Long before direct deposit and Venmo, paper checks were used for everything.
Today, paper checks are not as common as they used to be, and it can be difficult to find time to cash them during normal banking hours. So you may be wondering, “Can I cash my check at an ATM?”
Fortunately, most banks have solutions for this very reason, and cashing checks at ATMs is a very common practice.
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How do I cash a check at an ATM?
Yes, you can cash checks at ATMs. Here’s how to do it with minimal fees.
If you plan to cash a check at an ATM, it’s important to be prepared as bank tellers won’t be able to help. Here are the basics for making money after hours.
1. Check your bank’s website
Most banks have information about services available at their ATMs. Check your bank’s website to see if you can cash a check at an ATM. Most banks have rules about whether a check can be cashed immediately or simply deposited.
If you don’t have enough money in your bank account to cover the amount if the check is bounced, you may only allow deposits instead of cashing the check. This puts the money on hold until the check is cleared from the issuer’s bank.
In most cases, checks are only held for one day, so this is a great solution even if you can’t get to the bank during normal business hours. However, if you need cash during the day, you’ll have to look for alternatives.
2. Bring essentials
Just like cashing a check at a bank teller, you will need your account information and a pen to endorse the check. Before depositing the check, make sure it is signed on the back.
ATMs will ask you for your account information and PIN. If you have a debit card, you will need to insert the card to access the prompt screen. From there, you can easily deposit or cash checks.
3. Ask a friend for help
If you don’t have a bank account or your bank doesn’t allow ATM checks, you can always sign a check and give it to a friend.
You may be able to cash the check through your friend’s bank account by writing “Pay for (friend’s name)’s order” on the back of the check. This is especially useful as personal checks cannot be cashed at large retailers.
4. Find alternatives and save money
If you’re cashing a paycheck or government check, it may be easier to cash the check at a retailer such as Walmart. Walmart’s financial services department will give you cash in minutes for a small fee. Walmart boasts as low as $4.
If you can’t go to a retail store that offers check cashing services, many areas have small check cashing stores that offer services such as payroll advances.
It is important to note that most of these places do not cash personal checks (like birthday money from grandma!) as there is no guarantee that the check will not be bounced.
5. Try Mobile Banking
Feel like leaving the house at all? We have an app for that! Most major banks offer mobile check deposits.
To cash a check on your mobile, simply download your bank’s app, enter your account information, endorse the check, and upload photos of the front and back of the check.
You’ll be asked to confirm the amount of the check, but that’s all you need to do to easily deposit the check from home. However, it may still take some time for the check to complete.
Of course, you still won’t have cash on hand this way, but it’s one of the easiest ways to deal with paper checks, as you’ll have instant access to your money once your mobile deposit is verified.
With so many options for instant access to money from paper checks, the hassle of dealing with banks during traditional business hours becomes much easier. Cashing checks has never been easier.
Cashing a check at an ATM is just one of many options for getting the money you need as conveniently as possible. No need to rush to the bank during your lunch break or wait until Monday to spend your paycheck.
Looking for a place to cash your check? Here’s a list of places where you can cash your check 24 hours a day, including banks with ATMs, grocery stores, and gas stations.
