The basic deposit methods available to you
You can deposit money into your bank account in person at a branch, through an ATM, by mail, or online depending on what your bank offers and what form your money takes. The fastest method is usually an in-person deposit at a branch or ATM during business hours. If you have a check, you can photograph it through your bank's mobile app and deposit it without leaving home. If you have cash, you'll need to use a branch, ATM, or deposit envelope sent by mail.
The method you choose depends on three things: whether you're depositing cash or a check, how quickly you need the money to show up in your account, and what your bank's system supports. Some banks charge fees for certain deposit methods, though most don't charge for standard deposits made at their own branches or ATMs.
Key Takeaways
- In-person deposits at a branch or ATM are the fastest way to deposit cash and usually post to your account the same day.
- Mobile check deposit lets you photograph a check and submit it through your bank's app without visiting a branch.
- Mailed deposits take longer but work if you can't reach a branch or ATM, though some banks charge a fee for this method.
- Verify your bank's deposit limits and cutoff times, since deposits made after hours or on weekends may not post until the next business day.
- Keep your deposit receipt or confirmation number until the money appears in your account, in case you need to prove you made the deposit.
Depositing cash at a branch or ATM
Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with your cash and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit. They will count the cash, confirm the amount with you, and give you a receipt showing the deposit. The money usually appears in your account within a few hours or by the end of the business day.
If you prefer not to interact with a teller, use your bank's ATM. Insert your debit card, select "Deposit," and follow the on-screen prompts. The ATM will accept your cash and give you a receipt. Some ATMs accept envelopes for larger deposits; others count bills one at a time. The money typically posts to your account the same day, though some banks hold it until the next business day depending on when you deposit.
Check your bank's website or call ahead if you're unsure whether your nearest ATM accepts cash deposits. Not all ATMs do, and some have daily limits on how much cash you can deposit at once.
Depositing checks by phone or app
Most banks now offer mobile check deposit, which means you photograph the front and back of a check using your bank's app and submit it without visiting a branch. Open your bank's app, find the deposit or mobile check option, take clear photos of both sides of the check, and confirm the amount. The app will tell you when the check is received and when it will post to your account.
Mobile check deposits usually post within one to three business days. Some banks post them faster if you deposit early in the day on a weekday. Write "For Mobile Deposit Only" on the back of the check before you photograph it, and do not deposit the physical check anywhere else—doing so can cause problems with your bank.
If your bank doesn't offer mobile deposit or you don't have a smartphone, you can mail the check to your bank with a deposit slip. Include your account number on the slip, sign the back of the check, and mail it to the address your bank provides. Mailed checks take five to ten business days to post, and some banks charge a small fee for this method.
Depositing checks in person
Bring the check and your debit card or account number to any branch during business hours. Hand the check to a teller and tell them you want to deposit it. They will stamp the back, record the amount, and give you a receipt. The check will post to your account within one to three business days, depending on your bank and the check's origin.
If the check is from another bank in your area, it may post faster than a check from out of state or from a smaller bank. Ask the teller if you're unsure how long it will take.
Understanding deposit holds and posting times
A deposit hold is a temporary delay your bank places on a check deposit before the money becomes fully available. Banks use holds to verify that the check is legitimate and that the account it's drawn from has enough money. A hold does not mean your deposit failed—it means your bank is confirming the check before releasing the funds.
Federal law allows banks to hold checks for up to five business days, though most banks hold them for one to three days. Deposits made after your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or later) or on weekends may not post until the next business day. Cash deposits typically post the same day with no hold.
Your bank's website or app will show you when a deposit is expected to post. If a hold lasts longer than five business days, contact your bank to ask why.
Deposits from employers and government agencies
Direct deposit is when your employer or a government agency deposits money straight into your bank account without you doing anything. To set up direct deposit, you give your employer or agency your bank's routing number and your account number. They handle the rest, and the money appears in your account on payday or the scheduled payment date.
Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable way to receive regular payments. Once it's set up, you don't have to do anything. If you need to change which account receives your direct deposit, contact your employer or agency with your new bank's routing number and account number.
What to do if your deposit doesn't appear
If you deposited cash in person and received a receipt, but the money hasn't appeared after one business day, contact your bank with the receipt. If you deposited a check and it hasn't posted after the expected time, check your app or call your bank to see if a hold is still in place or if there's a problem with the check.
Common reasons a deposit doesn't post include: the check was not signed, the amount written in words doesn't match the amount in numbers, the check is post-dated (dated in the future), or the check is stale (more than six months old). If any of these explore, contact the person who wrote the check and ask for a new one.
If you deposited through mobile check deposit and the app shows it was received but hasn't posted after three business days, call your bank's customer service line. Bring your deposit receipt or confirmation number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check that's made out to someone else?
No. A check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If a check is made out to someone else, that person must sign the back and then you can deposit it, but policies vary by bank. Ask your bank before you try.
What's the difference between a deposit and a transfer?
A deposit is money coming into your account from outside (cash, checks, direct deposit). A transfer is money moving between your own accounts or to someone else's account. Transfers are usually when ready or next-day; deposits can take longer if a check is involved.
Do I need to tell my bank I'm depositing a large amount of cash?
Banks report cash deposits over $10,000 to the federal government as a matter of routine—this is normal and legal. You don't need to do anything special, but don't try to break a large deposit into smaller ones to avoid reporting. That's illegal.
What if my bank's ATM is broken or out of cash?
Use an ATM at a different branch of your bank, or visit a branch in person. If your bank is part of a network (like Allpoint or MoneyPass), you may be able to use another bank's ATM, though fees may explore. Check your bank's website for ATM locations near you.
Can I deposit money into someone else's account?
Yes, but only if you're depositing cash or a check made out to that person. Walk into their bank with the cash or check and their account number, and tell the teller you want to deposit it into their account. You'll need their permission first.