The most direct way to deposit cash is at an ATM, a teller window, or through a mobile app if your bank offers mobile deposit
You can put cash into your checking account in three main ways: walk into a branch and hand it to a teller, use an ATM that accepts deposits, or photograph the cash with your phone if your bank's mobile app has a mobile deposit feature. Which option works depends on your bank, the time of day, and how quickly you need the money to show up in your account. Not all banks offer all three methods, so your first step is checking what your specific bank supports.
The cash will be added to your checking account balance, but it may not be when ready available to spend. Banks typically make cash deposits available within one business day, though some make it available the same day if you deposit before a certain cutoff time (often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.). Mobile deposits usually take one to two business days.
Key Takeaways
- ATM deposits and teller deposits are available at most banks, but mobile deposit through your phone is only offered by some banks and credit unions.
- Cash deposited at a branch teller or ATM is usually available within one business day, while mobile deposits typically take one to two business days.
- Mobile deposit requires you to photograph both sides of the cash and confirm the amount through your bank's app—the process takes a few minutes but the money does not appear when ready.
- If you deposit cash after your bank's cutoff time or on a weekend, the deposit will be processed the next business day.
Depositing cash at a branch teller
Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with your cash and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to deposit cash into your checking account. The teller will count the cash, give you a receipt showing the amount, and add it to your account. This is the most straightforward method and works at any bank.
The cash is usually available to spend the same day if you deposit before your bank's cutoff time, or the next business day if you deposit after cutoff. Weekend deposits are processed on Monday. Ask the teller what time the cutoff is at your branch so you know whether your deposit will clear today or tomorrow.
Using an ATM to deposit cash
Many ATMs accept cash deposits, though not all do. Look for an ATM that has a slot labeled "deposits" or check your bank's website or app to find ATMs near you that accept cash. Insert your debit card, select "deposit," and follow the on-screen instructions. The ATM will ask you to insert the cash into a slot, and it will count the bills automatically.
After the ATM accepts your deposit, it will print a receipt. The cash is usually available within one business day. Some banks make ATM deposits available the same day if you deposit before a certain time, but this varies by bank. If you are unsure, check your bank's website or call customer service to confirm how long your ATM deposits take to clear.
Mobile deposit through your bank's app
If your bank offers mobile deposit, you can photograph cash using your phone instead of going to a branch or ATM. Open your bank's app, find the deposit or mobile check deposit option, and take a clear photo of both the front and back of each bill. The app will show you the total amount you are depositing. Review it, confirm the deposit, and submit it through the app.
Mobile deposits typically take one to two business days to clear. The money will not appear in your account when ready—you will see it as "pending" for a day or two before it becomes available to spend. Some banks show the deposit in your account within a few hours but still hold it as unavailable until the processing period ends. Check your bank's app or website to see the status of your deposit.
What happens if your bank does not offer the method you want
If your bank does not have ATMs that accept deposits, you will need to use a branch teller or mobile deposit if available. If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, you can only use a branch or ATM. If you do not have access to a branch or ATM near you, consider whether your bank offers any partnerships with other banks' ATM networks—some do, and you may be able to use those ATMs to deposit cash.
If none of these options work for you, switching to a bank with more deposit options may be worth considering. Online banks often have fewer physical branches but may partner with ATM networks or offer mobile deposit. Traditional banks and credit unions usually have more branch locations and ATMs. Compare what deposit methods matter most to you before opening a new account.
Deposits made on weekends or after business hours
Cash deposited at an ATM on a Saturday or Sunday will be processed on Monday, the next business day. Cash deposited at a branch teller after the branch closes for the day will also be processed the next business day. If you deposit after your bank's cutoff time on a Friday afternoon, the deposit will not be processed until Monday.
If you need the cash to be available quickly, deposit it before your bank's cutoff time on a weekday. Ask your bank what that cutoff time is—it is usually in the afternoon but varies by bank and branch. If you are using an ATM, the deposit will be timestamped when you submit it, so you will know exactly when it was received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cash deposited at an ATM show up in my account right away?
No. The ATM accepts the deposit when ready and prints a receipt, but the cash is usually available within one business day. Some banks make it available the same day if you deposit before a cutoff time, typically in the afternoon. Check your bank's website or app to see when your specific ATM deposits clear.
Can I deposit cash through mobile deposit if I do not have a smartphone?
No, mobile deposit requires a smartphone with your bank's app installed. If you do not have a smartphone, use a branch teller or an ATM that accepts cash deposits instead. Some banks offer mobile deposit through a website on a computer, so check your bank's website to see if that option is available.
What if the ATM rejects my cash or says it cannot process the deposit?
ATMs sometimes reject bills that are torn, very old, or damaged. If this happens, take the cash to a branch teller instead—they can deposit it even if an ATM cannot. If the ATM says it is out of service or not accepting deposits, try a different ATM or visit a branch. Keep your receipt from the ATM attempt in case you need to contact your bank.
Is there a limit to how much cash I can deposit?
Most banks do not have a limit on cash deposits into your own account, but some ATMs have daily limits—often $1,000 to $5,000 per day. If you are depositing a large amount, use a branch teller instead, or split the deposit across multiple days using different ATMs. Your bank may also ask questions about very large cash deposits for fraud prevention reasons.
How do I know if my mobile deposit went through?
After you submit a mobile deposit through your app, you will see a confirmation screen with the amount and a reference number. Check your account in the app a few minutes later—the deposit should show as "pending" or "processing." It will move to your available balance within one to two business days. If you do not see it pending after a few hours, contact your bank's customer service.