Yes, you can deposit money into a checking account in several ways
A deposit is when you put money into your account. You can deposit cash, checks, or transfer money from another account. Most banks let you deposit money in person at a branch, through an ATM, by mail, or online. The method you choose depends on what you have to deposit and how fast you need it in your account.
Deposits are how money gets into your checking account in the first place. Your employer might deposit your paycheck directly. You might deposit a check from a friend. You might move money from savings into checking. All of these are deposits, and they all work the same way: the money enters your account and becomes available to spend.
Key Takeaways
- You can deposit cash, checks, or transfer money from another account into your checking account.
- In-person deposits at a branch or ATM are usually available when ready or within one business day.
- Mobile check deposits through your bank's app let you photograph a check and submit it without visiting a branch.
- Direct deposit from your employer or government benefits is the fastest and most reliable way to get regular payments into your account.
- Mailed checks take longer — usually five to seven business days — because the bank has to receive and process them.
Depositing cash in person at your bank branch
Walk into your bank during business hours with the cash you want to deposit. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit to your checking account. Bring your debit card or account number so the teller knows which account to put the money into. The teller will count the cash, give you a receipt, and the money is usually in your account right away or by the next business day.
Some banks require you to fill out a small deposit slip — a form that has spaces for your name, account number, and the amount you are depositing. The teller will provide one if you need it. If you are depositing a large amount of cash, the bank may ask questions about where it came from. This is normal and required by law.
Using an ATM to deposit cash or checks
Many ATMs accept both cash and checks. Insert your debit card, choose "deposit," and follow the on-screen instructions. For cash, the machine will tell you how much to insert at a time. For checks, you place the check in the slot and the machine scans it. The ATM will show you the amount it detected and ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the money is deposited into your account.
ATM deposits are available 24 hours a day, even when the bank is closed. The money usually appears in your account by the next business day, though some banks make it available sooner. Keep your receipt so you have a record of what you deposited. If the ATM rejects a check or cash, it will return it to you when ready.
Depositing checks by photograph through your phone
Most banks have a mobile app that lets you deposit a check without going anywhere. Open the app, find the deposit or mobile check option, and take a photo of the front and back of the check. The app will read the check amount and ask you to confirm. Once you submit it, the check is deposited into your account.
Mobile check deposits usually take one to three business days to clear. During that time, the money may not be fully available — your bank will show you how much is available right away and how much is pending. You do not need to mail the check or visit a branch. After the deposit is processed, you should destroy the original check so it is not deposited twice by accident.
Transferring money from another account
If you have money in a savings account, another bank, or a money market account, you can transfer it into your checking account. Log into your bank's website or app, find the transfer option, and choose the account you want to transfer from and the account you want to transfer to. Enter the amount and confirm. The money moves between accounts at the same bank when ready or within one business day.
Transfers between different banks take longer — usually one to three business days. Your bank will show you the transfer status so you know when the money arrives. Some banks limit how many transfers you can make from a savings account each month, though transfers into checking usually do not count against that limit.
Direct deposit from your employer or benefits
Direct deposit is when money is sent automatically from your employer or a government program straight into your checking account. You give your employer or benefits program your account number and routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank). They set up the deposit, and the money appears in your account on payday without you doing anything.
Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable way to get regular payments. The money usually arrives on the same day or the day before payday, depending on when your employer or program sends it. You do not have to wait for a check to arrive in the mail or take time to deposit it. Your bank can tell you your routing number, or you can find it on a check.
Mailing a check to your bank
You can mail a check to your bank's deposit address. Write your account number on the back of the check. Put it in an envelope with a deposit slip (your bank can mail you one or you can print one from their website) and mail it to the address your bank provides. The bank will receive it, process it, and deposit it into your account.
Mailed deposits take five to seven business days because the check has to travel through the mail and then be processed. This is the slowest method and carries a small risk that the check gets lost. Use this method only if you cannot deposit in person, at an ATM, or through your phone. Keep a copy of the check or take a photo of it before you mail it, so you have a record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a deposit to show up in my account?
Cash and ATM deposits usually appear within one business day. Mobile check deposits take one to three business days. Transfers between accounts at the same bank are when ready or next-day. Transfers between different banks take one to three business days. Mailed checks take five to seven business days.
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
No. A check must be made out to you or to you and another person together. If a check is made out to someone else, that person must deposit it into their own account. Some banks allow a second person to sign the back of the check and deposit it with you, but this varies by bank — call and ask first.
What if I deposit a check and it bounces?
If the check bounces, meaning the person who wrote it does not have enough money in their account, the bank will remove the money from your account. You may also be charged a fee. The bank will tell you the check bounced and give you the option to contact the person who wrote it to ask them to cover the amount.
Is there a limit to how much I can deposit?
There is no legal limit on how much you can deposit into your checking account. However, if you deposit a large amount of cash — usually $10,000 or more — the bank must report it to the government. This is normal and does not mean you did anything wrong. The bank is required by law to do this.
Can I deposit money into someone else's checking account?
Yes, if you have their account number and routing number, you can transfer money into their account. You can also give them cash to deposit themselves, or write a check made out to them and they can deposit it. If you want to add money to an account you share with someone, you can deposit it in person and tell the teller which account it goes to.