit a check at an ATM?

It depends on your bank or credit union, but most banking institutions allow you to deposit checks at an ATM. Just be aware that you’ll need a checking account, a debit card, and your PIN.

How long does it take to cash a check at an ATM?

As long as you have endorsed your check, written the account number on the back, and have your debit card and PIN ready, cashing a check at an ATM shouldn’t take more than a few minutes if the financial institution makes the funds available. However, not all ATMs will be this fast. In some cases, it may take at least two days for the funds to clear.

Can any type of check be cashed at an ATM?

As long as the routing and account number are legible, you can insert most traditional check types into an ATM. Personal and government-issued checks will likely be validated and credited to your account faster.

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