Depositing Money Into Your Account at Another Bank

You usually cannot deposit cash or checks into an account at a bank where you don't have an account

Most banks will not let you walk in and deposit money into someone else's account, or even your own account at their branch if you bank elsewhere. Banks treat deposits as transactions only their own customers can make at their tellers or ATMs. If you need to put money into an account at a different bank, you have a few real options — but they work differently depending on whether you are depositing cash or a check, and whether the account holder is you or someone else.

The reason banks do this is partly security (they want to know who is putting money in) and partly because they make money on the float — the time between when they receive a deposit and when they have to pay it out. Accepting deposits from non-customers complicates both.

Key Takeaways

You cannot deposit cash at a bank branch where you do not have an account, even if the account you want to fund is at that bank.
You can deposit a check into another person's account by signing the back and writing "for deposit only" plus their account number, but the account holder must deposit it themselves at their own bank.
The fastest way to move your own money between banks is a wire transfer or ACH transfer from your current bank, which takes one to three business days.
Some banks let you deposit checks remotely using their mobile app, which works even if you bank elsewhere — the check goes to your account, not someone else's.
If you need to give someone cash, the safest option is to deposit it into your own account first, then send it to them by transfer or withdrawal.

Depositing cash into an account at another bank

You cannot walk into a bank branch and deposit cash into an account you hold there if you are not a customer of that bank. The teller will turn you away. This is true even if you have a valid account number and ID.

If you need to put cash into your own account at a different bank, you have two practical routes. The first is to open an account at that bank yourself, which takes about 15 minutes in person or online. The second is to deposit the cash into your current bank account, then transfer the money electronically to the other bank. An ACH transfer (a standard electronic move between banks) usually takes one to three business days and costs nothing.

If someone else wants to give you cash to deposit into your account, they can deposit it into their own bank account first, then send it to you by transfer. Or they can give you the cash and you deposit it yourself.

Depositing a check into someone else's account

You can deposit a check into another person's account, but only if that person does the actual depositing at their own bank. Here is how it works: the person who received the check signs the back and writes "for deposit only" plus the account number of the person who should receive the money. That person then takes the check to their bank and deposits it into their own account.

This is called a third-party check, and many banks accept them, though some have restrictions or charge a small fee. The account holder should call their bank before trying to deposit it, because policies vary. Some banks will not accept third-party checks at all, or only from certain types of payees.

Do not try to deposit a third-party check at a bank where neither you nor the account holder has an account. The bank will refuse it.

Moving money between your own accounts at different banks

If you have accounts at two different banks and want to move money from one to the other, the fastest and most reliable method is an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House). You start the transfer from the bank you are sending money from, provide the account number and routing number of the receiving bank, and the money usually arrives in one to three business days. Most banks offer this for free.

A wire transfer is faster — usually same-day or next-day — but costs money, typically $15 to $30. Use a wire transfer only if you need the money urgently.

You can also withdraw cash from one bank and deposit it into the other, but this is slower and riskier because you are carrying physical cash. If you lose it or it is stolen, it is gone.

Depositing checks remotely using your phone

Many banks let you deposit checks without visiting a branch, using their mobile app. You photograph the front and back of the check, and the bank processes it electronically. This is called mobile check deposit or remote deposit capture.

The catch: the check must be deposited into an account you own at that bank. You cannot use mobile deposit to put a check into someone else's account, and you cannot use one bank's app to deposit into an account at a different bank. The app only works for your own accounts.

If your bank offers mobile deposit, you can usually find it in the app under "Deposits" or "Mobile Deposit". You will need to photograph both sides of the check clearly, and the bank will tell you the maximum amount you can deposit this way (often $2,500 to $5,000 per day).

What to do if you need to give someone money and they bank elsewhere

The safest way is to use a transfer service that both banks support. If you both use banks that are part of the same network — for example, many credit unions are part of shared branching networks — you might be able to transfer money directly. Ask your bank what options they offer.

If your banks do not have a direct connection, deposit the money into your own account, then send it to the other person by ACH transfer, wire transfer, or a service like Venmo or PayPal. This takes longer than handing them cash, but it is safer because there is a record of the transaction.

Some employers and government agencies can deposit money directly into any bank account if you provide the routing number and account number. If you are receiving a paycheck or a benefit payment, you can usually choose which bank it goes to, regardless of where you bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check at an ATM that belongs to a different bank?

No. ATMs only accept deposits into accounts at that bank. If you see a check deposit slot at an ATM, it only works for customers of that bank. If you try to use it, the check will be rejected or sent to the wrong account.

What if the check is made out to me but I want someone else to have the money?

Deposit the check into your own account first, then transfer the money to the other person. Do not try to sign the check over to them — third-party checks are complicated and many banks refuse them. Depositing it yourself is faster and more reliable.

Can I deposit cash at a bank if I open an account there first?

Yes. Once you have an account at a bank, you can deposit cash at any of their branches or at their ATMs (if they have deposit-enabled ATMs). Opening an account takes about 15 minutes and usually requires an ID and a small opening deposit.

Do I need the account number to deposit money into someone else's account?

If you are depositing a check, yes — you write it on the back. If you are doing an electronic transfer, you need the account number and the routing number of their bank. If you are depositing cash, you cannot do it yourself; the account holder has to be present.

What is the difference between an ACH transfer and a wire transfer?

An ACH transfer is slower (one to three business days) but free. A wire transfer is faster (same-day or next-day) but costs $15 to $30. Use ACH for routine transfers and wire only when you need money urgently.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.