You can deposit money at your own bank without restriction, but depositing at someone else's bank depends on the account type and the bank's rules
If the account is yours, you can walk into any branch of your bank and deposit cash or checks. The teller will process it into your account on the spot or within one business day. If you want to deposit into someone else's account—a family member's, a friend's, or a business account—the rules change. Some banks let you do this; others don't. Some require the account holder to be present. Some charge a fee. The safest approach is to ask the bank directly before you show up with money.
Depositing at an ATM (automated teller machine) is faster but comes with limits. Most banks let you deposit cash and checks into your own account at any of their ATMs, 24 hours a day. The money usually posts within one business day. If you try to deposit into someone else's account at an ATM, the machine will reject the transaction—ATMs are built to prevent that.
Key Takeaways
- You can deposit into your own account at any branch or ATM of your bank without asking permission or paying a fee.
- Depositing into someone else's account requires you to go to a teller, and many banks will not allow it unless the account holder is present.
- ATMs will only accept deposits into the account tied to the card you insert, so you cannot use an ATM to deposit into another person's account.
- Some banks charge fees for deposits made by someone other than the account holder, and some refuse the transaction entirely.
- If you need to put money into another person's account, ask that person to deposit it themselves, or contact their bank to learn what they allow.
Depositing into your own account at your bank
Walk into any branch during business hours with cash or checks, and a teller will deposit the money into your account. No paperwork is required beyond your ID. The deposit posts when ready for cash; checks usually post within one business day, though some banks hold checks longer depending on the amount or the check's origin.
If you use an ATM, insert your debit card, select "Deposit," and follow the prompts. For cash deposits, the ATM will accept bills one at a time. For checks, you slide the check into the slot and the machine scans it. The money shows in your account within one business day. ATM deposits are available 24/7, even on weekends and holidays, which makes them useful if you cannot reach a branch during business hours.
Some banks limit how much you can deposit at an ATM in a single transaction—often $1,000 to $5,000 per day—so if you are depositing a large amount, a branch teller is faster and has no limit.
Depositing into someone else's account at a bank branch
If you want to put money into another person's account, you must go to a teller. ATMs will not allow it. At the teller window, you will need to provide the account holder's name and account number. Many banks require the account holder to be present with a photo ID. Some banks allow the deposit without the account holder present, but they may charge a fee—typically $5 to $10—or ask you to fill out a form explaining the source of the money.
The reason for these restrictions is fraud prevention. Banks are required by federal law to watch for suspicious deposits, especially large ones or deposits that happen repeatedly. If you are depositing money on behalf of someone else, the bank may ask questions about where the money came from and why you are making the deposit instead of the account holder. Answer honestly. If the account holder is present, the process is usually faster and the bank is less likely to ask questions.
Not all banks allow third-party deposits at all. Some refuse them entirely. Before you go to the branch, call the bank and ask whether they accept deposits into an account by someone other than the account holder. If they do, ask what documents or information you will need to bring.
Mobile deposits and online transfers as alternatives
If you want to move money to someone else's account without going to a bank branch, a mobile deposit or online transfer is often simpler. If the other person has a checking account, you can transfer money directly using their bank's app or website if you have their account and routing number. This avoids the need to go anywhere in person.
If you have a check made out to someone else, you can sometimes deposit it into your own account using mobile deposit (taking a photo of the check with your phone), but only if the check is signed and you have the account holder's permission. This is called a third-party check, and many banks no longer accept them because of fraud risk. Ask your bank whether they accept third-party checks before you try.
For cash, there is no online option—cash must be deposited in person. But if you and the other person both have accounts at the same bank, you can transfer money between accounts when ready using the bank's app or website, with no fee.
Depositing at banks where you do not have an account
You cannot deposit money at a bank where you do not have an account, except in very limited cases. Some banks allow non-customers to deposit checks into a specific account if that account holder has arranged it in advance, but this is rare and usually requires paperwork. Most banks will turn you away if you walk in without an account.
If you need to deposit money into someone else's account and that person banks at a different institution, the easiest path is to ask them to deposit it themselves. If that is not possible, ask their bank directly what options exist. Some banks have special procedures for this, and some do not.
What happens with large deposits
Banks are required to report cash deposits of $10,000 or more to the federal government using a form called a Currency Transaction Report (CTR). This is normal and legal. The bank is not accusing you of anything—it is following the law. The report includes your name, the amount, and the date, but it does not flag your account or cause problems unless the deposits look suspicious (for example, if you deposit $9,500 repeatedly to avoid the $10,000 threshold).
If you are depositing a large amount on behalf of someone else, the bank may ask more questions about the source of the money. Be prepared to explain. If the money came from a job, a sale, an inheritance, or a loan, say so. If the bank is not satisfied with your answer, they can refuse the deposit, though this is uncommon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into someone else's account without them being there?
It depends on the bank. Some banks allow it if you provide the account number and the account holder's name, though they may charge a fee or ask questions about the source of the money. Others require the account holder to be present. Call the bank before you go.
What if I have a check made out to someone else?
You cannot deposit it into your own account unless the person who the check is made out to signs the back and gives you permission—this is called a third-party check. Many banks no longer accept third-party checks because of fraud risk. The safest option is to ask the person to deposit it themselves or to transfer the money to you another way.
Can I use an ATM to deposit money into someone else's account?
No. ATMs only accept deposits into the account tied to the card you insert. To deposit into another person's account, you must go to a teller at a branch during business hours.
Do I need to report large deposits to the IRS?
The bank reports deposits of $10,000 or more to the federal government automatically. You do not need to do anything. This is a routine report and does not create a tax problem unless the money is income you have not reported to the IRS.
What if the bank refuses my deposit?
Banks can refuse deposits if they suspect fraud or if the deposit violates their policies. If this happens, ask the bank why. If you believe the refusal is a mistake, ask to speak to a manager. If the bank still refuses, you can try depositing at a different branch or a different bank, but the reason for the refusal will likely be the same.