The main ways to put cash in your account
You can deposit cash at an ATM, at a bank branch, through a mobile app, or at certain retail locations. The method you choose depends on which bank you use, what time it is, and whether you need the money to show up right away or can wait a business day.
Most banks let you use their ATMs for free deposits during business hours and after hours. Some banks also let you deposit cash at partner ATMs or retail locations like grocery stores. If your bank has a mobile app, you may be able to photograph checks, but cash deposits almost always require an ATM or a teller.
The speed of your deposit matters. Cash deposited at an ATM during business hours usually shows up in your account the same day or next business day. Cash deposited after hours or on weekends typically posts the next business day. Deposits at a bank branch teller are usually fastest — often within minutes.
Key Takeaways
- ATMs are the fastest way to deposit cash outside of bank hours, and most banks let you use their own ATMs for free.
- Bank branch tellers can deposit cash when ready, but branches have limited hours and may have lines during peak times.
- Some banks let you deposit cash at partner ATMs or retail locations, but check your bank's rules first because not all banks allow this.
- Cash deposited after hours or on weekends will not show up in your account until the next business day, even if the ATM accepts it right away.
- Always keep your receipt from any cash deposit so you have proof of the transaction if there is a problem.
Depositing cash at your bank's ATM
Find an ATM owned by your bank and insert your debit card. Select "Deposit" from the menu. The ATM will ask you to insert cash into the slot — most machines accept bills one at a time, though some newer models accept a stack. The ATM will count the bills and show you the total on the screen before you confirm the deposit.
After you confirm, the ATM will print a receipt showing the amount deposited, the date, time, and your account number. Keep this receipt. The cash is now in the ATM's vault, but it may not show up in your account balance right away. During business hours, deposits usually post within a few hours. Deposits made after hours or on weekends post the next business day.
If the ATM rejects a bill or jams, it will return the cash to you. Do not leave the ATM without your money. If the machine keeps rejecting bills, try smoothing them out or using a different ATM. Damaged or worn bills are sometimes rejected.
Depositing cash at a bank branch
Walk into your bank during business hours with your cash and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit. Hand over the cash — the teller will count it in front of you, confirm the amount, and ask which account it should go into if you have more than one.
The teller will give you a deposit slip showing the amount and your account details. You will receive a receipt. The deposit posts to your account when ready or within minutes — you can check your balance on your phone or at an ATM right after you leave the branch.
Branch deposits are the fastest way to put cash in your account, but branches have limited hours and may be closed on weekends. If you need to deposit cash outside of branch hours, use an ATM instead.
Depositing cash at partner ATMs or retail locations
Some banks let you deposit cash at ATMs owned by other banks or at retail partners like grocery stores and pharmacies. This is useful if your bank does not have a branch or ATM near you. Check your bank's website or app to see which locations accept deposits from your bank.
The process is the same as using your own bank's ATM — insert your card, select deposit, and feed in the cash. Keep your receipt. The deposit will post within one to two business days, which is slower than using your own bank's ATM.
Not all banks allow deposits at partner locations, and not all partner locations accept all banks. Call your bank or check your account settings before you go to a retail location with cash. Some banks charge a small fee for deposits at partner ATMs, though many do not.
What to do if the ATM does not accept your cash
If an ATM rejects your bills, the machine will return them to you. Check that the bills are not torn, folded, or damaged. Smooth out any creases and try again. If the ATM still rejects them, try a different ATM or go to a bank branch during business hours.
If a bill is too damaged for any ATM to accept, you can exchange it for a new one at a bank branch. Bring the damaged bill to a teller and ask for an exchange. The bank will give you a new bill in return at no cost.
If the ATM accepts your cash but does not print a receipt or the receipt shows the wrong amount, contact your bank right away. Have your receipt (if you got one) and the date and time of the deposit ready. Your bank can look up the transaction in the ATM's records and fix any errors.
Timing and when the money shows up
Cash deposited at an ATM or branch during business hours usually shows up in your account the same day or the next business day. The exact timing depends on your bank and what time you deposit. A deposit made at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday might show up by 5 p.m. the same day, while a deposit made at 7 p.m. might not post until the next morning.
Cash deposited after business hours or on weekends will not post until the next business day. If you deposit cash on Friday evening, it will not show up until Monday morning. If you deposit on a holiday, it will not post until the next business day after the holiday.
Check your bank's website or app for the exact cutoff time for same-day posting. Most banks post deposits made before 5 p.m. on business days the same day, but this varies.
Keeping a record of your deposit
Always take your receipt from a cash deposit. The receipt shows the amount, date, time, and location of the deposit. If your bank later says they did not receive the cash or the amount is wrong, your receipt is proof that you made the deposit.
Write down the receipt number and the amount in a notebook or take a photo of the receipt with your phone. If you lose the physical receipt, you can still contact your bank and give them the date, time, and amount of the deposit. They can look it up in the ATM's records, but having the receipt makes it faster.
If the deposit does not show up in your account within two business days, contact your bank. Bring your receipt and tell them the date and amount of the deposit. The bank can trace what happened to the cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into someone else's account?
Yes, you can deposit cash into another person's account if you know their account number and the bank. Go to a branch teller and tell them you want to deposit cash into that account. You will need to provide the account number and the person's name. The teller will confirm the account and process the deposit. You do not need to be the account holder.
What is the limit on how much cash I can deposit?
There is no legal limit on how much cash you can deposit into your own account. However, banks must report cash deposits over $10,000 to the federal government on a form called a Currency Transaction Report. This is normal and not a sign of trouble. If you deposit large amounts of cash regularly, your bank may ask where the money comes from.
Do I have to pay a fee to deposit cash?
No. Depositing cash into your own account at your bank's ATM or branch is always free. Some banks charge a small fee if you deposit cash at a partner ATM or retail location, but many do not. Check your bank's fee schedule or ask a teller before you deposit.
What if I deposit cash and the ATM breaks before it processes my deposit?
If the ATM breaks or loses power while you are using it, the cash will stay in the machine's vault. Contact your bank right away with your receipt and the date and time of the deposit. The bank will investigate and credit your account once they confirm the cash is in the machine. This is why keeping your receipt is important.
Can I deposit cash using my phone or computer?
No. You cannot deposit cash through a mobile app or online banking. Cash deposits always require an ATM or a bank teller. Some banks let you photograph checks with your phone, but cash must be deposited in person at an ATM or branch.