The most direct ways to transfer money into your account
You can move money into a bank account in four main ways: have someone send it to you directly using your account details, deposit cash or a check in person at a branch, use an ATM to deposit a check, or set up a transfer from another account you own. The method you choose depends on where the money is coming from and how quickly you need it there.
If someone is sending you money from their own bank account, you give them your routing number and account number. These are the two pieces of information your bank uses to find your specific account. Your bank statement, debit card, or online banking portal will show both numbers. The sender's bank moves the money electronically, usually within one to three business days.
If you have cash or a paper check, you can walk into any branch of your bank during business hours and hand it to a teller, who deposits it for you. You can also use your bank's ATM to deposit a check by inserting it into the machine — the ATM reads it and adds the funds to your account, usually within one business day. Cash deposits at an ATM are less common, but some banks offer them.
Key Takeaways
- To receive money from someone else's bank account, give them your routing number and account number, which you can find on your bank statement or in your online banking portal.
- Electronic transfers between bank accounts usually take one to three business days, depending on the banks involved and the time you initiate the transfer.
- You can deposit cash or checks in person at a bank branch or by using your bank's ATM, and ATM check deposits typically post within one business day.
- If you are transferring money between two accounts you own at the same bank, the transfer often happens the same day or next business day.
- Large deposits may trigger a hold — your bank may delay access to the funds while it verifies the source — so ask your bank about its hold policy before depositing.
Transfers from another person's bank account
When someone wants to send you money electronically, ask them to use their bank's online transfer service or visit their bank in person. They will need your routing number and account number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank. Your account number is unique to you and is usually 10 to 12 digits. Together, these tell the sending bank exactly where to put the money.
The sender enters your information into their bank's system, chooses the amount, and confirms the transfer. Their bank then sends the money to your bank through an electronic network. This process usually takes one to three business days. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer sent on Friday afternoon may not arrive until Tuesday.
Some banks offer faster transfers called wire transfers, which can move money the same day or next business day. Wire transfers usually cost between $15 and $30, so ask the sender whether they want to pay that fee. Wire transfers require the same routing and account numbers, but the sender must go to their bank in person or call to set one up — they cannot do it online.
Depositing cash or checks at a branch or ATM
If you have a paper check, you can deposit it by walking into any branch of your bank and handing it to a teller. Bring your debit card or ID so the teller can confirm your account. The teller will take the check, scan it, and the funds usually appear in your account within one business day. You will receive a receipt showing the deposit amount.
Most ATMs also accept check deposits. Insert your debit card, select "deposit," and follow the on-screen instructions. The ATM will ask you to insert the check into a slot. The machine scans the check and confirms the amount on its screen — verify this is correct before you confirm the deposit. The funds typically post within one business day. Keep your receipt in case there is a problem.
Cash deposits work the same way at a branch — hand the cash to a teller and they count it, confirm the amount with you, and deposit it. Your account is updated when ready or within a few hours. Some ATMs accept cash deposits, but not all banks offer this service. Check your bank's website or call to find out whether your ATM has this feature.
Transferring money between accounts you own
If you have two accounts at the same bank — for example, a checking account and a savings account — you can move money between them using your online banking portal, mobile app, or by calling the bank. Log into your account, select "transfer," choose the account you want to send money from and the account you want to send it to, enter the amount, and confirm. The transfer usually happens the same day or by the next business day.
If your two accounts are at different banks, the process is similar but takes longer. You log into the first bank's online portal, select "transfer to external account," and enter the routing number and account number of your second bank. The first bank will send the money electronically, which usually takes one to three business days. Some banks require you to verify the external account first by making a small test deposit and confirming the amount — this is a security step to make sure you own both accounts.
Understanding holds on deposits
When you deposit money, your bank may place a hold on the funds. A hold means the money is in your account, but you cannot withdraw it yet. Your bank does this to verify that the deposit is real and that the money actually came from where it claims to come from. Holds are most common on large deposits, checks from banks the teller does not recognize, or checks for amounts larger than usual for your account.
A hold typically lasts one to five business days, depending on the deposit type and your bank's policy. A check deposited at an ATM might have a longer hold than a check deposited with a teller. Your bank is required by federal law to tell you when the hold will be lifted. Ask your teller or check your online banking portal to see the expected release date.
If you need the money before the hold lifts, call your bank and explain the situation. Some banks will release the hold early if you have a good account history or if you can verify the source of the deposit. There is no may provide, but it is worth asking.
What information you need to give or receive
To receive money from someone else, you need to give them two pieces of information: your routing number and your account number. Find these on your bank statement (usually printed at the bottom of the page), on the back of your debit card, or in your online banking portal under account details. Write them down clearly so the sender can enter them correctly — even one wrong digit will send the money to the wrong place.
Some banks also ask for the account holder's name to match the account number. This is a safety step. If the sender enters your name and account number but the routing number is wrong, the money may go to someone else's account at a different bank. Always double-check the routing number before giving it out.
You do not need to give out your PIN, password, or the full number on your debit card. Anyone asking for these is trying to commit fraud. Your routing and account numbers are safe to share — they are printed on checks and are meant to be given to people who need to send you money.
Timing and what to expect
Electronic transfers between banks take one to three business days. This does not mean one to three calendar days — it means one to three days that the banks are open. A transfer sent on a Friday evening will not start processing until Monday, and may not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday. Transfers sent on a weekend or holiday do not begin until the next business day.
Deposits made at a branch or ATM usually post within one business day. A check deposited on Monday morning may be available by Tuesday. A check deposited on Friday afternoon may not be available until Monday. Cash deposits at a branch are usually available when ready or within a few hours.
Wire transfers are faster — they usually arrive the same day or next business day — but they cost money and cannot be reversed once sent. Use a wire transfer only if you need the money urgently and you trust the recipient completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I give someone the wrong routing number?
The money will likely go to the wrong bank or the wrong account. Contact your bank when ready and explain what happened. Your bank can try to recall the transfer, but there is no may provide. The receiving bank may refuse to return the money if the account holder claims it is theirs. This is why it is important to double-check the routing number before giving it out.
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
No. A check must be deposited into an account in the name of the person it is made out to. If a check is made out to you and another person, you both must sign the back and deposit it together into one of your accounts. If a check is made out to someone else entirely, they must deposit it themselves.
How long does a wire transfer take?
A wire transfer usually arrives the same day if sent before your bank's cutoff time (often 2 or 3 p.m.), or the next business day if sent after cutoff. Weekend and holiday transfers arrive on the next business day. Wire transfers cannot be reversed, so make sure you have the correct account information before sending one.
Why is my deposit on hold?
Your bank places a hold to verify the deposit is real and that the funds actually came from the source claimed. Holds are most common on large deposits, checks from unfamiliar banks, or checks larger than your usual deposits. The hold typically lasts one to five business days. Call your bank if you need the money sooner — they may release it early if you have a good account history.
Can I transfer money into someone else's account?
Yes, if you have their routing number and account number. You can send money from your bank account to theirs using your bank's online transfer service, mobile app, or by visiting a branch. The process is the same as receiving money — you enter their information, the amount, and confirm. The transfer takes one to three business days.