There are times when you need to cash a check and don’t have time to join a long bank queue. Sometimes you are on the road and do not have access to your bank, and you might wonder if you may cash a check at an ATM?
Do ATM´s cash checks? Yes, many of the Major Banks ATMs allow you to cash checks and offer a convenient way to deposit checks outside of their bank operating hours. Ensure that you endorse your check first and follow the ATM prompts for either an envelope based deposit or full-service deposit in the appropriate slot.
If you wish to cash a check, you may conveniently use several bank ATMs to deposit your check into your bank account.
ATMs can and do cash checks, and here is the process of depositing a check-in your ATM explained.
Table of Contents
Which Banks ATMs Cash Checks?
Select banks allow for check deposits, but you should always check which ATMs provide the facility as not all ATMs are equipped with the capacity.
You will also have to wait two days or longer for your check to clear, depending on the type of check and your deposit amount.
Some of the larger banks that allow ATM check deposits are:
- Capital One
- Bank of America
- Chase
- Citibank
- Wells Fargo
- PNC
How Do You Deposit a Check at an ATM?
Depositing a check into your ATM is a straightforward process. Once you have made sure that your chosen ATM accepts cash deposits, simply:
- Endorse the back of your check by signing your name on the back of the check followed by “For Deposit Only into Bank Acc No: XXXXXXXXXXX.”
- Insert your debit card into the machine.
- Provide your personal debit card PIN.
- Insert your check into the correct deposit slot or deposit envelope if required.
- Confirm the cheque amount total.
- Ether draw the cash (if permitted) or wait the allocated clearance time.
- Ensure you keep your receipt should there be any technical errors.
Read also: Do Kroger Cash Checks? (Money Services Explained)
How Long Does it Take for a Check Deposit to Clear at an ATM?
The length of toke your check deposit may take to clear after your ATM check deposit may vary from bank to bank.
The process may take 2 to 11 business days, depending on the check amount and how long you have held your account at the bank of issue.
Even though your balance may reflect the total deposit amount, the funds may not be accessible until the institution has cleared the check.
When depositing a check into your ATM account, you should also consider the bank’s cut-off time.
Read also: Can You Take Money Off a Discover Credit Card (ATM Locator)
How does Cut-off Time Affect My ATM Check Deposit?
Bank cut off times refer to the daily time schedule limit for processing bank transactions such as ATM deposits.
If you attempt to conduct a deposit transaction once the daily schedule is passed, the transaction will only be processed the next working day.
Banks cut off time for deposits may vary from 2 pm or the close of the business day, except for certain banks such as TD bank, which allows you till 8 pm for check deposits.
If you deposit your check after your bank cut-off time, your check will only be included in the following days processing, which may mean an extra day wait.
You also have to remember that check deposits made before a weekend or bank holiday will not post until the second business day after the deposit.
Do Banks Charge for ATM Check Deposits?
Bank charges vary when it comes to check deposits. Often if you deposit your check into your own bank’s ATM, there is no charge, but if you wish to use another bank’s ATM for your transaction, they may charge a fee.
Typically the charge for depositing a check would involve:
- ATM Operator Charges: If you decide to use a n=bank ATM other than your own bank where you hold your account, the fees may range from $1.50 to $10 per transaction.
- Non-Network Charges: This s the fee that the ATM owner may charge for your check deposit in their ATM. Fees may range from $2 to $3.50.
If you opt for a non-network machine that is not linked to a more extensive banking system, the fees would typically be higher, and you may be faced with both bank and ATM operator charges s its best to do your homework before choosing an ATM.
What is a Full-Service ATM for Check Deposits?
Certain banks such as West Star Bank offer full-service ATMs which scan your cash or checks when you deposit their ATMs.
Full-service ATMs do not require an envelope or deposit slip, and you may directly insert the check into the ATM.
The ATM then scans the deposited cash or check and displays your deposit total and image on your ATM receipt.
Ensure that your check is a standard check printed with magnetic ink; otherwise, the ATM will not accept the check. Checks printed on home printers will not scan in a full-service ATM.
Also, ensure that your check is endorsed with your signature to prevent delays in clearance.
Do I Need to Endorse My Check Deposit at an ATM?
Although a few banks or credit unions will accept an unendorsed check deposit, it is always best to endorse a check before depositing it at an ATM.
For safety reasons, you should wait until just before the deposit to endorse the check or make a restrictive endorsement to prevent someone else from using your check if stolen or lost.
A restrictive endorsement ensures that the check funds may only be deposited in a particular bank account.
If you are depositing a check into an ATM, you should write “For Deposit Only to Bank Account No: XXXXXXX” clearly and legibly.
In this way, no one else will be able to use the check to access the funds allocated to you.
You should always make sure that the person and account you are endorsing matches the person’s name on the front of the check.
You may not deposit checks made out to someone else at the ATM (third party checks) unless the payee has endorsed the check into your name.
Pros and Cons of Depositing Check into an ATM
ATM deposits are convenient and eliminate the need to visit a physical bank and its ubiquitous queues.
ATMs are available 24/7 so that you are not limited to the bank physical operating hours, and you make your check deposit at any time.
ATMs are also handy in that you don’t have to wait for banking hours and risk having a check stolen or lost.
That being said, there may be a longer hold time on the full amount on your check deposit than if you visited the bank in person.
And, of course, a physical bank always offers more security than using an ATM outside of the bank’s security system.
Closing Thoughts
Making a check deposit at an ATM is a fairly straightforward procedure, and it is a relatively safe and convenient way to access check funds.
Ensure that you endorse your check and always use ATMs in secure and well-lit areas to ensure your safety.
ATM check deposits are an excellent alternative when you aren’t able (or willing) to visit your bank branch.
References
https://www.weststarbank.com/services/full-service-atm-faqs
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