Most ATMs cannot cash checks, but some bank ATMs and a few specialized machines can

The short answer is: it depends on your bank and the ATM. Most ATMs only dispense cash and do not accept checks. However, some banks have upgraded certain ATMs to include a check deposit feature, which lets you deposit a check but does not let you cash one. A smaller number of banks offer ATMs that can both deposit and cash checks, though this is still uncommon.

If you need to cash a check, your most reliable option remains walking into a bank branch during business hours or using a check-cashing service. Some grocery stores and retail chains also cash checks at their customer service desk, though they may charge a fee or require you to have a store loyalty card.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard ATMs cannot cash checks; they only dispense cash that you withdraw from your account.
  • Some bank ATMs have a check deposit feature that lets you deposit checks remotely, but this is different from cashing them.
  • A few banks offer advanced ATMs that can cash checks, but availability varies widely by bank and location.
  • Cashing a check at a bank branch, check-cashing store, or retail customer service desk remains the most widely available option.

How check deposit ATMs work

Banks that offer remote check deposit at ATMs typically require you to insert the check into the machine, which scans it and adds the funds to your account. This is a deposit, not a cash-out. The money goes into your checking or savings account, and you receive a receipt showing the amount deposited.

The process usually takes one to three business days for the funds to appear in your account, depending on your bank's processing time. Some banks offer next-business-day availability for checks deposited before a certain time in the evening.

To use a check deposit ATM, you typically need to be a customer of that bank and have your debit card or ATM card with you. The machine will ask you to enter your PIN and select the account where you want the check deposited.

ATMs that can actually cash checks

A small number of banks have installed ATMs capable of cashing checks, though these are far less common than deposit-only machines. Banks that offer this feature include some locations of Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, but availability varies significantly by branch and region.

These machines work by reading the check, verifying the account and funds, and then dispensing cash directly to you. You do not need to have an account at the bank; some of these ATMs will cash checks from other banks as well, though fees may explore.

The catch is that these machines are not standard equipment. You would need to call your bank or visit their website to find out whether a specific ATM location near you has this capability. Even if your bank offers the feature at some branches, it may not be available at all locations.

Why most ATMs do not cash checks

ATMs are designed to dispense cash from accounts that already exist in the bank's system. Cashing a check requires the machine to verify that the check is real, that the account it is drawn on has sufficient funds, and that the check has not been reported stolen or cancelled. This level of verification is complex and expensive to build into an ATM.

Check-cashing machines also need to handle physical checks securely, store them safely, and manage the liability if a fraudulent check is cashed. Most banks have decided that the cost of installing and maintaining these machines outweighs the demand, especially as more people use mobile check deposit instead.

Alternatives to cashing checks at an ATM

If you need to cash a check and your bank's ATM cannot do it, you have several options. A bank branch can cash any check drawn on that bank during business hours, and many banks will cash checks from other banks as well if you have an account there.

Check-cashing stores will cash checks for a fee, typically ranging from 1 to 5 percent of the check amount, depending on the check type and the store's policies. These stores often have longer hours than banks and may be open on weekends.

Many grocery stores, including Walmart, Target, and regional chains, cash checks at their customer service desk. Fees vary by store, and some require a store loyalty card or membership. Walmart, for example, cashes most personal checks for a flat fee that varies by check amount.

If you have a mobile banking app, you can also deposit the check remotely using your phone's camera, which is faster than visiting an ATM or branch and does not require you to be present in person.

What to bring when cashing a check

At a bank branch or check-cashing service, you will need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport. The check itself must be made out to you or to you and another person, and it must not be post-dated (dated in the future).

If you are cashing a check at a retail store, bring your ID and your store loyalty card if the store requires one. Some stores will not cash checks without a membership or card on file.

Make sure the check is signed by the person or business issuing it. If it is not signed, the bank or check-cashing service will refuse to cash it.

Fees and limits for check cashing

Bank branches do not charge a fee to cash checks if you have an account with them. If you do not have an account, some banks will still cash checks for a small fee, usually $5 to $10, though policies vary.

Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount or a flat fee. A personal check might cost $3 to $15 to cash, while a paycheck or government check might cost $5 to $25, depending on the amount and the store's fee structure.

Retail stores that cash checks typically charge $3 to $8 per check. Some stores have daily or weekly limits on the number of checks they will cash or the total amount they will cash in a single transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at an ATM if I do not have a bank account?

No, standard ATMs require you to have an account and a debit card to access any service. Some ATMs that can cash checks may accept checks from non-customers, but this is rare. Your best option is a check-cashing store or retail customer service desk, which do not require an account.

How long does it take to cash a check at an ATM?

If your bank's ATM has a check-cashing feature, the transaction typically takes a few minutes. However, this is still uncommon. Check deposit ATMs are more widely available, but they deposit the money into your account rather than giving you cash when ready.

What happens if I try to cash a check at a regular ATM?

The ATM will not accept the check. It only accepts debit cards and will only dispense cash from your account. You will need to take the check to a bank branch, check-cashing store, or retail location that cashes checks.

Can I cash a check from another bank at my bank's ATM?

Most ATMs cannot cash checks at all, so this is not possible at a standard machine. If your bank has an advanced ATM that cashes checks, it may be able to cash checks from other banks, but you would need to contact your bank to confirm this feature is available at your location.

Is it cheaper to cash a check at a bank or a check-cashing store?

If you have a bank account, cashing a check at your bank is free. Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 5 percent of the check amount, making them more expensive. Retail stores typically charge a flat fee of $3 to $8, which may be cheaper than a percentage-based fee for large checks.