Can you deposit cash at any credit union

Q: Can I deposit money at an ATM thats not my bank?

No, you can only deposit cash at specific ATMs that are especially set up to accept deposits. Also, the ATM you use must be owned by or in partnership with your bank or credit union. In order to make sure you use the right ATM, I suggest checking with your bank via phone or online.

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.

Table of Contents Show

How to Make a Deposit at the ATM
Do ATMs Charge Fees?
The Bottom Line
Can I deposit money at an ATM that's not my bank?
Can I go to any branch to deposit cash?
How do I deposit money into credit union?
How can I deposit cash when my bank isn't around?

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.

Financial institutions are constantly looking for ways to make all banking services easier and technologically up to date. The neighborhood ATM has not been left out of the tech explosion. More ATMs are capable of handling more transactions, and some even allow you to communicate with a live teller.

Even if you’re a pro at capturing the image of checks and making a deposit through your smartphone, you won’t be able to do that if you’re walking around with cash. By visiting a deposit-enabled ATM, you can save time during a cash deposit compared to the wait in a teller line inside the branch of your financial institution.

If you are carrying cash, keep in mind some tips to staying safe while using ATMs. If you’ve never made a deposit at an ATM, with cash or checks, here are some steps that work with most deposit-enabled ATMs according to the personal finance advisers at The Balance and nerdwallet:

1. Verify that the ATM accepts deposits: Contact your financial institution to see if the ATM locations that are most convenient to you are deposit-enabled. Are they connected to your accounts, and is there a surcharge-free network of ATMs available if you can’t get to an ATM operated by your financial institution? Be ready with your signature on the back of the check if that’s to be included in your deposit.

2. Look around to see that the location appears safe. If you don’t feel comfortable, go to another ATM or make the trip inside the branch.

3. Insert your debit card and follow the instructions on when to enter your PIN.

4. Choose “deposit” when the on-screen options for your transaction appear.

5. Choose the account (checking, savings, etc.) where you want your deposit to be made.

6. If required, enter the amount of your deposit. This may not be needed at some ATMs that can distinguish the amount of cash or the amount written on the check.

7. Insert the cash and/or checks in the fashion the ATM requires. This may include the use of an envelope, but many ATMs can do without an envelope and can handle a stack of dozens of bills.

8. Confirm that the deposit amount is correct.

9. Get a receipt. Some ATMs make receipts available with the image of the checks printed onto the receipt.

10. Confirm that your session is complete. Don’t walk away unless you know your session is finished and that you have your debit card in your possession.

Keep in mind that financial institutions have requirements and policies concerning availability of funds whether you’re making a deposit at the ATM, online with your computer or mobile with your smart device or in the teller line. You’ll want to stay connected to your financial institution to monitor your balance and any deposits you have made.

Information in this article is general in nature and for your consideration, not as financial advice. Please contact your own financial professionals regarding your specific needs before taking any action based upon this information.

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

No, you can only deposit cash at specific ATM's that are especially set up to accept deposits. Also, the ATM you use must be owned by or in partnership with your bank or credit union. In order to make sure you use the right ATM, I suggest checking with your bank via phone or online.

Can I go to any branch to deposit cash?

How to Deposit Cash at a Bank. If you belong to a regional or national bank, you can make a deposit at any branch. If you are part of a credit union, you can make a deposit at your home credit union or another branch if your credit union is part of a larger network.

How do I deposit money into credit union?

At a Traditional Bank or Credit Union If you have a checking account or savings account at a local financial institution, depositing your cash is easy. Simply take the cash to a bank branch and give it to a teller.

How can I deposit cash when my bank isn't around?

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.