Can you make a deposit at any bank

ATMs, or automated teller machines, are located practically everywhere. You can find them at your favorite grocery store, the local bar and in the lobbies of many major hotels. ATMs provide banking customers with easy access to their cash when they are unable to go to a bank or bank with a financial institution that doesn't have physical locations. But, what if you need to make a deposit? Unfortunately, you're more restricted when making a deposit at an ATM versus making a withdrawal.

One of the primary functions of an ATM is to help give customers another point of access to their banking resources. While you can withdraw cash from almost any ATM, making deposits is a different process altogether.

The factor that decides whether you can make a deposit at a certain ATM is whether it's in the network associated with your bank. In the United States, large financial institutions—including Chase, Bank of America and Citi—operate major ATM networks with machines that number in the tens of thousands. Customers are given guidance on what networks they can transact with in the fine print of the ATM agreements they receive when their debit card is issued.

You may not be allowed to make deposits using an out-of-network ATM, and you may be charged fees by both your bank and the ATM operator when you perform services at an out-of-network ATM.

How to Make a Deposit at the ATM

Making a deposit at an ATM is a fairly straightforward process. Before you make your deposit it's important to make sure that the ATM is located in a safe place. Is it well-illuminated? Do you need to use your card to access a machine located inside a building?

  • Have your PIN memorized and ready. When making deposits at the ATM, your PIN number helps to protect you from fraudulent activity or access to your account.
  • Check the deposit network on the ATM. Regardless of where you are in the world, the ATM that you're at will be associated with a deposit network. If you're going to a major bank, then the deposit network would be associated with that bank.
  • Make sure you have your debit card and cash ready prior to starting your transaction. If you're depositing cash, make sure not to flash it around. If you're also depositing checks, endorse the back of your check correctly. Depending on your bank's procedures, you will either simply sign your name or also include "For deposit only."
  • Once you've finalized your transaction, always request an emailed or printed receipt. This documentation may be needed if there's an issue with your deposit.
  • Confirm the deposited amount before you leave the machine. If the deposited amount isn't reflected properly in your account, deal with it immediately. Fortunately, every transaction has a unique number and it's fairly simple for banking institutions to find your transaction and remedy errors.

Do ATMs Charge Fees?

It's important to note that some ATMs charge you to access your account. It's important to review terms of service for your credit or debit card associated with the account that you would like to access.

In the event that you're able to make a cash deposit at an out-of-network ATM, you may also end up paying a fee to complete that transaction. Financial institutions do communicate this with their clientele, but it's important for customers to read the fine print on their account.

For banking customers making numerous ATM deposits, it's important to understand the fees that may result for each transaction.

The Bottom Line

Despite increasing access to digital deposit tools including taking photos of checks and uploading the image in order to deposit from anywhere, ATMs aren't going anywhere. Knowing how to use them as well as the potential costs associated with them is key to keeping more money in your wallet.

If you're not sure about what network your bank or credit union uses, you can check online to see where in-network machines are located throughout your town and any other communities where you do banking. Fortunately, you can typically find this information on your bank or credit union's website or app.

Depositing checks or extra cash into your bank account can help build your savings, earn interest* and safeguard it from loss and theft.

When you make a deposit, you can use that money to withdraw cash, write checks or make a purchase. M&T Bank offers several options to make a deposit: at a bank branch, at an ATM, through mobile deposits, or direct deposit funds into your account.

​​How do I deposit money at a bank branch? 

To deposit money at a bank branch, provide your cash and endorsed checks and a deposit slip to the teller. Both checks and cash can be deposited in-person at any of your bank’s locations. After making a deposit at a branch, your funds will typically be available immediately if the deposit was cash, or typically the next day if the deposit was an endorsed check. Refer to the Availability Disclosure for Consumer Deposit Accounts.

​How do I make mobile deposits? 

Mobile banking allows you to quickly and conveniently make same business-day check deposits until 10pm ET. Through mobile check deposit, you can deposit checks from the palm of your hand. Simply select which account the money should go to, enter the amount of the deposit, take a photo of the front and back of your endorsed check and tap submit. You can view deposited checks within the app to gain visibility into your account balances. After making the deposit, write on the back of the check the date you deposited it.  This will prevent you from making errors on future deposits. Please refer to the Digital Services Agreement.

How do I deposit money at an ATM? 

Making deposits at an ATM can be a convenient option to make same business-day** deposits. At M&T Bank, same business-day deposits are accepted until 8pm ET. You can deposit cash or checks at our ATM locations without an envelope or a deposit slip. Always be sure your surroundings are safe, then follow these steps to make a deposit at an ATM: 

  • Endorse all checks by signing the back with a pen 
  • Insert your debit card into the appropriate ATM slot and type in your PIN to access your account
  • Select “deposits” on the screen
  • Insert your deposit into the appropriate ATM slot
  • Take your receipt, remove your debit card and confirm the deposit amount on the ATM screen

What are M&T Bank ATM Deposit Limits?

There are no daily or monthly deposit limits at M&T Bank ATMs, however, there is a limit of $99,999 per deposit. The M&T Bank mobile app deposit limit is $6,000 per day and $12,000 per month.

What is direct deposit?

Direct deposit is the electronic transfer of a payment, such as a paycheck, directly from the account of the payer to your account. Funds from an electronic direct deposit are available for your use on the same business day. Electronic money transfers through Zelle®1 also typically allow funds availability within minutes. 

How long does it take for a check to clear? 

Many checks clear in one business day or less. In special cases, such as instances of fraud prevention, checks may take longer to clear. You can monitor the status of a check deposit by enrolling in online or mobile banking services. 

For specific information about when funds from deposits become available for use, talk to a representative at your local bank branch. M&T account holders can also refer to the Availability Disclosure for Consumer Deposit Accounts provided at account opening.

Can you deposit a check into an ATM? 

You can make same business-day deposits at more than 1,000 M&T Bank ATMs. You can deposit cash or checks at our ATM locations without an envelope or a deposit slip.

What do you need to deposit a check? 

To deposit a check, you must endorse it by signing your name on the back with a pen. When depositing a check in-person, you may also need to fill out a deposit slip and provide a government-issued ID. 

A Bank You can Count On

We know you count on your personal checking and savings accounts to meet your everyday banking needs. With M&T, you can count on so much more. Discover how we go beyond the basics to meet all your banking needs in the branch and online, now and in the future. Learn more 

*Applicable only to interest bearing accounts.

** Business day is defined as Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 

1  U.S. checking or savings account required to use Zelle®. Transactions between enrolled consumers typically occur in minutes. Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Can you deposit cash at a bank that is not your bank?

1. Deposit cash at the bank. You can put cash into someone else's account by going to a bank where the person holds an account and giving the teller the person's name and account number. Some banks, however, don't let you deposit cash into someone else's checking account.

How do you deposit money if you are not near your bank?

Turn cash into an easy-to-deposit check by purchasing a money order that is payable to yourself. Money orders can be purchased at a variety of establishments, including Western Union and the U.S. Post Office.

Can I deposit cash at an ATM that's not my bank?

Typically no, you can't make deposits at ATMs that aren't associated with your bank. This is different from ATM cash withdrawals, where you usually can take money out from an ATM even if you don't have an account with its bank (usually for a fee). Some credit unions use shared ATMs through the Co-op ATM network.