If you’d prefer not to go inside a local branch, many financial institutions allow you to deposit cash directly into your bank account using an ATM. However, this feature isn’t available at all banks and credit unions, and using a fully digital bank can complicate the process.

You may face many situations where you have cash you need to deposit. For example, maybe you’ve received cash as a birthday gift and want to get it into your bank account. Keep reading to learn how to deposit some money using an ATM, what to do if you use an online bank, and some additional tips to help you with the process.

Key Takeaways

• 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.
• Some online banks allow for ATM cash deposits, especially if they’re a part of a national ATM network.
• Before attempting to deposit cash using an ATM, learn your bank’s policies, locate an in-network ATM, and count your money before inserting it.

How to Deposit Cash at an ATM

Depending on your financial institution, you can deposit cash into your bank account using an ATM. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

1. Learn whether your bank allows cash deposits: Many banks disclose on their websites whether they allow cash deposits at ATMs. Call a customer service number or local branch if you can’t find the information online.
2. Find a nearby ATM: Use your bank’s website to locate an ATM that allows cash deposits near you. Most banks have online tools that enable you to find the nearest branches to you simply by typing in your ZIP code.
3. Insert your debit card: The first step to making an ATM transaction is usually inserting your debit card and entering your PIN. This helps the ATM pull up your account so you can make a deposit or withdrawal.
4. Select your transaction type: Once the ATM has pulled up your account, it will prompt you to select the type of transaction you want to complete, such as a withdrawal or a deposit.
5. Insert your cash: Follow the ATM’s instructions to deposit cash into your account. Many banks have made this process easier, allowing you to deposit money without an envelope.
6. Review your transaction: Once you’ve made your deposit, review the information on the screen to ensure the amount the ATM registers is the amount you believe you’ve deposited into the account.
7. Get your transaction receipt: After you’ve completed your ATM cash deposit, you’ll indicate that you’re done with your transactions and must be offered the option for a receipt if your deposit was $15 or more. 

Keep in mind that even if your bank accepts cash deposits at ATMs, it may only do so at some ATMs. Some banks may disclose on their websites whether certain ATMs accept cash deposits.

How to Deposit Cash With an Online Bank

In most aspects, online financial institutions make banking easier and more convenient. However, getting cash into your account is more challenging due to the lack of in-person branches and exclusive ATMs.

Some online banks do allow for cash deposits at ATMs. While these banks don’t have their own branches or ATMs, they often partner with national ATM networks like Alliance One, CO-OP Network, or Bank of the West. For example, Allpoint is an ATM network with more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide. If you bank with an Allpoint partner, you can use Allpoint ATMs as if they were your bank’s ATM, which means you can often make both withdrawals and deposits.

Similarly, other online banks and ATM networks that don’t allow cash deposits may allow you to deposit cash into your account another way, such as by visiting certain retailers using your debit card. Fees may apply.

If you aren’t sure how to deposit cash into your online bank account, contact your financial institution’s customer service.

If you frequently need to deposit cash, you may need to be selective about the bank you work with. Either choose an online bank that offers cash deposits at an ATM near you or a traditional brick-and-mortar bank where you know you can deposit cash.

Tips for Making Cash Deposits at an ATM

Learn Your Bank’s Policies

Before attempting a cash deposit, learn your bank’s policies. Pay attention to whether your bank accepts ATM cash deposits, whether it charges a fee for such deposits, and how long it takes for the money to be deposited into your account. Also, find out how long it will take to access the cash you deposited, particularly if you deposited before a federal holiday or weekend day. 

Find an In-Network ATM

When withdrawing money from your bank account, you can typically use any ATM—you might just pay a fee if it’s out of network. The same can’t be said about deposits. In most cases, you’ll only be able to deposit cash into your bank account from an in-network ATM.

Count Your Money In Advance

Counting your cash before depositing it into the ATM is essential. Once you’ve deposited, the ATM will show the amount it counted and registered. On the off-chance the ATM miscounts your money, you must have the correct number when contacting your bank.

Check Your Surroundings

Review tips on safely depositing cash in an ATM, including checking your surroundings. Unfortunately, the cash aspect of ATMs can make them targets for robberies. Know what’s going on around you and, when possible, use the ATM during the daylight hours. Try to use your hand to cover the keypad when you enter your PIN.

Look for Alternatives

If your bank offers no options for ATM cash deposits, you’ll have to look for alternatives. Using a brick-and-mortar bank, you can simply deposit your cash in person. If you use an online bank, you may have to get a bit more creative, such as by using money orders or opening a second bank account to deposit cash and then transfer it to your online bank account.

Can You Deposit Cash at an ATM Not Owned by Your Bank?

In most cases, you’ll only be able to deposit cash into an ATM that your bank owns. An exception to this rule is if you use a bank part of an ATM network, such as Allpoint.

How Long Does it Take for an ATM Deposit to be Available?

Federal regulation requires funds you deposit on a banking day to be available by the next business day at 9 a.m. or whenever your bank opens. However, some exceptions may depend on where the bank’s ATM is located, or if your bank sets an early banking day cutoff for ATM deposits. Funds deposited by cash may also be available same day. Review your bank’s guidelines. If you make your deposit late in the day or on a weekend, it could take two days for your deposit to be available.

How Much Cash Can You Deposit at an ATM at Once?

There’s not a universal cap on the amount of cash you can deposit into your ATM at once. However, each bank sets its own rules, so your bank may set a limit on either the dollar amount or the number of bills you can deposit.

What Banks Have ATM Cash Deposits?

Most major banks like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and U.S. Bank allow ATM deposits, often without an envelope. You can also make cash deposits with many online banks.

Why Is the ATM Not Accepting My Cash Deposit?

There could be several reasons an ATM isn’t accepting your cash deposit. First, check for an error message on the screen to see if an explanation is provided. Possible reasons could be improperly following prompts on the screen, inserting the cash incorrectly, or attempting to deposit some money with an out-of-network ATM.

The Bottom Line

At one time, depositing cash into your bank account required visiting your local branch. Today, banks allow customers to deposit cash directly into ATMs. Whether you can deposit some money using an ATM depends on the bank you use and its policies, but this function is becoming increasingly common. Check your bank’s website or contact a customer service representative to learn more about your bank's cash deposit policies.

Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

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