Bank of America ATMs accept cash deposits, but only at machines inside branches or at certain partner locations
Not every Bank of America ATM takes cash. The machines that do are marked with a cash deposit envelope icon on the screen or on the machine itself. These are almost always located inside a Bank of America branch, at the lobby entrance, or in the vestibule. Some ATMs in partner locations—like grocery stores or pharmacies—also accept deposits, but you need to check the specific machine before you try.
If you use an ATM that does not accept deposits, you will get an error message and your cash will be returned. The fastest way to know whether a machine near you takes deposits is to use the Bank of America ATM locator on their website or mobile app, which filters for deposit-capable machines.
Deposits made at a deposit-capable ATM are usually processed the next business day. If you deposit cash after hours or on a weekend, it posts on the following Monday or the next business day the bank is open.
Key Takeaways
- Only ATMs with a cash deposit envelope icon accept cash; these are usually inside Bank of America branches or in the lobby vestibule.
- Deposits made before the bank's daily cutoff time (usually 9 p.m.) post to your account the next business day.
- Use the Bank of America ATM locator tool to find a deposit-capable machine near you instead of guessing at random ATMs.
- If you deposit cash at an ATM outside a Bank of America branch, confirm it is a Bank of America machine or an authorized partner location, because third-party ATMs rarely accept deposits.
How the deposit process works at the machine
When you reach a deposit-capable ATM, insert your debit card and enter your PIN. Select "Deposit" from the menu. The machine will prompt you to insert cash into the envelope slot or directly into the machine, depending on the model. Newer machines accept bills without an envelope; older ones require you to use the envelope provided.
Count your cash before you insert it. The machine will display the amount it detected. If the count is wrong, you can cancel the transaction and retrieve your cash. Once you confirm the amount, the deposit is submitted. The machine prints a receipt with the deposit amount and your new balance.
Do not deposit checks at a cash-only ATM. Bank of America has separate check deposit ATMs, which are also marked on the machine. Some newer machines accept both cash and checks in the same transaction.
Daily limits and what happens if you exceed them
Bank of America does not publish a single daily ATM deposit limit for all customers. The limit depends on your account type and your history with the bank. Most checking accounts allow between $5,000 and $25,000 per day in ATM deposits, but this varies.
If you try to deposit more than your limit, the ATM will reject the transaction and return your cash. You will not be charged a fee for the rejection. To find your specific limit, call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 or log into your online account and check your deposit limits under account settings.
If you regularly deposit large amounts of cash, you may want to visit a branch teller instead. Tellers can process larger deposits and can answer questions about your account limits on the spot.
What to do if the ATM keeps your cash or malfunctions
If an ATM accepts your cash but then displays an error or shuts down, do not leave. Note the machine's location and the time. Take a photo of the receipt if one printed. Call Bank of America immediately at 1-800-432-1000 and tell them the ATM location, the time, and the amount deposited.
Bank of America will investigate the machine's transaction log. If the log shows your deposit was received, the money will post to your account within one to two business days. If the log shows the machine rejected the deposit, the bank will file a claim to recover your cash from the machine's operator.
This process usually takes five to ten business days. In the meantime, the bank may issue you a provisional credit so you can access the money while the investigation continues. Keep your receipt and the case number the bank gives you.
Deposits at Bank of America branches inside other locations
Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail locations have Bank of America branches or ATMs inside them. These in-store ATMs are Bank of America machines and follow the same rules as branch ATMs. If the machine has a deposit envelope icon, it accepts cash.
The deposit still posts the next business day, even though the location is not a traditional bank building. The cutoff time for same-day posting is usually 9 p.m. Eastern Time, regardless of the store's hours.
If you are unsure whether an in-store ATM is a Bank of America machine or a third-party machine, look at the screen or the machine frame. Bank of America machines display the Bank of America logo prominently. Third-party machines display the name of the ATM network operator (Allpoint, MoneyPass, Surcharge-Free Network, etc.).
Alternatives if you cannot find a deposit-capable ATM
If no deposit-capable ATM is near you, you can deposit cash at a Bank of America branch during business hours. Tellers process deposits immediately, and the money posts the same day if you deposit before the branch's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. for same-day posting).
You can also use Bank of America's mobile app to deposit checks by taking photos of the front and back. This does not work for cash, but it is faster than visiting a branch if you have checks to deposit.
If you have a Bank of America credit card, you cannot deposit cash directly into the card account at an ATM. You must visit a branch teller or pay the card balance online using a bank transfer or other payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash at a Bank of America ATM outside a branch?
Only if the ATM is in a Bank of America partner location and displays the cash deposit icon. Most standalone ATMs in gas stations or convenience stores do not accept cash deposits. Use the Bank of America ATM locator to confirm the machine accepts deposits before you go.
How long does it take for a cash deposit to show up in my account?
Deposits made before 9 p.m. Eastern Time usually post the next business day. Deposits made after 9 p.m. or on weekends post on the following business day. You can see the pending deposit in your account immediately, but the funds are not available to withdraw until the posting is complete.
What if the ATM says my deposit limit is exceeded?
Your daily ATM deposit limit depends on your account type and banking history. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask what your limit is, or visit a branch teller who can process a larger deposit without the ATM limit restriction.
Can I deposit cash at a Bank of America ATM if I do not have a Bank of America account?
No. You must have a Bank of America account and a debit card to use the ATM. Non-customers cannot deposit cash at Bank of America ATMs. If you do not have an account, you can open one at a branch or online.
What should I do if the ATM took my cash but did not confirm the deposit?
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 right away with the ATM location, time, and amount. The bank will check the machine's log. If your deposit was received, it will post within one to two business days. If it was not, the bank will file a claim to recover your cash.