Yes, other people can deposit money into your Chase account in several ways
Someone can put money directly into your Chase checking or savings account without having access to your debit card or login credentials. The most common methods are bank transfer, wire transfer, mobile check deposit, or cash deposit at a Chase branch. Which method works depends on what the person depositing has available, how quickly you need the money, and whether they're depositing cash or a check.
You don't need to do anything in advance for most of these methods to work — the person depositing just needs your account information. For some methods, like wire transfers, you'll want to provide specific details to avoid delays.
Key Takeaways
- Someone can transfer money to your Chase account using your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or in your Chase app.
- Wire transfers and ACH transfers both move money from another bank account to yours, but wire transfers arrive the same day while ACH transfers take one to three business days.
- Anyone can deposit a check into your account at a Chase ATM or branch using mobile deposit, or by handing it to a teller in person.
- Cash deposits must happen at a Chase branch or ATM — the person depositing needs either your account number or a deposit envelope with your account details printed on it.
- Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App can move money to your Chase account, though the money goes to the app first and you transfer it to Chase afterward.
Bank transfers and wire transfers from another bank account
If someone wants to send money from their own bank account to yours, they have two main options: an ACH transfer or a wire transfer. Both use your routing number and account number — the same information printed on the bottom left of any check you have.
An ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House) takes one to three business days and usually costs nothing. The person initiates it through their own bank's website or app, enters your Chase routing number and account number, and the money moves automatically. This is the standard method most people use for regular transfers.
A wire transfer arrives the same business day, usually within hours. It costs money — typically $15 to $30 depending on the sending bank — and requires more information. The person sending needs your full name, account number, routing number, and sometimes your address. They initiate it at their bank in person or online. Wire transfers are faster but more expensive, so people usually only use them when the money is urgent.
Check deposits without visiting a branch
If someone has a check made out to you, they can deposit it into your Chase account using your phone without either of you going to a branch. This works through Chase Mobile Deposit, which is built into the Chase mobile app.
The person with the check opens the Chase app, goes to the Mobile Deposit section, takes a photo of the front and back of the check, and enters the amount. The check must be made out to you (the account holder), and the person depositing it must be registered on your account or have their own Chase account. If they have their own Chase account, they can deposit it into their own account first, then transfer the money to you using an ACH transfer.
Alternatively, they can bring the check to any Chase branch or ATM and deposit it in person. At a branch, they hand it to a teller. At an ATM, they insert it into the deposit slot — the ATM reads it and credits your account within one business day.
Cash deposits at Chase locations
Someone can deposit cash into your account at any Chase branch or at a Chase ATM that accepts deposits. At a branch, they tell the teller your name and account number, hand over the cash, and it's deposited when ready. At an ATM, they need either your account number or a blank deposit envelope with your account information printed on it.
If the person doesn't have a deposit envelope with your details, they can ask a Chase teller for one, or you can order them from your Chase account online. The envelope has your account number and routing number pre-printed, so the person depositing just needs to fill in the amount, sign it, and insert it into the ATM's deposit slot.
Cash deposits at the ATM are usually available in your account within one business day. Deposits made at a branch during business hours typically post the same day.
Peer-to-peer payment apps
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Zelle let someone send you money directly from their phone. The money lands in your account with that app first, and then you transfer it to your Chase account.
To receive money this way, you need to be registered on the app with your phone number or email address. The person sending money finds you in the app and sends the amount. The transfer is usually when ready or takes a few minutes. Once the money is in your app account, you can transfer it to your Chase checking account — this usually takes one to three business days depending on the app.
These apps are convenient for small amounts between people who know each other, but they charge fees if you want when ready transfers to your bank account. Standard transfers to Chase are free but take longer.
What information you need to give someone
For most deposit methods, you only need to share your routing number and account number. You can find both on a check: the routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left, and your account number follows it. You can also find both in your Chase app under Account Details.
For a wire transfer, provide your full legal name, account number, routing number, and sometimes your address. This prevents the money from going to the wrong account. If the person is depositing a check, they just need the check to be made out to your name — they don't need any account information.
Never share your PIN, debit card number, or online banking password. These are different from your routing and account number, and someone with these can access or drain your account.
Timing and when the money shows up
Different methods post at different speeds. Here's what to expect:
| Method | Posting Time |
|---|---|
| Wire transfer | Same business day, usually within hours |
| Cash deposit at branch | Same day if deposited during business hours |
| Check deposit at ATM | One business day |
| Mobile check deposit | One business day |
| ACH transfer | One to three business days |
| Peer-to-peer app transfer to Chase | One to three business days |
Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If someone deposits money on a Friday evening or weekend, it won't post until Monday. Wire transfers sent after 5 p.m. Eastern Time may not arrive until the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to add someone as an authorized user for them to deposit money?
No. An authorized user is someone who has a debit card and can withdraw money from your account. Someone can deposit money without being an authorized user — they just need your routing and account number, or a check made out to your name, or access to a peer-to-peer app where you're registered.
What if someone deposits a check with the wrong amount written on it?
Chase deposits the amount written in words, not the number amount. If the words say $500 but the numbers say $5,000, the deposit will be $500. If there's a mismatch, the check may be rejected. The person who wrote the check should write a new one with matching amounts.
Can someone deposit money into my account if they don't have a Chase account?
Yes. They can wire money from any bank, deposit a check at any Chase branch or ATM, or use a peer-to-peer app. They don't need to be a Chase customer for any of these methods.
Is there a limit to how much someone can deposit into my account?
Chase doesn't set a limit on deposits into your account. However, the person depositing may face limits from their own bank on how much they can send in a single transfer. Wire transfers sometimes have daily limits at the sending bank. If someone is depositing a large amount, they should check with their own bank first.
What happens if someone deposits money into the wrong account number?
The money goes to whoever owns that account number. If this happens, contact Chase when ready. They can sometimes recover the money if the receiving account is also at Chase, but recovery isn't may provide. This is why it's important to double-check account numbers before giving them out.