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Despite digital banking’s rising popularity, there are still areas where traditional banking excels—including if you want to deposit cash at an ATM.
Many banks and credit unions allow you to deposit money at either branch or in-network ATMs. However, this doesn’t apply to all financial institutions. For example, at online banks, you may have to jump through some additional hoops to deposit cash into your account.
Here’s a closer look at where and how you can deposit cash at an ATM.
Can You Deposit Cash at an ATM?
You can deposit cash at many ATMs, but not all of them. There’s no universal rule on ATM cash deposits—it’s at the discretion of the bank or credit union. But many financial institutions allow cash deposits at ATMs within their networks.
You may know that most banks have ATM withdrawal limits. Deposit limits exist, too, although they’re less common. Capital One, for example, has a one-time cash deposit limit of $5,000.
Some banks also set limits on how many bills (individual bank notes) you can deposit through an ATM. For example, Wells Fargo allows you to deposit up to 30 bills and checks combined when making a deposit at one of its machines.
How To Deposit Cash at an ATM
The process of depositing cash at an ATM may vary slightly depending on the machine or financial institution, but these are the general steps:
- Check your bank’s website or app ahead of time to find an ATM that allows deposits. If you’re depositing checks, sign them in advance. Count your cash so you know how much you’re depositing.
- At the ATM, insert your debit or ATM card and enter your PIN. If your bank allows cardless ATM access, you can log in using your mobile phone.
- Select the option for making a deposit.
- Choose the account that will receive the deposit.
- Insert bills and checks. Most ATMs allow you to deposit a stack of bills without using an envelope. If the ATM uses envelopes, fill out the required fields and put your cash inside before inserting the envelope.
- Confirm the deposit amount.
- Print your receipt, remove your debit or ATM card and confirm the transaction is complete.
Wait for your funds to show up in your account. If you’re using an in-network ATM, the deposit usually shows up within the same day or on the next business day.
How Much Cash Can You Deposit in an ATM?
Generally, there isn’t a limit on the dollar amount you can deposit at an ATM. Check with your bank to see if it has any ATM deposit limits.
You’re more likely to encounter limits on the number of individual bills you can deposit at a time. Your bank—or the cash machine—may determine these limits.
As mentioned, Wells Fargo allows a deposit of up to 30 bills and checks total per transaction.
Can You Deposit Cash Into an Online Bank Account?
Because of the nature of online banks, they tend to offer fewer cash deposit options, including ATM cash deposits. Online banks are known to provide higher interest rates and convenient ways to bank digitally. That’s because online banks typically don’t have the overhead costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar banks.
Instead of cash deposits, online banks may offer other options like bank transfers and mobile check deposits.
Some online banks do allow cash deposits at ATMs. For instance, Radius Bank allows fee-free cash deposits at its in-network ATMs. Capital One 360 doesn’t accept cash deposits through its ATM network partner, Allpoint, but it does accept cash deposits at ATMs in its Capital One Cafés and branch locations.
Check with your online bank to see if you can make cash deposits at ATMs and for any rules or limits you need to follow.
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Depositing Cash at an Out-of-Network ATM
Not all ATMs accept cash. Often, banks mainly accept cash deposits at branch ATMs or machines that are part of a more extensive ATM network.
If you find a bank that allows out-of-network ATM deposits, keep in mind that the processing time may take longer than at an in-network ATM. PNC Bank, for example, accepts cash deposits at non-PNC ATMs, but your funds may not be available for up to four business days.
There’s a chance the ATM operator will charge you a fee for using its ATM. Some banks will reimburse customers for out-of-network ATM fees. Other banks may charge you a fee on top of the ATM operator’s fee for using an ATM outside of its network.
Tips for Making Cash Deposits at an ATM
Familiarize yourself with your bank’s policies concerning ATM cash deposits. The bank should have a list of authorized ATMs on its website or in its mobile app. Make a note of any restrictions and fees.
Remember, using an ATM also opens up the possibility of being robbed or having your bank information stolen. If you use an ATM—especially where the exchange of cash is involved—check your surroundings and make sure the machine is in a well-lit area.
Bottom Line
You can deposit money at many ATMs, but not all of them. It depends on your bank or credit union. Before you try to make a deposit, check with your financial institution to learn which ATMs you can use to make a deposit—and if there are any associated fees or restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much money can you take out of an ATM?
The amount you can withdraw from an ATM depends on the financial institution you bank with. In addition to daily withdrawal limits, there are limits on what you can withdraw in a single transaction. Check with your bank to determine your withdrawal limits, generally somewhere between $300 and $1,000 per day.
Can I deposit cash at any ATM?
Not all ATMs accept cash deposits, and not all ATMs accept out-of-network deposits. Do your research to find an ATM that accepts deposits and determine if it’s in your network. If not, learn about any fees you’ll have to pay if you use the machine.
If I deposit cash into an ATM, when will it be available?
If you make a deposit at an out-of-network ATM, it could take several business days for the money to show up in your account. Usually, deposits at branch or in-network ATMs are available the same day or on the next business day. With no-envelope ATMs, cash deposits might be available immediately. Check your bank’s funds availability policy for specific information regarding your account.
