Can You Cash a Check at an ATM? The Answer is Yes with a But!

Can you cash a check at an ATM without a bank account?

To cash a check at an ATM you will typically need a bank account. This is because you are depositing money from the check into your bank account.

If you don’t have a bank account, then depositing checks onto a prepaid card and then withdrawing the cash from an ATM using the card is a good alternative.

There are options other than the ATM for check cashing, and we’ll cover more of these options in the “Other ways to cash a check” section below.

When you deposit a check in ATM is it available immediately?

When you deposit a check at an ATM, the funds are not immediately available as cash. Instead, the check needs to be processed and cleared by the bank before the check amount is added to your account balance.

And this can take a few business days. So, the funds are not available immediately.

Some banks might provide you with immediate access to a portion of the deposit under certain conditions.

How to Cash a Check at an ATM

Now you know that you can cash a check at an ATM, you’ll want to know how it works. In this section, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to cash a check at an ATM.

1. Find an ATM

The first step is to find an ATM that actually accepts check deposits. Be sure to check whether an ATM allows you to deposit a check beforehand so that you’re not wasting your time.

I’ve listed a few ATMs that allow you to deposit checks in the “ATMs with check cashing” section of the post. But, be sure to check for your bank’s ATM specifically to see if you can cash a check there.

2. Endorse the check

Once you have found an ATM that will cash your check, you’ll need to endorse the back of your check.

If you’re not sure how to do this, be sure to check out our post on how to endorse a check.

Some banks may also require you to fill out a deposit slip to insert into the ATM along with your check. So, check what the requirements are to deposit your check with that particular bank.

3. Insert your card and enter your PIN

The next step is to insert your card and enter your PIN. You will need a valid ATM card, debit card, or prepaid card that’s been issued by a bank or credit union.

Just insert your card, and the ATM will prompt you to enter your PIN.

4. Follow the prompts

Once you have inserted your card and entered your PIN, you will need to follow the instructions that appear on the ATM’s screen.

You’ll see something along the lines of “deposit check,” “cash check,” or “make a deposit” on there.

You need to select the relevant option and then you will be prompted to deposit the check.

5. Insert the check and complete the transaction

Now you need to follow the ATM’s instructions for inserting the check. You will need to confirm the amount that the ATM reads from the check.

Follow any additional instructions, and then finalize the deposit. This will complete the transaction. You can opt to get a receipt for proof of your deposit.

Types of Checks You Can Cash at an ATM

ATMs will accept various types of checks, which is really handy.

Of course, it’s best to check with the particular ATM that you’re planning to deposit your check with to ensure it accepts the type of check that you have to cash.

These types of checks are generally accepted at ATMs:

• Personal checks
• Cashier’s checks
• Certified checks
• Government checks
• Payroll checks

ATMs with Check Cashing

Some banks offer ATM check cashing. This is great because in most cases, they’re open 24/7, even on the weekends, meaning you can cash a check when you need to.

And, you can find ATMs on most corners.

So, you can go to one of your bank’s ATMs and deposit your check.

Here are some banks that have ATMs where you can deposit checks:

• Bank of America
• Capital One
• Chase
• Citibank
• Citizens Bank
• Fifth Third Bank
• M&T Bank
• TD Bank
• US Bank
• Wells Fargo

Other Ways to Cash a Check

Sometimes, cashing a check at an ATM may not work for you. This might be because you don’t have a bank account, for example.

When ATMs don’t work for you, you do have plenty of other options for cashing a check, such as:

Grocery stores

Local grocery stores can provide a similar convenient check cashing service that you’d get at an ATM. You can cash many types of checks at the grocery store, but they don’t generally cash personal checks.

Some examples of grocery stores that cash checks include:

• Hy-Vee
• Kroger and its subsidiaries
• Walmart
• WinCo Foods

Gas stations

Some cash stations offer check cashing. It’s a good alternative to the grocery store as you can avoid those long lines.

Some convenience stores and gas stations that cash checks include 7-Eleven and Pilot Flying J.

Check cashing stores

Check cashing stores are another good option for cashing your check. They’re particularly great if you want to cash a check outside of regular business hours because many offer 24-hour check cashing.

The downside though is that they charge fees. Some examples of check cashing stores include PLS Check Cashing and Speedy Cash.

A bank teller

If you can get to the bank during business hours, then simply cashing your check with a bank teller is a great option. If you have an account with the bank, you likely won’t be charged fees.

The bank that distributed the check

Visiting the bank that issued the check is one of the most cost-effective and quickest options.

This is an effective way to cash a check without a bank account. Look at the check to see which bank issued it. You’ll typically find the name of the issuing bank on the bottom left corner of the check, above the memo line.

Once you know what bank issued the check, you can visit the local branch of that bank to cash your check.

Mobile apps

If your bank offers a mobile banking app, then I would recommend that you give that a try, as many of them allow you to cash a check. This is a convenient way to deposit a check during those times when you can’t get to the bank during regular business hours. In fact, it’s just convenient in general!

With these mobile banking apps, you can use your smartphone to deposit a check. Usually, you’re just required to take a photo of your check. You can get access to the cash fast. Check your bank’s app to see if it offers check cashing.

Prepaid cards

If you don’t have a bank account and you want to get cash from the check at an ATM, then you should try prepaid cards.

You can deposit checks directly onto a prepaid card, and then withdraw the cash from an ATM using the card, or simply use the card to purchase items.

Places that allow you to deposit a check onto a prepaid card include:

• NetSpend
• Brink’s Money Prepaid Mastercard
• Transact by 7-Eleven

Closing Thoughts

It’s good to know that you can indeed cash a check at an ATM. It’s important to keep in mind though that you aren’t actually cashing the check, but rather you’re depositing the funds into your bank account. This means that you typically require a bank account to be able to cash a check using an ATM.

A good way to cash a check at an ATM without a bank account is to use a prepaid card. This enables you to withdraw the cash from the check from the ATM.

If you don’t have a bank account or a prepaid card, then there are lots of other places to cash a check other than the ATM, such as at the bank that issued the check.

Overall, you have plenty of options for cashing a check, and yes, you can cash a check at an ATM!