Cardtronics' ATM Check Cashing Policy Explained

Short Answer — Cardtronics ATMs do not offer check cashing. Instead, to “cash a check” at an Allpoint or bank-branded Cardtronics ATM, you’ll need to deposit the check into your account and then withdraw the funds after they clear. Deposit limits, fees, and hold times are determined by the financial institution that issued your ATM card.

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Cardtronics’ ATM Check Cashing Policy

Cardtronics, a non-bank ATM operator, does not have a specific ATM check cashing policy. Check services vary depending on the type of Cardtronics ATM you’re using and the financial institution that holds your account.

Some Cardtronics ATMs do not accept check deposits, while others, including Allpoint+ and most bank-branded ATMs, do accept them.

To “cash a check” at an ATM, you’ll need to deposit the check into your account and then withdraw the funds.

Your bank may make the funds available immediately or you may have to wait for the funds to clear. Individual financial institutions set hold periods for check deposits.

Fees and limits set by your bank will also apply when you deposit a check at a Cardtronics ATM.

Cardtronics controls about 230,000 ATMs worldwide, partnering with a wide range of financial institutions and stores to provide ATM services. Cardtronics operates:

Allpoint: A surcharge-free ATM network with locations across the U.S. and worldwide
Cashzone: An ATM network with locations throughout Europe and the United Kingdom
Branded ATMs for individual banks and credit unions

With the exception of operational problems, any questions regarding ATM services should be directed to your financial institution, a Cardtronics representative said. Cardtronics is responsible for keeping the ATMs in working order, but policies are set by the issuing bank of your ATM card.

Check Services at Allpoint ATMs

Allpoint is the largest Cardtronics ATM network in the U.S., providing ATM services for about 1,000 debit, payroll, and prepaid card providers.

Only Allpoint+ ATMs accept cash and check deposits. Allpoint+ machines are available in limited markets and are still in the roll-out phase at the time of this writing in June 2019.

Test markets include Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, and New York City.

Each financial institution that partners with Allpoint must opt-in to allow its customers to make deposits. And, the bank will set any hold times, if applicable.

If your bank allows Allpoint deposits but requires a hold, you can deposit the check at an Allpoint+ ATM and then return to an Allpoint ATM to make a withdrawal after the check clears.

As an alternative, you can use your bank’s mobile check deposit service and withdraw the money at any Allpoint ATM when it’s available.

Allpoint does not set its own limits on check amounts or the number of check deposits allowed per day or per transaction. Fees and other policies are set by each individual issuing bank.

If your bank or credit union allows deposits at Allpoint+ ATMs, your deposit options will appear on-screen after you enter your card and PIN.

You can also find out if your financial institution allows Allpoint+ ATM deposits by contacting your bank’s customer service department or checking for Allpoint+ locations when searching your bank’s ATM locator.

During our research, we found that Ally Bank, BMO Harris Bank, Capital One 360, and Fifth Third Bank are some of Allpoint’s partners for ATM access, but, at the time of this writing, these banks do not allow Allpoint+ check deposits, customer service representatives said.

These banks will need to opt-in to give their customers deposit access as the Allpoint+ network expands.

Some regional credit unions have also begun implementing check deposits at Allpoint+ ATMs.

Check Services at Bank-Branded Cardtronics ATMs

The check cashing process at bank-branded Cardtronics ATMs works the same as at an Allpoint+ ATM — you’ll need to deposit the check, wait for the funds to become available, and then withdraw the cash.

The following banks have branded Cardtronics ATMs that allow check deposits. Below, we’ve noted each bank’s limits and hold periods.

Longer holds may apply at the bank’s discretion, such as if your account has a history of overdrafts or the bank has reason to believe the check will not be paid. Typically, there is no fee for check deposits.

Note that some ATM locations may be withdrawal-only.

Bank of America

Limits: No daily limit for ATM check deposits. Withdrawal limits vary by account type but are usually around $1,500 per day.
Holds: Check deposits under $200 and the first $200 or larger deposits will be available immediately. Funds over $200 will be available on the following schedule:
- Same day: Deposits made on a business day will likely be available by 8 p.m.
- Next business day: Most checks deposited after 8 p.m. or on a non-business day will be available the next business day.
- Two to five business days: Under special circumstances, such as improper check endorsement or suspected fraud, your funds will be available within two to five business days.

Chase

Limits: No daily limit for ATM check deposits. Withdrawal limits vary by account type but are typically either $500 or $1,000 per day.
Holds: Check deposits under $200 and the first $200 of larger deposits will be available immediately. Funds over $200 will be available on the following schedule:
- Next business day: Checks drawn on Chase accounts
- Two business days: Daily deposits totaling $5,000 or less drawn on any bank
- Two to seven business days: Redeposited checks; daily deposits totaling more than $5,000 drawn on any bank; accounts with repeat overdrafts; suspicious checks

PNC Bank

Limits: No daily limit for ATM check deposits. Withdrawal limits vary by account type but are typically either $500 or $1,000 per day.
Holds: Check deposits under $100 and the first $100 of larger deposits will be available immediately. Hold times for the remaining funds depend on the type of check that’s deposited:
- Available immediately: Deposits at PNC DepositEasy ATMs using PNC Express Funds (Note: A minimum fee of $2 or 2% of the check amount will apply for PNC Express Funds deposits.)
- Same day: Funds from checks drawn on PNC Bank accounts that are deposited on a business day before 10 p.m. will be available the same day.
- Next business day: Funds from checks not drawn on PNC Bank accounts will be available the next business day.
- Two business days: Funds from checks not drawn on PNC Bank accounts totaling $50,000 or more will be available in about two business days.

Wells Fargo

Limits: No daily limit for ATM check deposits. Withdrawal limits vary by account type but are usually between $300 and $500 per day.
Holds: Most check deposits will be available the same day — as long as you make the deposit on a business day before the ATM’s posted cutoff time. Otherwise, funds will be available the next business day. If Wells Fargo places a hold on your check, the first $200 will typically be available the next business day, with the remaining amount made available within 10 days.

Need to cash a check without waiting for a bank hold? See our list of check cashing kiosks.