How to Move Money Into a Chase Savings Account

The four ways to put money into your Chase savings account

You can move money into a Chase savings account through a transfer from another account you own, a direct deposit from your employer, a mobile deposit of a check, or an in-person deposit at a Chase branch or ATM. The method you choose depends on what you're depositing, how quickly you need it there, and whether you have access to a branch.

Each route takes a different amount of time and requires different information. A transfer between your own Chase accounts happens when ready. A transfer from a bank outside Chase takes one to three business days. A mobile check deposit clears within one business day. An in-person deposit at a branch or ATM posts when ready if you use a Chase ATM, or within one business day if you deposit at a branch.

Key Takeaways

Transfers between your own Chase accounts post when ready, while transfers from outside banks take one to three business days.
Mobile check deposits through the Chase app clear within one business day and require only your phone and the check itself.
Direct deposit from your employer reaches your account on the same day as your paycheck if you set it up in advance.
In-person deposits at a Chase ATM post when ready; deposits at a branch teller window post within one business day.

Transferring money from another Chase account you own

If you have multiple accounts at Chase—a checking account, another savings account, or a money market account—you can move money between them through Chase's website or mobile app. Log in, select the account you want to transfer from, choose "Transfer Money," and pick your savings account as the destination. Enter the amount and confirm.

The money appears in your savings account when ready. There is no waiting period and no fee for transfers between your own Chase accounts. You can do this as many times as you want in a single day.

Transferring from a bank account outside Chase

To move money from a checking or savings account at another bank into your Chase savings account, you need the routing number and account number of the account you're transferring from. Log into Chase online or through the app, select "Transfer Money," choose "From another bank," and enter those details.

Chase will ask you to verify the outside account by making two small test deposits to it—usually between $0.01 and $0.99 each. You'll see these deposits in the other bank's account within one to two business days, and you'll need to confirm the amounts in Chase to prove you own that account. Once verified, future transfers take one to three business days to arrive. The first transfer may take longer than subsequent ones.

Depositing a check through your phone

Mobile check deposit lets you photograph the front and back of a check using the Chase mobile app and deposit it without visiting a branch. Open the app, tap "Deposit a Check," take clear photos of both sides of the check, enter the amount, and confirm. The check must be made out to you and endorsed on the back.

The funds typically appear in your account within one business day. Chase holds the check image as your receipt. You should write "Deposited via mobile" on the back of the physical check and keep it for at least 30 days before destroying it, in case Chase needs to verify the deposit. There is no fee for mobile deposits.

Setting up direct deposit from your employer

Direct deposit moves your paycheck automatically from your employer's bank into your Chase savings account on payday. Ask your employer's payroll or human resources department for a direct deposit form. You'll need to provide your Chase account number and Chase's routing number, which you can find on a check or in the Chase app under account details.

Once your employer processes the setup—which usually takes one to two pay periods—your paycheck will arrive on the same day it's sent, rather than taking time to clear. This is the fastest and most reliable way to get regular deposits into your account. There is no fee, and you can change which account receives your direct deposit at any time by updating your employer's records.

Depositing cash or checks in person at a Chase location

You can deposit cash or checks at a Chase branch during business hours by handing them to a teller, or at a Chase ATM 24 hours a day. For a teller deposit, bring your ID and the cash or checks. The teller will count the cash, scan the checks, and give you a receipt. For an ATM deposit, insert cash or checks into the envelope slot, follow the on-screen prompts, and the machine will confirm the amount.

Cash and checks deposited at a teller window post to your account within one business day. Cash and checks deposited at a Chase ATM post when ready. If you deposit at an ATM outside Chase, it may take longer—check with that bank for their timeline. Deposits made after 9 p.m. or on weekends may not post until the next business day.

Understanding hold periods and when money becomes available

A hold is a temporary delay before you can withdraw newly deposited money. Chase holds most checks for one business day, though checks over $5,000 or from new accounts may be held longer. Cash deposits have no hold—the money is available when ready. Mobile check deposits are held for one business day.

The hold does not mean the money is not in your account; it means you cannot withdraw it yet. The money counts toward your account balance and earns interest during the hold. If you need the money sooner, ask a teller whether the check can be cleared faster, though this is not may provide. Checks from other Chase customers sometimes clear faster than checks from outside banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else into my savings account?

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 must endorse it to you by signing the back and writing "Pay to the order of [your name]," and then you sign below that. Even then, some banks will not accept third-party checks. Ask Chase before you try.

How much money can I deposit at one time?

There is no Chase limit on how much you can deposit in a single transaction. However, deposits over $10,000 trigger a federal reporting requirement—Chase will file a Currency Transaction Report with the IRS. This is routine and not a problem; it straightforward documents large cash deposits.

What if I deposit a check and it bounces?

If the check bounces, Chase will reverse the deposit and remove the money from your account. You'll be notified, usually within five to seven business days of the deposit. If you've already spent the money, your account may go negative, and you may be charged an overdraft fee. Contact the person who wrote the check to get a replacement or refund.

Can I deposit money into someone else's Chase savings account?

You can deposit cash or a check made out to that person at a Chase branch or ATM, but you cannot transfer money from your own account into someone else's account through Chase's transfer system. You would need to withdraw the money and give it to them, or use a service like Zelle if you both have Chase accounts set up for it.

Why is my mobile check deposit being rejected?

Common reasons include poor photo quality, the check being made out to a different name, the check already being deposited elsewhere, or the check amount exceeding your account's daily deposit limit. Retake the photos in good lighting, making sure all text is clear and the entire check is visible. If the problem persists, deposit the check in person at a branch.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.