Key takeaways
- Not all ATMs accept cash deposits, so it's important to check before attempting to deposit cash.
- There may be limits on the amount of cash you can deposit at an ATM, usually based on the number of bills rather than a dollar amount.
- Depositing cash at an out-of-network ATM may result in additional fees and longer processing times.
If you’re wondering if you can deposit cash at an ATM, the answer is yes, you can, but not all ATMs accept cash.
The details, including fees, vary depending on your bank, and if you use a bank that operates only online, you may not be able to deposit any cash at all. Luckily, there are several alternatives to getting cash into your bank account.
Can you deposit cash at an ATM?
It’s often possible to deposit cash at an ATM, though that may depend on a couple of factors.
First, you need to check to see if your bank allows for cash deposits through an ATM — most large, traditional banks do.
Second, you also need to find an ATM that’s equipped to handle cash deposits. In the Allpoint ATM network, for example, only those with an “Allpoint +” logo support cash deposits.
Many online-only banks don’t allow cash deposits, which can make it tricky to get your funds into your account.
One solution is to opt for an automated clearing house transfer from another bank account that allows cash deposits. Alternatively, some online-only banks allow cash deposits in nontraditional ways. With a Current account, for example, cash can be added by making a deposit at more than 60,000 retailers, including participating CVS Pharmacy and Walmart stores. But it’s not free; Current charges $3.50 a deposit.
How to deposit cash at an ATM
The process varies by bank but it’s easy to deposit cash at an ATM that takes cash deposits. You just need a debit card and the money to deposit.
- Access your account(s). Insert your debit card and enter your PIN. You should be able to see all of your account information once you’re signed in.
- Choose an account and an action. Select “deposit” from among the options on the screen, and choose the account where you’d like the money to go.
- Enter the bills based on the bank’s instructions. You’ll likely need to insert the bills directly into the deposit slot or place them in a provided envelope first. Then, follow the instructions on the screen.
- Confirm the total deposit. After the ATM has counted your cash, it will ask you to confirm the dollar amount and the account where it will be deposited. Click the button to confirm, and the funds will be deposited.
- Get a transaction receipt. Get a record of your deposit by opting for a transaction receipt, either printed, emailed or texted to you.
These instructions only apply to depositing cash into your own bank account. You’ll need to choose another option to deposit cash into someone else’s account.
Be mindful of your surroundings when depositing cash
Take care when depositing cash at an ATM because you may be a target for robbery. Try to go during the daytime and make sure your screen is covered when you’re plugging in your ATM pin number. Discreetly insert your cash and be alert at all times.
Are there limits to the amount you can deposit at ATMs?
Most banks limit how much cash you can deposit at an ATM, but rather than having a dollar-amount limit, you’re more likely to face a limit on how many bills you can insert at a time. At U.S. Bank, for example, you can deposit up to 50 bills at a time, regardless of the dollar amount of each of the bills.
One benefit of depositing cash over a check is that your funds can be made available more quickly, no matter how much you deposit.
Where to find ATMs that accept cash deposits
Several options are available to locate ATMs that accept cash deposits:
- Bank branches
- The most straightforward way to find ATMs accepting cash deposits is by visiting your bank’s branch. Check with your bank to see if nearby branches are equipped with cash deposit ATMs.
- ATM network partnerships
- Some banks form partnerships with other financial institutions or ATM networks to expand their reach. See if your bank has a partnership with another network that offers cash deposit ATMs, such as the Allpoint+, Co-op or MoneyPass ATM networks.
- Online ATM locators
- Various websites and apps specialize in providing comprehensive ATM location services, and they may allow you to filter your search based on which ATMs are able to take cash deposits. For instance, the MoneyPass ATM locator has a deposit-taking ATMs filter.
- Customer service hotline
- If you’re having trouble locating cash deposit ATMs, you can always reach out to your bank’s customer support line. Representatives can provide information about nearby ATMs and whether they support cash deposits.
Can you deposit cash at an ATM that’s not owned by your bank?
You may not be able to deposit cash outside of your bank’s network at all, unless the ATM has an existing partnership with your bank. Some institutions let you deposit cash at an out-of-network ATM but charge you for the transaction. Also remember that out-of-network ATM vendors may charge their own fees on top of what your bank charges you. In addition to charging fees, some banks take longer to process out-of-network ATM deposits than in-network ones.
It pays to be clear on charges and processing times before you head to an out-of-network ATM for any banking task.
Bottom line
ATMs are an excellent resource for depositing cash. Depending on where you live, it may be easy to access an ATM from a big bank to deposit your money. While many online banks are limited in their ability to accept cash deposits, there are some options available to make it easier on you.
–Freelance writer Dori Zinn updated this article. Former Bankrate writer René Bennett and freelance writer Lauren Ward provided previous updates to this article.
FAQs
You'll likely need to insert the bills directly into the deposit slot or place them in a provided envelope first. Then, follow the instructions on the screen. Confirm the total deposit. After the ATM has counted your cash, it will ask you to confirm the dollar amount and the account where it will be deposited.
Can you deposit cash into an ATM? ›
Most major traditional banks allow you to deposit money into your account at an ATM rather than inside a branch. To deposit your cash, you'll use the ATM just as you would for any other transaction, following the prompts on the screen to insert your money.
Can you still deposit cash in an ATM? ›
Easily withdraw, deposit and transfer your money, and check your balances and transactions.
How to deposit cash in an ATM machine? ›
To deposit money in an ATM, insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select “Deposit Cash,” "Deposit Checks," or "Deposit Both." Choose an account to deposit your money into. Count your cash and sort it with all bills facing up, then feed it into the deposit slot.
Can I deposit cash in my account through any 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. In India at this point in time ATMs are only accepting cash for bank accounts of their own bank. This service is free of charge.
Is there a fee to deposit money into an ATM? ›
Most large, traditional banks allow you to deposit cash at their branded ATMs at no charge. Your bank may also let you make deposits at out-of-network ATMs, but doing so could incur a fee. Keep in mind that not all ATMs accept cash deposits, so you'll have to find a machine that does.
Can I deposit $5000 cash in a bank? ›
Depending on the situation, deposits smaller than $10,000 can also get the attention of the IRS. For example, if you usually have less than $1,000 in a checking account or savings account, and all of a sudden, you make bank deposits worth $5,000, the bank will likely file a suspicious activity report on your deposit.
Do ATMs hold cash deposits? ›
Cash deposits at an ATM may be available right away, but could take 1-5 business days to clear, depending on your bank. CIBC, for example, can take up to four business days to clear ATM deposits, while TD Bank usually clears the deposit on the next available business day.
What is the limit for cash deposit? ›
The deposit-reporting requirement is designed to combat money laundering and terrorism. Companies and other businesses generally must file an IRS Form 8300 for bank deposits exceeding $10,000. Your bank deposits are FDIC-insured for up to $250,000 per account.
How to deposit cash? ›
Cash deposits at branches can include both coins and paper bills. You will need to fill out a deposit form and hand it to the teller along with the money. The teller will count the currency to make sure it matches the deposit slip. If you want to deposit cash at an ATM, you must typically stick to paper currency.
Can you deposit cash at an ATM that isn't your bank? Most banks don't allow you to deposit cash at an ATM that's out-of-network. The banks that do accept cash deposits through out-of-network ATMs often charge an extra fee — and, typically, require longer processing periods. You may also be charged by the ATM vendor.
How long does an ATM deposit take to clear? ›
After successfully depositing your check into an ATM, you'll likely be wondering how and when you can access your cash. Many banks make check deposits available within two business days, and some may process them even faster.
How do ATMs verify cash? ›
The latter scans the banknote to detect its denomination, currency and authenticity. Here is how the validation process goes in ATMs: First, the ATM's validator determines the dimensions of the banknote and scans it in different spectrums: visible, magnetic, IR, UV. It allows to verify all major signs of authenticity.
Does any ATM let you deposit cash? ›
You generally can't deposit money at any ATM. For security and efficiency reasons, many banks and financial institutions limit cash deposits to their in-network ATMs. Read on to explore the reasons behind this restriction and get guidance on depositing cash at an ATM, ensuring a hassle-free and secure transaction.
How much money can be deposited through ATM? ›
As per the rules set by the Reserve Bank of India, the per-transaction cap is Rs. 49,900 for cardless deposits and Rs. 2,000,000 for debit card transactions (subject to the account ceded with PAN number).
How much can I deposit at ATM? ›
A standard $10,000 cash deposit (notes and coins) limit applies per account per day.
Can you pay cash in at an ATM? ›
Use your debit card to pay in money at an ATM.
Next, you must enter the amount you want to pay in, insert banknotes only in the appropriate slot, without any paper clips, or envelopes, and the ATM will detect the total amount which you will be able to see on the screen.
Can you deposit cash without going to ATM? ›
There are a number of ways you can deposit cash into your account. You can use Mobile or Online Banking, visit a branch or use one of our Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) or Interactive teller machines (ITMs).
Can I deposit money to my credit card at ATM? ›
2. Can you put money on a credit card? By "adding" money to your credit card, whether via ATM or at a bank branch, you're really just paying off part of your balance, which increases your available funds. Note you can't put money on your credit card to increase your credit limit.
How large of a check can you deposit in an ATM? ›
While you can deposit checks over $10,000 at any bank or ATM, cashing this requires the bank to report it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a rule for all cash transactions over $10,000. If you need a substantial check, you may also want to consider cashier's checks that the bank guarantees.
