Depositing checks at the ATM can be convenient. You don't have to visit the branch during banking hours, and money hits your account more quickly than if you mail checks in. You may also save on bank fees by using the ATM instead of tellers.
However, ATM deposits are still a little scary. They work fine most of the time, but it's no fun when they don't. If you have a problem depositing a check on Friday afternoon, it could be the middle of next week before you find out what happened. And what if you really need the money in your account but the check is lost or damaged?
A Consumerist reader recently shared a story about an ATM deposit gone bad. Fortunately he didn't need the funds immediately. It's a nice reminder that technology can fail, and that you should be careful with large important deposits -- maybe it's worth paying a fee or making a special trip to the branch in some cases.
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