Yes, you can deposit money into someone else's account, but the process depends on how you do it
You can put money into another person's bank account in several ways. The most common are transferring money online, using a mobile app, going to a branch in person, or giving them cash to deposit themselves. What matters is that you have the right information about their account, and that the bank allows the type of transfer you are trying to make.
The person whose account receives the money does not have to be present, and they do not have to give permission beforehand — though it is always a good idea to tell them you are sending money so they are not surprised. Banks process these deposits the same way they process any other incoming transfer.
Key Takeaways
- You can deposit money into someone else's account using online transfer, mobile app, in-person at a branch, or by giving them cash to deposit themselves.
- You will need their account number and routing number (for bank transfers) or their Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App username (for app-based transfers).
- Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually arrive the same day or next business day; transfers between different banks take one to three business days.
- Banks do not require the account owner's permission for deposits, but telling them beforehand prevents confusion and helps them watch for the money.
- Large deposits may trigger fraud monitoring, so the account owner should be ready to answer questions from their bank if needed.
Transferring money online or through a mobile app
This is the fastest way to deposit money into someone else's account if you both use online banking. Log into your own bank's website or app, look for "Send Money," "Transfer," or "Pay Someone," and enter the other person's account number and routing number. Your bank will ask you to confirm the amount and may ask why you are sending the money.
If you both use the same bank, the money usually arrives the same day or by the next business day. If the person uses a different bank, the transfer goes through the ACH network (Automated Clearing House), which takes one to three business days. Some banks offer faster options like Zelle or FedNow, which can deliver money in minutes, but not all banks support these services yet.
Mobile payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, and Square Cash work differently — you send money to the person's username or phone number, and they receive it in their app account first. They then have to transfer it to their bank account themselves, which takes another one to three business days. These apps are convenient for small amounts between people who know each other, but they charge fees for some types of transfers.
Depositing cash at a bank branch
You can walk into any branch of the person's bank and ask to deposit cash into their account. Bring their account number or full name, and bring the cash. The teller will count it, confirm the account, and deposit it on the spot. The money is available to the account owner when ready or by the next business day, depending on the bank's policy.
Some banks allow you to deposit cash into someone else's account even if you do not have an account there yourself. Others require you to be a customer. Call the branch ahead of time to ask, or just show up with the cash and the account information — the teller will tell you whether they can process it.
Giving someone cash to deposit themselves
The simplest method is to hand the other person cash and let them deposit it into their own account. They can do this at an ATM (if their bank has mobile deposit or ATM deposit), at a branch, or through a mobile app if their bank supports mobile check deposit. There is no fee, no wait time, and no account information needed from you.
The only downside is that you have to trust them to actually deposit it, and you have no record that the money reached their account. If you need proof that you sent the money, use a transfer method that creates a receipt.
What information you need to provide
For a bank-to-bank transfer, you need the account owner's account number and their bank's routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the bank; you can find it on the bank's website, by calling them, or by asking the account owner. The account number is usually printed on their checks or visible in their online banking.
For mobile payment apps, you only need their username, phone number, or email address — whichever the app uses. For a cash deposit at a branch, you need their account number or full legal name.
Double-check the account number before you send money. If you enter the wrong number, the money goes to the wrong account, and getting it back takes time and effort. Most banks will not reverse a transfer just because you entered the wrong information.
How long deposits take to arrive
Same-bank transfers usually arrive within one business day, often the same day if you send it before the bank's cutoff time (usually 5 p.m. or later). Transfers between different banks take longer because they go through the ACH network, which processes in batches. Most arrive within one to three business days, but some banks add extra time.
Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer sent on Friday evening might not arrive until Tuesday. If you need money to arrive quickly, ask the account owner which bank they use, and check whether your bank offers a faster service like Zelle or FedNow.
Cash deposits at a branch are available when ready or by the next business day. Mobile app transfers to the person's app account arrive within minutes, but moving that money to their actual bank account takes another one to three business days.
Large deposits and fraud monitoring
Banks monitor large deposits for fraud and money laundering. If you deposit a large amount into someone else's account — the threshold varies by bank but is often $10,000 or more — the bank may flag it and ask the account owner questions about where the money came from. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong.
The account owner should be ready to explain that you sent them the money and why. They may need to provide documentation if the amount is very large or if the bank has other concerns. Tell the person you are sending money to that a large deposit is coming so they are not caught off guard by their bank's questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission from the account owner to deposit money into their account?
No, banks do not require permission for deposits. Anyone can put money into an account as long as they have the correct account information. However, it is courteous to tell the person beforehand so they know to expect the money and can watch for it.
What if I enter the wrong account number?
The money will go to the wrong account. Contact your bank when ready and explain the mistake. They may be able to recall the transfer if it has not been processed yet, but if it has already arrived in the other account, you will have to contact that bank and ask them to reverse it. This process can take weeks. Always double-check the account number before sending.
Can I deposit money into someone else's account at a different bank?
Yes. Use your bank's online transfer service and enter their account number and routing number. The money will travel through the ACH network and arrive in one to three business days. You can also use a mobile payment app if you both have accounts on the same app.
Is there a limit to how much I can deposit into someone else's account?
Banks do not usually limit how much you can deposit into another person's account, but they may monitor very large deposits for fraud. Your own bank may limit how much you can transfer per day or per transaction — check your online banking or call them to ask.
What happens if the account owner is a minor?
You can deposit money into a minor's account the same way you would for an adult — with their account number and routing number. The money belongs to the minor, and a parent or guardian controls the account. Some banks have rules about who can make deposits into a minor's account, so call ahead if you are unsure.