NAB ATM Cheque Deposit Limits and How to Use Them

NAB Smart ATM Cheque Deposits: Limits and Procedures

Olesya Krasavtseva
Fact-checked by Olesya Krasavtseva
Content Editor at Prostobank Consulting Prostobank Consulting Logo
Updated: 01.09.2026
Table of Contents

Understanding Cheque Deposits at NAB ATMs

NAB Smart ATMs provide a convenient, self-service way to deposit cheques without needing to wait in a branch queue. These machines use advanced scanning technology to process cheques, allowing you to complete your deposit at a time that suits you. To ensure the machine processes your cheques correctly, it is helpful to keep them flat and undamaged.

When using a NAB Smart ATM, there are specific transaction limits to keep in mind. You can deposit up to 50 cheques per transaction, provided each individual cheque is below $5,000. Once you deposit a cheque, the funds typically clear within three business days. If you have a larger cheque or prefer a different method, you can also consider mobile cheque deposits via the NAB app or visit a branch for over-the-counter assistance.

Key Information and Requirements

Category Details
ATM Method NAB Smart ATM (deposit-enabled).
Processing Time Cheques typically take three business days to clear.
ATM Limits Up to 50 cheques per transaction; each cheque must be under $5,000.
Key Requirements NAB chip-enabled card and PIN.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Deposit a Cheque

Follow these steps to deposit cheques using a deposit-enabled NAB Smart ATM.

  1. Insert your card: Insert your chip-enabled NAB card and enter your four-digit PIN.
  2. Select 'Deposit': Choose the 'Deposit' option from the main menu on the ATM screen.
  3. Choose account: Select the specific account you want the cheque funds credited to.
  4. Insert cheque: When prompted, insert your cheque(s) into the designated slot. The ATM will scan and count the items.
  5. Review details: Check the information displayed on the screen, including the number of cheques and the total amount. You can enter a name or reference for each deposit if you wish.
  6. Confirm: Tap 'Confirm' to finalize your deposit and take your receipt, which serves as your record of the transaction.

Troubleshooting Deposit Issues

If you encounter issues while using a Smart ATM, here is how to handle them.

MFA / Login Issues

  • Cause: You cannot log in to initiate the deposit because your card or PIN is being rejected.
  • Simple Fix: Verify you are using a NAB-issued chip card and that your PIN is correct.
  • Fallback Action: Visit a NAB branch to reset your PIN or speak with a staff member if your card is damaged.

Browser or App Errors

  • Cause: If the ATM interface freezes or fails to respond, it is likely a technical fault with that specific machine.
  • Simple Fix: Do not attempt to force the machine to work; cancel the transaction and try another ATM.
  • Fallback Action: Contact the support number listed on the ATM to report the fault and seek assistance.

Locked Account / ID / Access Issues

  • Cause: If the ATM retains your card, it may be due to a suspected security risk or a hardware malfunction.
  • Simple Fix: Wait a few moments to see if the machine releases your card.
  • Fallback Action: Use your mobile phone to call the emergency support number on the ATM or the bank’s support line immediately to block the card.

Pro-Tip: Before heading to the ATM, ensure your cheques are not folded, torn, or have staples/clips attached. The Smart ATM's scanner is sensitive, and damage to the paper can cause the machine to reject the cheque or cause a jam during the scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was my cheque deposit rejected by the ATM?

An ATM may reject a cheque if it exceeds the $4,999.99 limit, is damaged, or if the magnetic ink is unreadable by the scanner. If this happens, the machine will typically return the cheque to you. One limitation is that the ATM cannot provide detailed reasoning for a rejection other than a general error message. Your practical next step is to examine the cheque for any damage and, if it still won't be accepted, visit a branch to deposit it over the counter.

Q: Are there other ways to deposit cheques besides the ATM?

Yes, you can also deposit cheques using the NAB app on your smartphone, which allows you to take a photo of the cheque. This is often more convenient for individual cheques under $5,000. One exception is that mobile deposits are subject to different daily and weekly limits compared to ATM or in-branch deposits. Your practical next step is to check the 'Cheque Deposit' option within your NAB app to see if your cheque qualifies for mobile submission.

Official Bank Information

NAB

Support: 13 22 65

SWIFT Code: NATAAU33

Video Guides

Watch our expert video reviews to navigate Australian banking with ease.

Bank's Services and Products

Find and compare the best banking products tailored to your financial goals.

Personal Banking

Personal credit cards

Show details
Purchase interest rate: 20,99% p.a.Cash advance rate: 21,74% p.a.Balance transfer offer: 0% p.a. for 12 monthsNew customer cashback: 250 AUD after spending 1500 AUD within 90 daysExisting customer cashback: 350 AUD after spending 1500 AUD within 90 daysUp to 44 interestfree days on purchases

Personal debit cards

Show details
Must be an Australian resident for tax purposes Must be 18 years of age or older Earn 1,00% cash back on contactless purchases (up to 10 AUD per month) Includes extensive complimentary insurances: International and Domestic travel, Rental vehicle excess, Purchase protection, and Extended warranty To activate travel insurance, at least 500 AUD of prepaid travel costs must be charged to the card Provides access to a 24/7 concierge service and Visa premium offers

Personal savings accounts

Show details
Total introductory rate of 5,00% p.a. is available for the first four monthsIntroductory rate applies to customers who have not held a NAB iSaver in the last 12 monthsStandard variable rate of 1,55% p.a. applies after the fourmonth periodBonus interest applies to balances up to 20000000 AUDInterest rate remains unaffected by withdrawals

Personal transaction accounts

Show details
Includes choice between NAB Visa Debit ($0 monthly card fee) or NAB Platinum Visa Debit ($10 monthly card fee)NAB Goodies provides personalised cash back offers via the appDigital wallet support for immediate payments before card arrivalStandard card includes access to Visa Entertainment and NAB Defence protectionPlatinum version offers 0% international transaction fees and complimentary insurances

Loans & Mortgages

Personal Car loans

Show details
Provides a 0,75% p.a. interest rate discount specifically for eligible allelectric and plugin hybrid cars The vehicle must be used as security for the loan Applicant must be an existing personal NAB customer registered for Internet Banking and aged 21 years or older Available to sole borrowers only No redraw facility is available from extra funds

Personal Home Loans

Show details
Allows linking of up to 10 offset accounts to an eligible variable rate loan Flexible repayment options including weekly, fortnightly, or monthly schedules Final interest rate is personalized and may depend on the Loan to Value Ratio (LVR)

Personal loans

Show details
Fixed interest rate and repayments for the entire loan termBorrowing limit up to 55000 AUDRedraw option is not available for fixed rate loansRepayments required via direct debitChoice of weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment cycles

Business Solutions

Business accounts

Show details
Designed for businesses that mostly transact online and make few banker assisted transactions No free eligible transactions allowance for manual or assisted transactions Transaction data can be integrated directly into accounting packages like Xero and MYOB

Business car loans

Show details
Operates as a chattel mortgage where the purchased vehicle or equipment acts as the sole security against the loan Allows businesses to set a balloon payment at the end of the term to lower monthly repayment obligations Eligible assets include cars, trucks, agricultural machinery, and specialized green equipment like electric vehicles and solar panels Facility limits can be established to purchase multiple assets without applying for finance multiple times

Business credit cards

Show details
Special introductory offer: 0% p.a. on purchases for 12 months Up to 55 interestfree days on business purchases (excludes cash advances) Includes complimentary NAB Commercial Cards Unauthorised Transaction Insurance Allows attaching multiple cards to one facility with individual credit limits Minimum facility credit limit is 5000 AUD

Business loans

Show details
No physical assets required for security Repayments consist of principal and interest Provides an instant decision and fast access to funds

Business savings

Show details
Requires a minimum deposit of 5000 AUD Government guarantee covers combined NAB savings balances up to 250000 AUD A minimum of 31 days' notice is strictly required to withdraw funds before maturity, unless experiencing hardship New term deposits are capped at a maximum term of 2 years; terms up to 5 years are only available for existing rollovers via selfserve channels Interest is calculated daily and paid at maturity for terms up to 12 months, or periodically for longer terms

Find bank, branch or ATM

Locate the nearest financial services, interactive maps, and contact details across Australia.