Most ATMs cannot cash checks, but some banks and credit unions offer this service at their own machines

The short answer is: it depends on your bank and the ATM. Most ATMs in the United States only dispense cash — they cannot read, deposit, or cash checks. However, a growing number of banks and credit unions have installed check-cashing ATMs that can process checks and hand you cash on the spot. Whether you have access to one depends on which financial institution you use and whether they have rolled out this technology at their branches.

If your bank does not offer check-cashing ATMs, you have other options: deposit the check through a mobile app, visit a branch during business hours, use an ATM to deposit the check and withdraw cash separately, or go to a check-cashing store. Each route has different timing, fees, and requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Check-cashing ATMs exist but are not standard — you need to check with your specific bank or credit union to see if they offer them.
  • A standard ATM can deposit a check, but you will not receive cash when ready; the funds typically appear in your account within one to three business days.
  • Mobile check deposit (taking a photo of the front and back of the check through your bank's app) is often faster than ATM deposit and available 24/7.
  • If you need cash the same day and your bank does not have check-cashing ATMs, a check-cashing store or retail location like Walmart or Target may cash the check for a fee.
  • Third-party checks and checks over a certain amount may have restrictions at ATMs, even at banks that offer check cashing.

Which banks and credit unions offer check-cashing ATMs

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and several regional banks have rolled out check-cashing ATMs at some locations, but not all branches have them. Credit unions vary widely — some have them, many do not. The only way to know for certain is to contact your bank or credit union directly or check their website for a list of ATMs with this feature.

When you call or visit your bank's website, ask specifically: "Do you have ATMs that can cash checks?" Some institutions call this feature "check cashing," others call it "check withdrawal" or "check advance." The terminology differs, but the function is the same — you insert the check, the machine reads it, and it dispenses cash.

If your bank does not offer this service, ask whether they plan to add it. Some banks are expanding this feature; others have no timeline. This information can help you decide whether to switch banks if same-day check cashing is important to you.

How check-cashing ATMs work

The process is similar to withdrawing cash, but with an extra step. You insert the check into the machine, which scans both the front and back. The ATM reads the routing number, account number, and amount. You then enter your PIN and confirm the transaction. The machine either dispenses cash when ready or tells you the check cannot be processed (usually because it is damaged, the amount is unclear, or the check is third-party).

The cash comes out of your account right away, even though the check itself still has to clear through the banking system behind the scenes. This means if the check bounces later, your bank will reverse the transaction and deduct the money from your account. You are responsible for returning the cash or covering the negative balance.

Most check-cashing ATMs have limits on the amount they will process in a single transaction — often $500 to $1,000, though this varies by bank. If your check is larger, you may need to deposit it instead and wait for it to clear, or visit a branch.

Restrictions and checks that ATMs will not cash

Check-cashing ATMs typically will not process third-party checks — checks made out to someone else that have been signed over to you. They also reject checks with unclear amounts, damaged checks, checks that are post-dated (dated in the future), or checks older than a certain number of days (usually 180 days). Some machines will not cash checks written on accounts at other banks.

If the machine rejects your check, it will return it to you. You can then deposit it through mobile check deposit, visit a branch, or take it to a check-cashing store. The rejection does not mean the check is bad — it may straightforward mean the ATM cannot read it or the amount exceeds the machine's limit.

Mobile check deposit as an alternative to ATM check cashing

If your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app, you can photograph the front and back of the check and submit it without visiting an ATM or branch. The check is deposited into your account, and the funds typically appear within one to three business days, depending on the amount and your bank's processing time.

Mobile deposit is available 24/7 and works from anywhere — you do not need to find an ATM or wait for a branch to open. The trade-off is that you do not receive cash when ready. If you need cash the same day, you can deposit the check through the app and then withdraw cash from any ATM using your debit card.

Most banks set daily limits on mobile check deposit — often $2,000 to $5,000 per day, though limits vary. If your check exceeds the limit, you will need to visit a branch or use a check-cashing store.

Check-cashing stores and retail locations that cash checks

If your bank does not have check-cashing ATMs and you need cash the same day, check-cashing stores (also called check-cashing services) will cash personal checks for a fee. The fee is typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, though it can be higher. A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash.

Retail locations like Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores also cash checks, usually for a flat fee of $3 to $6 per check. These fees are often lower than dedicated check-cashing stores. You will need a valid government-issued ID, and the store may have limits on the amount they will cash — often $1,000 to $5,000.

The downside of check-cashing stores and retail locations is the fee. If you use them regularly, those costs add up. If you only need this service occasionally, it may be worth the fee for the convenience of same-day cash.

Depositing a check at a standard ATM and withdrawing cash separately

If your bank's ATM cannot cash checks but can accept deposits, you can deposit the check and then withdraw cash from the same machine or a different ATM. The check will be processed and the funds will appear in your account within one to three business days. Once the funds are available, you can withdraw cash anytime.

This option works if you can wait a few days for the check to clear. It is free (no check-cashing fee) and works at any ATM your bank operates. The downside is the delay — you will not have cash when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at any bank's ATM, or only my own bank's?

Only your own bank's ATM. You must be a customer of the bank that owns the ATM, and you must have a valid PIN. You cannot walk up to another bank's ATM and cash a check, even if that bank offers the service. If you need to cash a check and do not have access to your bank's check-cashing ATM, a check-cashing store or retail location is your option.

What happens if the check bounces after I cash it at an ATM?

Your bank will reverse the transaction and deduct the amount from your account, leaving you with a negative balance. You are responsible for covering that balance. The person who wrote the check is also liable for the bounced check, but that is a separate issue between you and them. Some banks charge a fee when a deposited or cashed check bounces.

Can I cash a check made out to someone else at an ATM?

No. Check-cashing ATMs do not process third-party checks — checks that have been signed over to you by someone else. You would need to ask the original payee to deposit or cash it themselves, or take it to a check-cashing store that accepts third-party checks (though many do not, and fees may be higher).

How long does it take for a check to clear if I deposit it at an ATM?

Most checks clear within one to three business days, depending on your bank and the bank that issued the check. Some banks make funds available faster for checks under a certain amount. You can ask your bank about their specific timeline, or check your account online to see when the funds appear.

Is there a fee to cash a check at my bank's ATM?

No. If your bank offers check-cashing ATMs, there is no fee to use them — it is a service for account holders. The only cost is the time it takes. Check-cashing stores and retail locations charge fees, but your own bank does not.