The main ways to add money to your Chase savings account
You can move money into a Chase savings account through a bank transfer, a direct deposit, an ATM deposit, or by visiting a Chase branch in person. The fastest route depends on where the money is coming from and how soon you need it there. If you're moving money from another bank account you own, a transfer usually takes one to three business days. If your employer or a government agency sends you money directly, you can set that up to land in your savings account instead of checking. ATM deposits and branch deposits show up the same day or next business day.
Each method works differently and requires different information from you. Some are when ready, some take a few days, and some require you to be physically present at a branch. Knowing which one fits your situation saves you time and confusion.
Key Takeaways
- Bank transfers from another account you own take one to three business days and require the other bank's routing number and your account number.
- Direct deposit from an employer or government agency is the fastest ongoing way to add money, but requires you to fill out a form with your Chase account details.
- ATM deposits at Chase ATMs show up the same day or next business day and work with checks or cash, depending on the ATM.
- Visiting a Chase branch in person lets you deposit cash or checks when ready and ask questions if something is unclear.
Transferring money from another bank account you own
A bank transfer moves money from a checking or savings account at another bank into your Chase savings account. You'll need the routing number and account number of the account you're transferring from. You can start this transfer through your Chase mobile app, Chase.com, or by calling Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card.
The transfer usually takes one to three business days. Chase calls this an "external transfer" because the money is coming from outside Chase. During those days, the money is in transit — you won't see it in your Chase account yet, but it's on its way. Once it arrives, it stays in your savings account unless you move it again.
If you're transferring from a bank that also uses Chase's system (for example, another Chase account), the transfer may be faster. Ask the other bank or Chase directly if you're unsure.
Setting up direct deposit to your savings account
Direct deposit means your employer or a government agency (like Social Security or unemployment) sends your money straight to your bank account instead of giving you a check. You can direct that money to your Chase savings account instead of a checking account. To set this up, you'll need to give your employer or the agency your Chase account number and Chase's routing number.
Your employer or agency will ask you to fill out a form — often called a direct deposit authorization form or a banking information form. You can get your routing number and account number from your Chase debit card, your Chase statements, or by logging into Chase.com or the Chase app. Once the form is submitted and processed, your next payment will go directly to your savings account. This usually takes one or two pay periods to take effect.
Direct deposit is the most reliable way to add money regularly because it happens automatically on the same schedule every time. You don't have to remember to do anything once it's set up.
Depositing cash or checks at a Chase ATM
Many Chase ATMs let you deposit cash or checks without visiting a branch. You insert your debit card, select "deposit," and follow the on-screen instructions. The ATM will tell you whether it accepts cash, checks, or both. Not every Chase ATM has a deposit function, so look for the ones labeled "deposit-enabled" or ask a Chase employee which machines near you accept deposits.
Cash deposits usually show up in your account the same day if you deposit before the ATM's cutoff time (often around 9 p.m., but this varies by location). Check deposits typically show up the next business day. The ATM will give you a receipt with a confirmation number — keep this in case you need to check on the deposit later.
If the ATM rejects your check or cash, or if you're unsure whether the machine accepts deposits, visit a branch instead. A teller can deposit it for you on the spot and answer any questions.
Depositing money at a Chase branch
You can walk into any Chase branch with cash or checks and hand them to a teller. The teller will count the cash, scan the checks, and deposit them into your savings account right away. You'll get a receipt showing what was deposited. This is the most straightforward method if you have questions or if you're depositing a large amount of cash.
Branches are open during business hours, which vary by location but typically run from 9 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and shorter hours on Saturday. You can find branch hours and locations on Chase.com or by calling 1-800-935-9935. Bring your debit card or ID so the teller can confirm your account.
Mobile check deposit through the Chase app
The Chase mobile app lets you deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back. Open the app, go to the deposit section, take clear photos of both sides of the check, and submit them. The check image is sent to Chase, and the money usually shows up in your account within one business day.
Mobile check deposit is convenient because you don't have to visit an ATM or branch, but it only works for checks — not cash. Make sure the check is made out to you and that your photos are clear and show the entire check. After you submit the deposit, write "deposited" on the check and keep it for your records for at least 30 days in case Chase needs to ask you about it.
What to do if your deposit doesn't show up
If you deposited money and it hasn't appeared after the expected time, first check your account through the Chase app or Chase.com to make sure it didn't go through without you noticing. If it's truly missing, contact Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 or through the app. Have your receipt or confirmation number ready.
Chase will investigate where the money went. If you deposited at an ATM, they'll check the ATM records. If you transferred from another bank, they'll contact that bank. If you deposited a check, they may ask you to provide a copy of the check. Most issues are resolved within a few business days, but larger amounts or unusual situations may take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it's made out to someone else, that person needs to deposit it into their own account or sign the back and give you permission to deposit it (called endorsement), and even then, many banks won't accept it. Ask Chase directly if you're unsure.
Is there a limit to how much I can deposit at once?
ATM deposits usually have a limit per transaction (often $5,000 or $10,000, depending on the machine), but you can do multiple deposits. Branch deposits have no practical limit. Check with Chase about your specific account if you're depositing a very large amount.
Do I need to be a Chase customer to deposit money into someone else's savings account?
No. You can visit a Chase branch and ask a teller to deposit cash or a check into someone else's account if you have their account number. The teller may ask for ID. This is sometimes called a "third-party deposit."
What's the difference between a routing number and an account number?
Your routing number identifies which bank you use (Chase's main routing number is 021000021, though it varies by region). Your account number identifies your specific savings account within that bank. You need both to set up direct deposit or to transfer money from another bank.
Can I deposit money into my savings account using a mobile payment app like Venmo or PayPal?
Not directly into your savings account. You can transfer money from Venmo or PayPal to a Chase checking account, but most of these apps don't support savings accounts. Transfer the money to checking first, then move it to savings through a bank transfer if you want it in savings.