The main ways to deposit money

You can deposit money into a checking account in person at a branch, through an ATM, by mail, or online. The method you choose depends on how much money you're depositing, how quickly you need it in your account, and whether your bank offers that option. Most banks offer at least two or three of these methods.

In-person deposits at a branch are the most straightforward: you hand cash or a check to a teller, they count it, and the money appears in your account that same day or the next business day. ATM deposits work similarly but happen outside of business hours. Online and mobile deposits let you photograph a check from home. Mail deposits take the longest but work if you can't visit a branch.

Some banks charge fees for certain deposit methods, though many do not. Check your account agreement or ask your bank which deposits are free and which cost money.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person deposits at a branch teller window are available during business hours and show up in your account the same day or next business day.
  • ATM deposits let you deposit cash or checks outside of business hours, though some ATMs only accept checks or have daily limits.
  • Mobile check deposits let you photograph the front and back of a check using your phone and submit it through your bank's app, usually within minutes.
  • Mail deposits work for checks but take five to ten business days and require you to write your account number on the back of the check.
  • Direct deposit, where your employer or government agency sends money straight to your account, is the fastest and most reliable method if your income source offers it.

Depositing cash or checks in person at a branch

Walk into your bank during business hours with your cash or check and your debit card or ID. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit. They will ask which account you want the money to go into (if you have more than one), count the cash or check, and give you a receipt showing the amount deposited.

The money typically shows up in your account the same business day if you deposit before your bank's cutoff time—usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. on weekdays. Deposits made after the cutoff or on weekends may not post until the next business day. If you're depositing a check, the bank may place a hold on it for one to five business days before the money is fully available to withdraw, depending on the check amount and your account history.

You do not need an appointment. Most branches have multiple tellers and move quickly during off-peak hours—mid-morning on weekdays is usually less crowded than lunch time or late afternoon.

Using an ATM to deposit cash or checks

ATM deposits work 24 hours a day at your bank's ATM or at ATMs in a shared network. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit." The machine will guide you through the steps. For cash deposits, you insert bills into a slot; for checks, you insert them into a different slot. The ATM counts the cash or scans the check and shows you the amount on screen before you confirm.

Cash deposits usually post to your account within an hour or two. Check deposits may take one to three business days to clear, similar to in-person deposits. Some ATMs have daily deposit limits—often $5,000 to $10,000 for cash—so if you're depositing a large amount, you may need to split it across multiple days or use a branch instead.

Not all ATMs accept both cash and checks. Some accept only checks, and some accept only cash. Your bank's website or app will show you which ATMs near you accept deposits and what type.

Depositing checks by phone or mobile app

Mobile check deposit lets you photograph a check using your phone and send it to your bank without visiting a branch or ATM. Open your bank's mobile app, select "Deposit Check" or "Mobile Deposit," and follow the prompts. You will photograph the front and back of the check. The app may ask you to confirm the check amount before you submit.

Once you submit, the check is usually processed within minutes, though the bank may place a hold on the funds for one to five business days before you can withdraw them. This is the same hold period as in-person or ATM deposits. After the check clears, you should destroy the original check by tearing it up or writing "VOID" across it so it cannot be deposited twice.

Mobile deposit has daily and monthly limits set by your bank—often $2,000 to $5,000 per day. If you need to deposit more, you can wait until the next day or use a branch or ATM. Some banks do not offer mobile deposit, so check your account agreement or app to see if yours does.

Mailing a check to your bank

Write your account number on the back of the check in the area marked for endorsement. Place the check in an envelope with a deposit slip (if your bank provides them) and mail it to the address on your bank's website or the back of your debit card. Do not send cash by mail—it can be lost or stolen.

Mail deposits take five to ten business days to reach your bank and clear. During that time, you cannot withdraw the money. This method is slowest but works if you have no other option or prefer not to use digital methods. Keep a record of what you mailed and when, in case the check gets lost and you need to contact your bank to trace it.

Some banks no longer accept mailed deposits or are phasing them out. Call your bank or check their website before sending a check by mail to confirm they still accept deposits this way.

Setting up direct deposit from your employer or government agency

Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable way to receive regular income. Your employer or a government agency (such as Social Security) sends money straight into your checking account on a set schedule—usually weekly, biweekly, or monthly. The money appears in your account on the deposit date with no delay.

To set up direct deposit, ask your employer's payroll department or your government agency for a direct deposit form. You will need to provide your bank's routing number and your account number. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find them by logging into your online banking or calling your bank. Fill out the form and return it to your employer or agency. Direct deposit usually starts within one to two pay periods.

Direct deposit is free and does not require you to do anything once it is set up. The money arrives automatically. If you change banks, you will need to submit a new direct deposit form with your new bank's routing and account numbers.

Understanding holds on deposited checks

A hold is a temporary delay your bank places on a deposited check before the money becomes available to withdraw. During the hold period, the money is in your account but you cannot use it. Holds exist because the bank needs time to verify that the check is real and that the account it is drawn from has enough money to cover it.

Hold lengths depend on the check amount, your account history, and your bank's policy. A small check from a local business might clear in one business day. A large check or a check from an out-of-state bank might take three to five business days. Your bank must tell you the hold period when you deposit the check or in your account agreement.

If you need the money before the hold lifts, ask your bank if they offer early access or same-day clearing for certain deposits. Some banks waive holds for customers with good account history or for deposits under a certain amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I deposit a check and the account it's drawn from doesn't have enough money?

The check will bounce, meaning it cannot be cashed. Your bank will return it to you or the person who wrote it, usually within five to ten business days. If the bank had already made the money available to you, they will reverse the deposit and deduct it from your account. You may be charged a fee for a bounced check.

Can I deposit someone else's check into my account?

Yes, if the check is made out to you or if it is made out to you and another person. You will need to sign the back of the check (endorse it). If the check is made out to someone else only, you cannot deposit it—they must deposit it themselves or sign it over to you in writing, which some banks accept and others do not. Ask your bank about their policy.

How do I know if my deposit went through?

Check your account online or through your mobile app. You should see the deposit listed in your transaction history within a few hours of depositing in person or at an ATM, or within minutes of a mobile deposit. If you do not see it within 24 hours, contact your bank to confirm it was received.

What's the difference between when money posts and when it's available to withdraw?

Money "posts" when your bank records the deposit in your account. Money is "available" when you can actually withdraw or spend it. For cash deposits, these happen at the same time. For checks, the money posts when ready but may not be available for one to five days due to the hold.

Do I need to bring anything besides the money to deposit in person?

Bring your debit card or a government-issued ID. The teller will use one of these to confirm your identity and find your account. If you do not have either, call your bank ahead of time to ask what they will accept instead.