Can i deposit a personal check at an atm

Have a paper check to cash, but don't have a bank account? No worries, you can still cash a check without a bank account and you can do this by cashing it at the issuing bank or a check cashing store.

When most people receive a check, they deposit it in their bank account, cash it at their bank, or show their ID and cash it at the bank that issued the check. It’s possible to cash a check without a bank account by cashing it at the issuing bank or a check cashing store. It’s also possible to cash a check if you’ve lost your ID by using an ATM or signing it over to someone else. Learn more below.

Cash a Check without a Bank Account

It’s possible to cash a check without a bank account, but it’s not as convenient and you’ll pay some fees.

How to cash a check without a bank account, but you have ID:

• Cash it at the issuing bank (this is the bank name that is pre-printed on the check)
• Cash a check at a retailer that cashes checks (discount department store, grocery stores, etc.)
• Cash the check at a check-cashing store
• Deposit at an ATM onto a pre-paid card account or checkless debit card account

All of these options will have fees and may be time-consuming. The fees might be small, but they add up. If you’re earning $300 a week and paying $7 to cash your paycheck, that’s 2% of your paycheck used just to convert your paycheck to cash. That’s $360 in fees per year!

Save yourself money and time and open a bank checking account. Once you have a checking account, you can probably get direct deposit (your employer deposits your paycheck directly into your account) or you can deposit your check through an ATM.

Do I need an ID to cash a check?

How to cash a check without ID:

• Deposit it into your account through an ATM at your bank
• Take advantage of ATM check cashing if your bank offers it
• Sign the check over to someone else

Most banks require your ID be presented before they cash a check, but there’s no standard list for what’s considered an acceptable form of ID. Check with your bank or the bank that issued the check to see if you have a document that they’ll accept as ID.

As a last resort, you can sign the check over to someone you trust and ask them to cash it for you. This creates a third-party check. However, if you choose this option, keep in mind that many banks will require verification that original payee authorized the signing over of the check, by having the original payee present and presenting their ID. Read about how to endorse a check to have a friend cash it for you.

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It takes just a few simple steps to deposit your check at your bank branch or credit union, an ATM, or via your mobile device.

Been handed a check and you’re not sure what to do with it? You can transform that little piece of paper into spending money by either cashing your check  or depositing it into a bank account.

If you’d prefer to deposit the funds into a bank account, you’ve got a few options depending on the options available from your bank or credit union. You can go the more traditional route: visiting a physical bank or credit union branch, or stopping by an ATM. Or if you’d rather avoid the extra errand, you may be able to use a mobile banking app on your smartphone or tablet to deposit your check electronically.

• Check deposits at the bank
• Check deposits at an ATM
• Check deposits with your mobile device

Check deposits at the bank

When you deposit a check in person, you’ll be required to endorse the check, which means signing it. It’s pretty simple: On the back of the check, you’ll find two gray lines with a note saying something like “endorse here.” Sign the check on the top line after you’ve arrived at the bank.

In order to complete the transaction, your teller will make sure the check is written out correctly, and may request to see your identification. You’ll also need to provide the account number or account information for the account you want to deposit the check to.

The whole transaction shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, but you’ll have to complete it during banking hours, which often exclude evenings and weekends. You may also want to plan for a possible wait time at the bank.

Once your transaction is complete, typically allow up to two business days before expecting the funds to be available in your account. A portion or all of your check, up to $200, may be funded by the next business day.

Can I deposit part of my check and cash the rest?

Yes, as long as your bank or credit union allows it. When you deposit your check, you can ask your teller to give you cash for part of the check amount and deposit the rest.

Why does the bank place deposits on hold?

A deposit hold is a period of time, usually around two business days, when the bank holds the funds you deposited by check. This delay may seem unnecessary, but it can actually help you. It helps prevent you from spending the money and then having to repay that money if the check turns out to be fraudulent or had to be returned.

Check deposits at an ATM

Depending on your bank or credit union, and the type of ATM, you may be able to deposit your check at an ATM. Just like when you visit a branch, you’ll need to start at an ATM by endorsing the back of the check.

Then you can use your bank-issued debit card to access your account info, follow the prompts for a check deposit, and submit your check directly into the designated slot.

Unlike visiting a bank branch, you can deposit a check into any ATM at any time, as long as the ATM accepts checks. Just like when visiting your branch though, you may still have to wait around two business days before having access to all the funds depending on the amount of the check. In fact, it may take even longer if you deposit the check at an ATM your bank or credit union doesn’t own.

For that reason, it can be beneficial to visit an ATM owned by your bank. Staying in your bank’s network can also be a better choice because it may save you money on ATM fees.

Check deposits with your mobile device

If you’ve got a smartphone or a tablet, and your bank offers the option, you can deposit a check using your mobile banking app, nearly any time and any place. Start by logging into the app, locating the deposit option, and choosing which account you want to deposit the check into.

You’ll probably be asked to take a photo of both sides of your check. If you’re not successful at using the camera right away, helpful hints may pop up on the screen or you may have access to a chat assistant. You may find it easier if you follow these tips.

• Take the photo in a well-lit area
• Place the check on top of a contrasting (dark) surface
• Make sure all four corners of the check can be seen in the frame

Once you’ve taken the photos, be sure to follow any further instructions to complete the deposit. Then review your account activity to make sure the deposited check appears.

Banks may have different time frames for processing mobile deposits — some can be completed as quickly as one business day. But even if the funds from your deposit become available right away, you’ll want to keep the actual paper check for 30 days in case any issues arise with processing. Some banks recommend destroying the check after that.

Bottom line

Regardless of how you choose to deposit your check, be sure to do it right away. There’s no strict rule about when checks expire, but many banks won’t accept a check that’s more than six months past its given date. Plus the longer a check is sitting around, the more likely it could be lost or stolen.

For payments you receive regularly, like your paycheck or other regular check disbursements, consider setting up direct deposit. This paperless option automatically deposits your payments into your account, freeing you up from having to deposit the check yourself. As an added bonus, many banks make payroll funds deposited by direct deposit available immediately.

About the author: Sarah C. Brady is a San Francisco–based financial consultant, workshop facilitator and writer. In addition to writing for Credit Karma, Sarah writes for Experian, LendingTree, Magnify Money, MSN News and more. In her … Read more.

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