Yes, you can use an ATM to withdraw and deposit money from your checking account

An ATM is one of the main ways people access their checking account money outside of a bank branch. When you open a checking account, your bank gives you a debit card that works at ATMs. You insert the card, enter your PIN (a four-digit code only you know), and the ATM connects to your account to let you take out cash or put money in.

Most ATMs work the same way regardless of which bank owns them, though some charge a fee if you use a machine that is not run by your bank. The money you withdraw comes directly from your checking account balance, and deposits go straight in. This is different from a credit card, which borrows money you pay back later.

Key Takeaways

  • Your debit card works at any ATM, but you will pay a fee (usually $2 to $3) if the machine belongs to a different bank than yours.
  • ATMs let you withdraw cash and deposit checks or cash into your checking account without visiting a branch.
  • Your bank's ATM network is one reason to choose that bank — some have thousands of machines, others have very few.
  • The money you take out reduces your checking account balance right away, so keep track of what you withdraw.
  • If an ATM keeps your card or gives you an error, contact your bank when ready rather than trying the machine again.

How to use an ATM with your checking account

Insert your debit card into the slot on the front of the machine. The ATM will ask you to enter your PIN. Once you do, a menu appears with options: withdraw cash, deposit money, check your balance, or change your PIN.

To withdraw cash, select the amount you want. The machine counts out bills and returns your card. To deposit a check, select deposit, insert the check into the slot, and the ATM scans it. For cash deposits, some ATMs accept them and some do not — your bank's website or app will tell you which machines near you take cash.

Always take your card back before you leave. If the machine does not return it, call your bank right away. Do not walk away and come back later — the machine will keep it for security reasons.

ATM fees and how to avoid them

Your own bank's ATMs are free to use. If you use an ATM run by a different bank, you will usually pay a fee. This fee comes out of your checking account. The amount varies — some banks charge $2, others charge $3 or more. Some banks charge you a fee and the other bank charges a fee too, so you could pay $4 or $5 for one withdrawal.

To avoid fees, use your bank's ATM network. Before you open a checking account, look at how many ATMs that bank has near your home, work, or places you go often. Some large national banks have ATMs everywhere. Smaller banks or credit unions may have fewer machines but may be part of a shared network that lets you use other banks' ATMs for free.

Some checking accounts come with a benefit: your bank refunds ATM fees charged by other banks. If this matters to you, ask about it when you are choosing an account.

What happens to your balance when you use an ATM

When you withdraw cash, your checking account balance drops by that amount when ready. The ATM shows you your balance before you take the money out. Write down what you withdrew or check your balance later in your bank's app to make sure the money left your account.

Deposits work the same way in reverse — the money goes into your account right away, though it may take a day or two for a check deposit to fully clear. This means the ATM shows the deposit, but you cannot spend that money until the check clears. Your bank's app will tell you when a deposited check is available to use.

ATM safety and protecting your PIN

Never tell anyone your PIN, not even bank employees or family members. Your PIN is the only thing protecting your money if your card is lost or stolen. If someone knows your PIN, they can take money from your account.

When you enter your PIN at an ATM, cover the keypad with your other hand so cameras or people nearby cannot see the numbers. Look at the card slot before you insert your card — if something looks loose or broken, use a different machine. Criminals sometimes attach devices to ATMs to steal card information.

If your debit card is lost or stolen, call your bank when ready. Most banks will cancel the card and send you a new one within a few days. If someone used your card before you reported it missing, your bank's fraud protection usually covers the unauthorized withdrawals.

ATM networks and finding machines near you

Your bank belongs to an ATM network — a group of banks that let each other's customers use their machines for free. Large banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have their own networks with thousands of machines. Credit unions often belong to a shared network called CO-OP or Allpoint that has machines at many locations.

To find ATMs near you, use your bank's website or mobile app. Most have a map showing nearby machines and whether they accept deposits. You can also search online for your bank's name plus "ATM locator." If you travel or move, check whether your new bank has machines where you will be — this is one reason people choose large national banks over small local ones.

What to do if an ATM problem happens

If an ATM keeps your card, do not leave and come back later. Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your card or on your statement) right away. Tell them which ATM took your card and where it is. Your bank can retrieve the card or cancel it and send you a new one.

If the ATM gives you an error message but does not return your card or money, take a photo of the error screen and the machine's location. Write down the time and date. Call your bank and describe what happened. Your bank will investigate and refund you if the machine made a mistake.

If you withdraw money but do not see it come out, check your balance on your phone or at another ATM before you leave. If the money left your account but the machine did not give it to you, report it to your bank within 24 hours. Banks take these reports seriously because they happen often enough that they have a process for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash at any ATM?

Not all ATMs take cash deposits. Some only let you withdraw cash or deposit checks. Your bank's app or website shows which machines near you accept cash. If you need to deposit cash and your ATM does not take it, you can visit a branch or ask your bank about machines that do.

What if I forget my PIN?

Call your bank and ask them to reset it. They will verify who you are by asking security questions or checking information from your account. They will send you a new PIN by mail or let you create a new one over the phone. Until then, you cannot use the ATM, but you can still use your debit card at stores.

Do I pay a fee if I check my balance at an ATM?

No. Checking your balance, changing your PIN, or looking at recent transactions at an ATM is always free, even at another bank's machine. You only pay a fee when you withdraw or deposit money at an ATM that does not belong to your bank.

Can someone else use my debit card at an ATM?

Only if they know your PIN. Without the PIN, the ATM will not let them access your account. This is why keeping your PIN secret is so important. If someone uses your card without permission, report it to your bank when ready and they will refund the money.

What is the daily limit on ATM withdrawals?

Your bank sets a daily limit on how much cash you can withdraw from an ATM — this is usually $300 to $500, but it varies by bank and account type. If you need more cash, you can withdraw from a bank branch or call your bank to ask them to raise your limit temporarily.