How to Deposit Money Into Your Bank Account

The basic ways to put money into your account

You can deposit money into your bank account in person at a branch, through an ATM, by mail, or online using a mobile app or website. The method you choose depends on what kind of deposit you're making, how quickly you need the money to show up, and what your bank offers. Most banks let you use multiple methods, so you can pick the one that works best for each situation.

The speed of your deposit varies. In-person deposits at a branch usually post the same day or next business day. ATM deposits typically take one to two business days. Mobile deposits and mailed checks can take three to five business days, depending on your bank's processing time. Some banks offer faster posting for certain deposit types, so check your account terms or ask your bank directly.

Key Takeaways

In-person deposits at a branch counter are the fastest way to get money into your account, usually posting the same day.
ATM deposits work 24/7 but take longer to post — typically one to two business days — and some banks charge fees for deposits over a certain amount.
Mobile check deposits through your bank's app are convenient but can take three to five business days to clear, and most banks limit the amount you can deposit per day or per month.
Mailed checks take the longest (five to seven business days) and require you to endorse the back and include a deposit slip.
Direct deposit from an employer or government agency is the fastest method for recurring payments and posts automatically with no action needed from you.

Depositing cash or checks in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with your cash or check and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit. If you're depositing a check, sign the back of it (the endorsement area) and write your account number underneath. Hand over the check or cash along with a deposit slip if your bank requires one — many branches have them at the counter, or the teller can fill one out for you.

The teller will count the cash or verify the check amount, enter it into the system, and give you a receipt. The money posts to your account the same day or by the next business day. This is the most reliable method because you get when ready confirmation and a paper record. If you're depositing a large amount of cash, the bank may ask for identification or file a report — this is normal and required by federal law for deposits over $10,000.

Using an ATM to deposit cash or checks

Most ATMs accept both cash and checks. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit" from the menu. The machine will prompt you to choose what you're depositing (cash, check, or both). For checks, sign the back and insert it into the slot. For cash, feed the bills into the slot one at a time or in a stack, depending on the machine. The ATM will display the amount it detected and ask you to confirm.

ATM deposits typically post within one to two business days, though some banks take longer. You'll get a receipt showing the amount deposited. One drawback: some banks charge a fee if you use an ATM outside their network, and a few charge fees for deposits over a certain amount. Check your account terms or ask your bank whether ATM deposits are free. Also, ATMs have daily limits — you may not be able to deposit more than $5,000 or $10,000 in a single transaction, depending on your bank.

Mobile check deposits through your bank's app

Open your bank's mobile app, find the deposit or check deposit option, and follow the prompts. You'll take a photo of the front and back of the check using your phone's camera. The app will show you the amount it detected — verify this is correct before you submit. Once you confirm, the deposit is sent to your bank for processing.

Mobile deposits usually take three to five business days to post to your account. Most banks limit how much you can deposit per day (often $2,500 to $5,000) and per month (sometimes $10,000 to $25,000). After you submit a mobile deposit, you must keep the original check for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it. Do not deposit the same check twice — if you do, you'll be charged a fee and the duplicate deposit will be reversed. Once the deposit has posted, you can safely destroy the check.

Mailing a check to your bank

Write your account number on the back of the check below your signature. Include a deposit slip if your bank provided one, or write a note with your account number and the deposit amount. Put the check and slip in an envelope and mail it to the address on your bank's website or statement. Do not send cash by mail — it can be lost or stolen.

Mailed deposits take five to seven business days to arrive and post. This is the slowest method and leaves no way to confirm receipt until the money appears in your account. Keep a copy of the check or take a photo before you mail it, so you have a record of what you sent. Only use this method if you have no other option or if you're depositing a check from out of state and want to avoid the mobile deposit daily limit.

Direct deposit from employers and government agencies

Direct deposit is automatic — money goes straight from your employer's or a government agency's bank account into yours on a set schedule, usually every two weeks for paychecks or monthly for benefits. You don't have to do anything after you set it up. To start, ask your employer or benefits administrator for a direct deposit form. You'll provide your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on the bottom left of any check you write.

Direct deposits post on the scheduled date and are the fastest and most reliable deposit method. There are no fees, no daily limits, and no waiting period. If you're receiving a paycheck or government benefit, setting up direct deposit is worth the small effort it takes. Your bank can also provide your routing and account numbers if you don't have a check handy.

What to do if your deposit doesn't show up

First, check the posting date. If you deposited on a Friday evening or weekend, the bank may not process it until Monday. If you deposited by mobile app or mail, add three to five business days. If the money still hasn't appeared after the expected time, contact your bank. Have your receipt or confirmation number ready.

Tell the bank when and how you deposited the money and the amount. They can look up the deposit in their system and tell you whether it's still processing, if there's a problem with the check (like a missing signature or illegible amount), or if it was rejected. If the check was rejected, the bank will tell you why — common reasons include insufficient funds in the check writer's account, a closed account, or a signature mismatch. Ask the bank to return the check to you so you can contact the check writer and get a new one or ask for a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit someone else's check into my account?

Yes, but you must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above your signature. This is called a third-party endorsement. Some banks accept third-party checks, but others don't — call your bank first to confirm. If the bank accepts it, the check writer may need to sign as well, depending on the bank's rules.

What's the difference between a routing number and an account number?

Your routing number identifies your bank (it's the same for all customers at that bank), while your account number identifies your specific account. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks. You need both to set up direct deposit or to receive wire transfers from someone else.

Why did my mobile deposit get rejected?

Common reasons include a missing or illegible signature on the back of the check, an amount that doesn't match what the app detected, a check that's too old (usually more than 180 days), or a check that's already been deposited. The bank will send you a message explaining the rejection. Fix the problem and resubmit, or use a different deposit method.

Is there a limit to how much I can deposit?

ATMs and mobile apps have daily and monthly limits set by your bank — typically $2,500 to $10,000 per day. In-person deposits at a branch have no limit, though deposits over $10,000 in cash trigger a federal report. If you need to deposit more than your app or ATM allows, go to a branch or split the deposit across multiple days.

How long does a check take to clear?

A check posted to your account in one to two business days (if deposited in person or at an ATM) or three to five business days (if deposited by mobile app or mail). However, the funds may be on hold for a longer period — typically five to seven business days for checks from other banks. During the hold period, the money is in your account but you may not be able to withdraw it. Your bank will tell you when the hold lifts.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.