Ever wondered why your ATM deposit doesn’t show up right away? Banks place temporary holds on ATM deposits to verify cash or check authenticity, and the release time can vary by bank, account type, and deposit method. This guide explains how long ATM deposits take to clear — and what you can do to speed things up.
How Long Does an ATM Deposit Take?
Most cash deposits clear within minutes, but check deposits can take one to five business days depending on your bank’s policy. Here’s a quick overview of typical timelines:
| Deposit Type | Typical Clearing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Deposit (Same-Bank ATM) | Instant–24 hours | Funds often available immediately or next business day. |
| Cash Deposit (Different-Bank ATM) | 1–3 business days | Processing depends on the partner network and verification speed. |
| Check Deposit (Same-Bank ATM) | 1–2 business days | Small amounts may clear faster; large checks can face longer holds. |
| Check Deposit (Different-Bank ATM) | 3–5 business days | Most delays occur during interbank image verification. |
Why ATM Deposit Holds Exist
- Fraud prevention — banks verify check authenticity and cash denomination accuracy.
- Processing logistics — deposits made after cutoff times roll over to the next business day.
- Account risk — new or low-balance accounts may trigger longer verification windows.
- Network delays — inter-bank ATMs route transactions through multiple systems.
Each bank has its own deposit-availability policy. Learn how these policies apply when using non-network machines in Can You Deposit Money at an ATM That’s Not Your Bank?.
Ways to Get Your ATM Deposit Cleared Faster
- Use your bank’s own ATM or branch-based machine.
- Make deposits before the bank’s daily cutoff (usually 5 PM local time).
- Deposit cash instead of checks whenever possible.
- Use mobile-check deposit for faster electronic verification.
- Keep your account in good standing to shorten future holds.
ATM Deposit Cutoff Times by Major Banks
Most banks process deposits made before their local cutoff time on the same business day. Here’s what common institutions follow:
| Bank | Typical Cutoff Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chase | 11 PM ET (cash) / 8 PM ET (checks) | Cash available same day; checks usually next day. |
| Bank of America | 8 PM local time | Next-day availability for most deposits. |
| Wells Fargo | 9 PM local time | Deposits after cutoff count the next business day. |
| PNC Bank | 10 PM ET | Funds often clear overnight for verified accounts. |
| US Bank | 8 PM CT | Check deposits typically release in 1–2 days. |
What to Do If Your Deposit Is Delayed
- Confirm the deposit posted in your online or mobile banking app.
- Contact customer service with the date, amount, and ATM ID.
- Keep your printed or digital receipt for verification.
- If the hold exceeds 5 business days, request a provisional credit investigation.
FAQs About ATM Deposit Clearing
Do cash deposits clear faster than checks?
Yes. Cash deposits typically clear instantly or by the next business day because they require no verification imaging.
Can ATM deposits clear on weekends?
Some banks process weekend deposits on the next business day, though certain 24-hour networks may credit cash immediately.
Why is my deposit still pending?
Pending status usually means the bank is verifying funds or that the deposit missed the day’s cutoff time.
What if an ATM takes my cash or check but doesn’t show a receipt?
Contact your bank’s support immediately and provide the ATM ID and amount. Most banks reimburse verified missing deposits within 10 business days.
Key Takeaway
ATM deposits don’t always clear instantly — timing depends on the deposit type, the ATM network, and your bank’s policies. Cash clears fastest; checks take longer. To avoid delays, deposit before cutoff times and stick to your bank’s own ATMs whenever possible.
Next, read Find ATMs That Accept Deposits for specific machine-locator tools.
Updated October 2025