If you’re away from your bank and need to deposit cash, you might wonder whether you can use another bank’s ATM. The answer depends on your bank, the ATM network, and whether the machine supports deposit sharing. This 2025 guide explains when you can deposit cash at an ATM that’s not your bank, how shared networks work, and what to do if you need to add money fast.
Can You Deposit Cash at Any ATM?
In most cases, **you can only deposit cash at ATMs owned by your own bank or credit union.**
Third-party ATMs or those belonging to other banks generally allow withdrawals and balance checks — not deposits. Some exceptions exist for banks that participate in **shared ATM networks**, such as the CO-OP or Allpoint networks, which allow cross-institution deposits for member banks and credit unions.
Which ATM Networks Allow Cross-Bank Deposits?
Only a few networks support deposits across different institutions. If your bank or credit union participates in one of these, you can deposit cash at other member ATMs:
- CO-OP Network: Used by many credit unions nationwide. Over 30,000 deposit-enabled ATMs.
- Allpoint Network: Some participating banks allow deposits, though many are withdrawal-only.
- NYCE Network: A smaller network where select regional banks allow mutual deposits.
Check your bank’s mobile app or website for a “Deposit-Enabled ATM Locator” to confirm eligibility.
How to Know If an ATM Accepts Deposits
- Look for the word “Deposit” or “Envelope-Free Deposits” on the screen or near the card slot.
- Check your bank’s app for deposit-enabled ATM locations.
- Confirm if the ATM belongs to your bank’s network.
If the ATM doesn’t display deposit instructions, it likely doesn’t accept them — even if it shows your bank’s logo through a network partnership.
What Happens If You Try to Deposit at Another Bank’s ATM?
If you insert cash into an ATM that isn’t connected to your bank’s deposit network, the machine will usually reject the transaction. It may only display withdrawal and balance options. Even if the ATM accepts deposits, **funds may take several business days** to reach your account because they must be routed through interbank systems for verification.
Alternative Ways to Deposit Cash Without Your Bank’s ATM
- Use a prepaid debit card: Cards from Green Dot or Netspend allow cash reloads at retailers like CVS and Walgreens.
- Deposit at a partner retailer: Some banks partner with stores (like Kroger or Walmart) for direct cash deposits.
- Buy a money order: Then deposit it using your bank’s mobile app. See Where to Get Money Orders on Sunday.
- Use your mobile app: Deposit a check instead of cash if available funds are in another account.
Can You Deposit Cash at an Allpoint or CO-OP ATM?
Yes — but only if your bank or credit union participates in the **deposit-enabled portion** of that network.
- Allpoint: Offers deposit support for select banks (verify in your app first).
- CO-OP Network: Common among credit unions; you can deposit, withdraw, and transfer between accounts at other member ATMs.
Not all ATMs in these networks have the same capabilities, so always double-check before traveling to one.
How Long Does It Take for Cross-Bank Deposits to Clear?
Deposits made at another bank’s ATM can take longer to process than those made at your own institution.
Typical timing:
- Same-bank ATM deposit: Funds usually available instantly or within 1 business day.
- Shared-network ATM deposit: 2–5 business days for processing.
- Out-of-network ATM: De