Key Takeaways
- Anyone can deposit cash or a check into your account at an ATM or teller window using only your account number and routing number.
- The deposit shows up in your account under your name, not the depositor's name, so you will see who sent it only if you ask them or recognize the context.
- Deposits made in person at a branch teller window typically post the same business day; ATM deposits usually post within one to two business days.
- Your bank cannot stop a deposit from someone else, but you can dispute a deposit if it was made by mistake or without your knowledge.
- If someone deposits money into your account and you want to return it, you will need to contact the person directly or speak with your bank about reversing the transaction.
How deposits from other people actually work
When someone deposits money into your account, the bank credits the funds to your account number. The depositor does not need your debit card, your PIN, your online login, or any permission from you. They need only two pieces of information: your account number and your routing number. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you write, and your routing number is also available on your bank's website or by calling customer service.
The deposit goes into your account, not into a separate holding area. Once it posts, the money is yours to use. Your bank does not verify that the person making the deposit has a relationship to you or knows you personally. A stranger could deposit money into your account if they had your account and routing numbers, though this is uncommon outside of payroll, refunds, or transfers between people who know each other.
The person making the deposit can use an ATM, a teller window at a branch, or a mobile app (if their own bank offers mobile deposit to other accounts). The method affects timing but not the outcome: the money reaches your account either way.
Deposits at ATMs versus teller windows
An ATM deposit is faster to make but slower to post. You insert cash or a check into the machine, enter the account number, and the ATM accepts or rejects the deposit based on whether the account number is valid. If accepted, the machine prints a receipt. The deposit typically posts within one to two business days, though some banks post ATM deposits the next business day if made before a certain time (often 9 p.m. or midnight).
A teller window deposit is slower to make but faster to post. The person hands the cash or check to a bank employee, who counts it, verifies the account number, and processes it on the spot. Teller deposits usually post the same business day if made before the bank's cutoff time (typically 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.). The teller can also answer questions about the account or flag issues on the spot.
Both methods are equally valid. The choice depends on whether the person values speed of posting or speed of the transaction itself. If someone is depositing a large check and needs the funds quickly, a teller window is the better choice.
What information the depositor needs
The depositor needs your account number and routing number. Some banks also accept the account holder's name, but it is not required — the account number alone is enough. If the depositor is using an ATM, they enter the account number into the machine. If they are at a teller window, they write the account number on a deposit slip or tell the teller verbally.
The depositor does not need your Social Security number, your date of birth, your address, or any form of ID. They do not need to prove they know you. They do not need your permission or your presence. This is why account and routing numbers are considered public information — they are printed on checks and shared freely.
If the depositor is using a mobile app to deposit a check into your account (a feature some banks offer), they will need to enter your account number and routing number into the app, then photograph the front and back of the check. The process is similar to depositing into their own account, except they are entering someone else's account number.
How you will see the deposit in your account
The deposit appears in your account under your account name, not the depositor's name. If you check your balance online or on your mobile app, you will see the deposit listed with a date and amount, but the depositor's name does not appear. You will know who sent it only if you recognize the context (a paycheck from your employer, a refund from a store) or if the person tells you they sent it.
If you receive a deposit and do not know who sent it, you can contact your bank and ask them to look up the transaction details. Depending on how the deposit was made, the bank may have additional information — for example, if it was a check, the bank can tell you the check number and the name on the check. If it was a cash deposit at an ATM, the bank will know only the date, time, and location of the ATM.
The deposit is final once it posts. You cannot undo it from your end. If you received money by mistake and want to return it, you will need to contact the person who sent it or ask your bank whether they can reverse the transaction (which is possible only if the deposit was very recent and the bank can contact the depositor's bank).
Deposits from employers and government agencies
Direct deposit — the most common form of deposit from someone else — works the same way. Your employer or a government agency (Social Security, unemployment, tax refunds) deposits money into your account using your account and routing numbers. You provide these numbers when you set up direct deposit, and the employer or agency uses them every pay period or payment cycle.
Direct deposit is scheduled in advance and happens on a set date. The funds usually post one to two business days before the official payment date, depending on your bank. You can see the deposit in your account history and know exactly where it came from because your employer or the government agency is the source.
If direct deposit fails — for example, if you entered your account number incorrectly — the employer or agency will typically retry the deposit or contact you to ask for corrected information. You will not lose the money; it will either post once the account number is corrected or be returned to the sender.
What happens if you receive a deposit by mistake
If someone deposits money into your account by mistake — they meant to send it to someone else, or they entered the wrong account number — the money is still yours legally once it posts. However, the person who sent it may realize the error and contact you or their bank to ask for the money back.
If the depositor contacts you directly, you can choose to return the money voluntarily. The simplest way is to ask them for their account number and routing number, then make a transfer or deposit into their account yourself. If you do not want to return the money or cannot contact the person, there is no legal obligation to do so, but the depositor's bank may investigate the transaction if the depositor reports it as an error.
If the depositor's bank initiates a reversal without your knowledge, the bank will debit your account for the amount. This is rare but possible if the depositor's bank determines the deposit was made in error and the depositor's account is at the same bank as yours. If this happens, you will see a debit in your account history and can contact your bank to ask what occurred.
Security and fraud concerns
Receiving a deposit from someone else carries minimal risk to you. The person making the deposit cannot access your account, cannot see your balance, and cannot withdraw money. They can only add money to your account. The only information they need is your account and routing numbers, which are not secret.
The risk is on the depositor's side. If someone deposits a fraudulent check into your account, your bank will eventually discover it (usually within one to two weeks), and the bank will reverse the deposit. You will see a debit in your account for the amount of the bad check, plus a fee from your bank. If you spent the money before the check was discovered, you will owe the bank the difference.
To protect yourself, do not spend money from a deposit when ready if you do not recognize the source. Wait a few business days to confirm the deposit is legitimate and has fully posted. If you receive a large deposit from an unknown source, contact your bank and ask them to verify it before you use the funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone deposit money into my account without me knowing?
Yes. They need only your account number and routing number. You will see the deposit in your account history once it posts, but you will not know who sent it unless you recognize the context or they tell you. If you receive an unexpected deposit, contact your bank to ask where it came from.
Do I have to accept a deposit from someone else?
No. Once a deposit posts to your account, you own the money, but you can return it. Contact the person who sent it and ask for their account number, then transfer the money back. If you cannot reach them, contact your bank to ask whether they can help reverse the transaction.
What if someone deposits a bad check into my account?
Your bank will discover the check is fraudulent within one to two weeks and will reverse the deposit. You will see a debit in your account for the amount of the check, plus a fee from your bank (usually $10 to $25). If you spent the money before the check bounced, you will owe the bank the difference.
How long does it take for a deposit from someone else to show up?
Teller deposits usually post the same business day. ATM deposits typically post within one to two business days. Direct deposits from employers or government agencies post one to two business days before the official payment date. Timing depends on your bank and the time of day the deposit was made.
Can I stop someone from depositing money into my account?
No. Your bank cannot prevent deposits from other people. If you want to block deposits, you would need to close the account and open a new one with a different account number. This is not practical for most people and is rarely necessary.