Table of Contents
Itâs often, but not always, possible to deposit cash at an ATM. Whether you can feed bills into the machine depends on your bank, the specific ATM youâre using, and other factors. If youâre able to make the deposit, you might be charged fees.
Itâs important to understand the rules for depositing cash at an ATM so you can get your money where you want it to go, with minimum hassle.
Key Points
⢠The ability to deposit cash at an ATM depends on the bank and specific machine, so it’s important to verify that information in advance.
⢠Some ATM machines require users to insert their bank card and personal identification number (PIN) to access ATM options, while others allow cardless transactions through mobile devices.
⢠ATMs usually have a limit of 30 to 50 bills that can be deposited in a single transaction, while dollar limits are less common.
⢠When using out-of-network ATMS, fees may apply, and there may be a delay of up to five business days before your deposited funds become available.
⢠Potential issues can arise during cash deposits, such as machine malfunctions, so itâs advisable to document any problems and report them to the bank.
How to Deposit Cash at an ATM
Here are the usual steps for depositing cash at an ATM, once you have your bills counted and ready.
Locate an ATM
In order to avoid wasting time at an ATM that wonât accept cash, itâs a good idea to do a bit of research beforehand. Log onto your financial institutionâs website or app and look for an ATM locator, which will show you all nearby machines and may also specifically mention which services those ATMs can perform.
Itâs worth noting that those convenient ATMs that you may see at your local grocery store or at a concert venue may not accept cash. They are primarily there to provide people with spending money.
Insert Your Bank Card
When you arrive at an ATM that accepts cash deposits, youâll most likely use your debit card, or another bank card, and your PIN to confirm your identity. This gives you access to the ATMâs service options. Some banks may offer access to ATMs using cardless withdrawal technology, which lets you use your phone instead of your bank card to complete transactions.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions
Next, youâll follow the instructions on the ATM screen to make a cash deposit. If you have multiple accounts, such as a checking and a savings account, youâll typically be asked to select which one you want the money to be deposited into.
Feed Your Money Into the ATM
Ready for the main event? Itâs now time to feed your bills into the machine. Depending on the bank and the machine, the ATM may have limits on how many bills it will accept per deposit (often around 30 to 50 notes). Some older ATMs still require you to put bills into the provided envelope before making your deposit. Most ATMs typically donât take coin deposits.
When inserting the bills, you can usually confirm the deposit amount, giving you the chance to double-check the transaction details.
As with any cash-accepting machine, a bill may be rejected if it appears damaged or potentially counterfeit. And, of course, any time you are handling cash, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings and make sure you feel safe.
Sign Out
Once youâve made your deposit, youâll usually be offered the option of a printed or an emailed receipt (either of which can help with record-keeping). Finally, always make sure youâre signed out of the ATM and have collected your debit card before you leave.
Can You Deposit Cash at Any ATM?
You canât necessarily deposit cash at any ATM. If you are a customer of the bank that operates its own ATMs, you can likely utilize those machines if they accept deposits. You may not be able to deposit bills at an out-of-network machine at all, even if it can accept deposits.
For this reason, itâs important to check which ATMs are part of your bankâs network and accept cash. This can save you a wasted trip to an ATM that doesnât accept deposits for your financial institution or doesnât accept bills at all.
If you are permitted to deposit cash in an out-of-network ATM, you may have to pay a fee. Currently, out-of-network fees are on average close to $5.00 per transaction, according to a recent study. In addition, you may have to wait longer for the funds to become available in your account.
Can You Deposit Cash at an ATM for an Online Bank?
If youâre a customer at an online-only bank, you may be wondering whether you can deposit cash at an ATM. Some of the leading online-only banks partner with ATM networks to offer their customers access to tens of thousands of machines around the world. However, it is important to note that cash deposits are usually restricted to specific, deposit-enabled machines within those networks, and oftentimes deposits at ATM machines are not an option.
Recommended: 12 Top Mobile and Online Banking Features
Will My ATM Cash Deposit Be Available Immediately?
Some banks will make cash deposits immediately available when you use their own branded ATMs. Others offer same-day availability if you make a deposit before the bankâs daily cutoff time. If you use an out-of-network ATM or make a large deposit, you may experience longer processing times before the funds become available.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Company requires banks to make cash deposits available within a certain amount of time. If you use an in-network ATM, your funds must be available on the second business day after the deposit. When using an out-of-network ATM, however, funds donât have to be made available until the fifth business day. Take this into account if youâre making a cash deposit and need the funds within a shorter time frame.
It’s a good idea to contact your bank or visit its website for more information about its specific policies.
Things to Consider When Depositing Cash at an ATM
Most of the time, depositing cash into an ATM goes smoothly and often without added service fees if you use your own bankâs network. But there are a couple of scenarios to be aware of and potential hiccups to be prepared for.
Depositing Cash at an ATM That Isnât Your Bank
As mentioned above, you may or may not be able to deposit cash at an out-of-network ATM. This means that, if you have a bank account with one bank, you may not be able to deposit bills into an ATM operated by a different financial institution.
Whatâs more, if you can make a deposit at an out-of-network ATM, there may be fees involved. The funds will also likely take longer to process before becoming available than if you stay within your bankâs network.
If you use an online-only bank, you will need to determine what deposit services are available. You can usually locate in-network machines or other options for making cash deposits by checking your bankâs app or website or by calling their customer service number. Another option may be to transfer money into the online account from a separate bank account that accepts cash deposits.
Potential Problems
Technology offers many benefits, such as speed and convenience, but it isnât perfect. When depositing cash at an ATM, you may very occasionally encounter an issue. Perhaps the machine retains your card, or miscounts the amount deposited.
If this happens, make sure to note the details, including the date, time, location, and what occurred. You can then report the issue to your bank or the ATM owner for help resolving the matter. If you lose money as a result, you may want to contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to file a complaint.
Fees
Youâre unlikely to encounter a fee if you make a deposit at your bankâs own ATM machines (if they have them). However, you may need to deposit cash when an in-network device isnât anywhere nearby. In that case, youâre likely to incur an out-of-network ATM fee from the bank. As noted above, these are currently averaging about $5.00 per transaction, so this can really add up.
Check with your bank ahead of time to get a better grasp of their specific ATM fee policies and avoid these unnecessary costs when possible.
Limits
There may be limits on how much you can deposit at a given time at an ATM. Youâre typically limited to inserting 30 to 50 bills per transaction. If you need to deposit more bills, you can make multiple transactions, but there may be a daily transaction limit. Dollar limits are less common but do exist at some financial institutions.
Recommended: How to Avoid ATM Fees
The Takeaway
You can usually insert bills into an ATM in a few simple steps, and this can be a convenient way to get money into your checking or savings account. Depending on whether you deposit your cash at an out-of-network or an in-network machine, the transaction may involve fees and a potential delay in the funds becoming available. Researching your options and understanding the deposit services your bank provides can help you make financially sound cash deposits.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, youâll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
How do you deposit cash at an ATM?
To deposit cash at an ATM, youâll need an ATM that accepts cash, your bank card, and your PIN (or, if the machine allows cardless transactions, youâll need your mobile device). Then you simply follow the instructions on the machineâs screen. Before going to a machine, itâs a good idea to locate your nearest in-network ATM or find out about the fees youâll be charged to deposit cash at an out-of-network ATM.
Can you deposit checks at an ATM?
Yes, but financial institutions almost always require you to use their own ATMs for check deposits. Independent ATMs found in convenience stores, gas stations, and hotels generally lack the technology needed to process checks.
Are there ATM deposit fees?
If you use an ATM that belongs to your bank or the network of ATMs it partners with, you wonât typically be charged a fee for making a deposit. However, if you use an out-of-network machine for any transaction, whether withdrawal or deposit, youâll likely be charged a fee.
How much cash can be deposited in an ATM?
The limit on the number of bills you can insert in one cash deposit transaction is usually 30 to 50. If you need to insert more bills than this, you can complete multiple transactions. Some ATMs may have a dollar limit, but this is less common.
How can I deposit money without going to the bank?
You can often deposit cash at an ATM thatâs owned by your bank or is part of your bankâs network. In addition, an easy way to deposit money into your bank account without leaving your home is to make a mobile check deposit through your bank’s app. Mobile check deposits may take one or more days to clear, however.
Photo credit: iStock/RgStudio
SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFiÂŽ Bank Debit MastercardÂŽ is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
^Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holderâs SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holderâs employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (âEligible Direct Depositâ) via the Automated Clearing House (âACHâ) Network every 31 calendar days.
Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.
Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.
See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Bank Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
1SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDICâs regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.
SOBNK-Q126-046