The simplest way to deposit cash

The fastest way to put cash into your bank account is to walk into a branch of your bank during business hours, hand the teller your cash, and ask for a deposit. You will need your debit card or account number. The teller will count the money, give you a receipt, and the funds will appear in your account — usually the same day if you deposit before the branch closes, or the next business day if you deposit after hours at an ATM.

If you do not have a debit card yet, bring a photo ID and your account number (which you can find on any statements the bank sent you, or by calling the bank's customer service line). The teller will process the deposit the same way.

This is the method most banks prefer because it is straightforward and leaves a clear paper trail. There is no fee for depositing cash at your own bank's branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Depositing cash at your bank's branch during business hours is free and usually shows up in your account the same day.
  • You can deposit cash at an ATM outside business hours, but the funds may not appear until the next business day.
  • If you use a different bank's ATM or a third-party service, you may pay a fee and the deposit may take longer to process.
  • Always keep your receipt as proof of deposit in case the money does not appear or there is a disagreement about the amount.
  • If you are depositing a large amount of cash, the bank may ask questions about where the money came from — this is normal and required by law.

Depositing cash at an ATM outside business hours

Most banks have ATMs that accept cash deposits 24 hours a day. You insert your debit card, select "deposit," and follow the on-screen instructions. The ATM will ask you to insert bills one at a time or in a stack, depending on the machine. It will count them and ask you to confirm the amount before you finish.

The ATM will give you a receipt showing the amount you deposited. However, the funds may not appear in your account until the next business day, because a bank employee has to verify the deposit the next morning. If you deposit cash on a Friday evening, for example, the money may not be available until Monday.

There is no fee for using your own bank's ATM. If you use an ATM belonging to a different bank, you may be charged a fee by either your bank or the other bank — usually between $1 and $3. Check with your bank about which ATMs are free for you to use.

Depositing cash at a store or check-cashing service

Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services will deposit cash into your bank account for you. You give them the cash and your account information, and they process the deposit. This is useful if you cannot reach a bank branch or ATM, but there is almost always a fee — typically $2 to $5 per deposit.

The store or service will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Write down this number and keep the receipt. The deposit may take one to three business days to appear in your account, depending on the service and your bank.

Before you use this method, call your bank to confirm they accept deposits from third-party services. Some banks do, and some do not. If your bank does not, the deposit will be rejected and you will lose the fee.

What happens with large cash deposits

If you deposit $10,000 or more in cash in a single transaction, your bank is required by federal law to file a report with the government. This is called a Currency Transaction Report, and it is routine — it does not mean you have done anything wrong. The bank will ask you to fill out a form stating where the money came from (your job, a sale, a gift, savings, and so on).

If you try to deposit amounts just under $10,000 multiple times in a short period to avoid this report, the bank is required to flag this as suspicious activity. This is called "structuring," and it can result in the bank freezing your account or reporting you to authorities, even if the money is legitimate. If you have a large amount of cash to deposit, deposit it all at once and answer the bank's questions honestly.

Deposits under $10,000 do not trigger a report, and the bank will not ask questions about where the money came from.

Mobile deposit and other digital methods

Some banks allow you to photograph checks and deposit them through a mobile app, but most banks do not yet offer mobile deposit for cash. A few banks are beginning to test apps that let you photograph cash, but this is not yet widely available.

If your bank offers this feature, you will see it in the mobile app under "deposit" or "transfer." If you do not see it, your bank does not offer it yet. In that case, you will need to use a branch, ATM, or third-party service.

Wire transfers and money transfer services like Western Union can move cash from one person to another, but these are not the same as depositing cash into your own account. Those methods are for sending money to someone else.

Deposits that take longer to process

If you deposit cash at an ATM late in the day or on a weekend, the bank will not verify the deposit until the next business day. This means the money may not be available for you to spend until the next morning or afternoon, even though it is in your account.

If you deposit cash through a third-party service like a check-cashing store, the deposit goes to that service first, then to your bank. This adds an extra step and can add one to three days to the process.

If you need the money to be available when ready, deposit it at a bank branch during business hours. If you can wait a day or two, an ATM deposit is fine and is available 24 hours.

Keeping a record of your deposit

Always keep the receipt from your deposit. Write the date, the amount, and the method (branch, ATM, store) on the receipt if it is not printed there. Keep these receipts for at least a few months so you can match them against your bank statements.

If you deposit cash and it does not appear in your account after the expected time, contact your bank with the receipt. The receipt is your proof that you made the deposit, and the bank will use it to investigate what happened.

If the bank cannot find the deposit and you do not have a receipt, it will be very difficult to recover the money. The receipt is your only proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash into someone else's account?

Yes, if you have their account number and permission. You can deposit cash into another person's account at a bank branch by giving the teller their account number. Some ATMs also allow this. However, if you are depositing a large amount into someone else's account, the bank may ask questions about the source of the money.

What if the ATM rejects my cash?

ATMs sometimes reject bills that are torn, very old, or worn. If this happens, try a different ATM or go to a bank branch. The teller can deposit damaged bills without a problem. If the ATM keeps your cash, contact your bank when ready with the date, time, and location — the bank can retrieve it for you.

How long does it take for a cash deposit to show up?

At a bank branch during business hours, usually the same day. At an ATM, usually the next business day. Through a third-party service, one to three business days. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a Friday deposit may not appear until Monday.

Is there a limit to how much cash I can deposit?

There is no legal limit on how much cash you can deposit into your own account. However, deposits of $10,000 or more trigger a federal report, and the bank may ask where the money came from. Some ATMs have daily limits (often $500 to $2,000), so very large deposits may need to be done at a branch or split across multiple days.

What if I lose the receipt?

Contact your bank and give them the date and approximate amount of the deposit. The bank can search their records and confirm whether the deposit was processed. However, having the receipt makes this much faster and easier, so keep receipts for at least a few months.