The main ways to add money to your account
You can put money into your bank account in four main ways: by depositing cash or a check at a branch or ATM, by having money sent directly to your account (called a direct deposit), by transferring money from another account you own, or by having someone else send you money electronically. Which method you use depends on where the money is coming from and how quickly you need it in your account.
Most people use a combination of these methods. For example, you might receive your paycheck by direct deposit, deposit a check from a side job at an ATM, and occasionally ask a family member to send you money through a mobile payment app.
Key Takeaways
- Cash and check deposits at your bank branch or ATM are available when ready or within one business day, depending on the time of day you deposit.
- Direct deposit from your employer or government agency is the fastest and most reliable way to receive regular payments into your account.
- You can transfer money between your own accounts at the same bank when ready, or between accounts at different banks in one to three business days.
- Mobile payment apps and wire transfers let other people send you money, though fees and speed vary depending on the method and the banks involved.
- Always keep your account number and routing number private, and never share your PIN or online banking password with anyone.
Depositing cash at a branch or ATM
The simplest way to add cash is to walk into your bank branch during business hours and hand it to a teller. Tell them you want to deposit the money into your account, and they will count it, give you a receipt, and add it to your balance. The money is usually available to use when ready, though some banks hold it for one business day.
If you cannot get to a branch during business hours, most banks have ATMs in the lobby or outside the building that work 24 hours a day. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN (the four-digit code you chose when you opened the account), select "Deposit," and follow the on-screen instructions. The ATM will ask you to insert cash or checks one at a time. Keep the receipt it prints out. Deposits made before 9 p.m. on a business day usually show up in your account the same day; deposits after 9 p.m. or on weekends may not appear until the next business day.
Some banks charge a small fee if you use an ATM that does not belong to your bank. Ask your bank which ATMs are free for you to use.
Depositing checks
A check is a written instruction to your bank to move money from someone else's account to yours. You can deposit a check at a branch, at an ATM, or through your bank's mobile app if it has mobile check deposit.
To deposit a check in person, sign the back of the check (the side with the blank lines) and write your account number below your signature. Hand it to a teller or insert it into an ATM the same way you would insert cash. The teller or ATM will record which account the money should go into.
If your bank offers mobile check deposit through its app, you can photograph the front and back of the check and submit it from your phone. This is the fastest option if you cannot reach a branch or ATM. The bank will hold the check for a few days to make sure the money is really there, so the funds may not be available for three to five business days.
Setting up direct deposit from your employer or government
Direct deposit means your employer or a government agency sends your paycheck or benefit payment straight into your bank account without you having to do anything. Once it is set up, the money arrives automatically on the same day each month or pay period.
To set up direct deposit, you need to give your employer or the government agency your account number and routing number. Your account number is unique to you and identifies which account the money should go into. Your routing number identifies your bank. You can find both numbers on the bottom left of any check you have, or by logging into your online banking or calling your bank's customer service line.
Ask your employer's payroll department or the government agency for a form to fill out. It usually takes one to two pay periods for direct deposit to start working, so set it up as soon as you can. Once it is active, you do not have to do anything — the money will arrive on schedule.
Transferring money between your own accounts
If you have more than one account at the same bank, you can move money between them when ready through online banking or at an ATM. Log into your account, select "Transfer," choose which account to transfer from and which to transfer to, enter the amount, and confirm. The money moves right away.
If your accounts are at different banks, the transfer takes one to three business days. You will need the account number and routing number of the account you are sending money to. Most banks let you set this up through online banking by selecting "Transfer to Another Bank" or "External Transfer." You may have to wait a few days the first time you transfer to a new account, as a security measure.
Receiving money from other people
Other people can send you money electronically using a mobile payment app like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, or Zelle. These apps connect to your bank account and let someone transfer money to you in minutes. To receive money this way, you usually need to read the app, create an account, and link your bank account to it. Then you can give someone your username or phone number, and they can send you money.
Some of these apps are free, while others charge a small fee if you want the money to arrive when ready instead of waiting a day or two. Check what your bank offers — many banks now include a information programs transfer service as part of your account.
Another option is a wire transfer, which is faster and more formal than a mobile app. To receive a wire transfer, you give the sender your full name, account number, routing number, and bank name. The sender goes to their bank and requests a wire transfer to your account. The money usually arrives the same day or the next business day, but wire transfers often cost $15 to $30.
Keeping your account information safe
Your account number and routing number are safe to share — they are printed on every check and you need to give them out to set up direct deposit or receive transfers. However, never share your PIN, your online banking password, or the full details on the front of your debit card with anyone, even if they say they work for your bank.
If someone asks you to deposit money into your account and then transfer it somewhere else, stop and think carefully. This is a common scam. Legitimate companies and government agencies will not ask you to move money around on their behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for money to show up after I deposit it?
Cash and checks deposited at a branch or ATM before 9 p.m. on a business day usually show up the same day. Checks deposited through a mobile app take three to five business days. Direct deposit arrives on a set schedule, usually the same day each month. Transfers between accounts at different banks take one to three business days.
What is the difference between my account number and routing number?
Your account number is unique to you and identifies your specific account. Your routing number identifies your bank. You need both to receive direct deposit or transfers from other banks. Both numbers appear on the bottom left of your checks.
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
No. A check must be made out to the person whose account it is being deposited into. If someone gives you a check made out to them, they need to sign the back and deposit it themselves, or sign it over to you in writing (called a third-party check), though many banks no longer accept these.
Is there a limit to how much money I can deposit?
Banks do not usually limit how much you can deposit, but they are required to report deposits of $10,000 or more to the government. This is normal and legal — it does not mean you have done anything wrong.
What should I do if I deposited money but it has not shown up after several days?
Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch. Bring your deposit receipt if you have it. The bank can look up the deposit and tell you where the money is and when it will arrive.