The main ways to deposit money
You can put money into your bank account in four main ways: at an ATM, at a branch in person, by mobile app, or by having someone send it to you electronically. Which one works best depends on what you have available right now and how quickly you need the money to show up in your account.
The fastest deposits happen at a branch during business hours or through your mobile app if you have a smartphone. ATM deposits work any time of day but may take until the next business day to appear in your account. Electronic transfers from another person's account are reliable but can take one to three business days.
Key Takeaways
- ATM deposits let you add cash or checks 24/7, but the money may not show up until the next business day.
- Depositing at a branch during business hours is the fastest way to add cash and see it in your account when ready.
- Mobile app deposits work by taking a photo of the front and back of a check — no visit needed.
- Electronic transfers from another person take one to three business days but work even if you are not near a bank.
- Your bank may charge a fee if you deposit cash at an ATM that does not belong to your bank.
Depositing cash at an ATM
Most ATMs accept cash deposits if the machine belongs to your bank. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN (the four-digit code you chose when you opened your account), and select "Deposit" from the menu. The ATM will ask you to insert bills one at a time or in a stack, depending on the machine. Count your cash before you start so you know the total.
The ATM will show you the amount it counted and ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the money goes into a slot and the receipt prints. The deposit usually shows in your account by the next business day, though some banks post it the same day if you deposit before a certain time (often 2 p.m.). If you use an ATM that belongs to a different bank, your bank may charge you a fee of $1 to $3 per transaction.
Depositing cash or checks at a branch
Walk into your bank during business hours with your cash or checks and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit. Hand over the money or checks and your card. The teller will count the cash in front of you, write down the amount, and give you a receipt showing what went into your account.
Cash deposits at a branch show up in your account when ready — you can use the money right away. Checks take longer: most banks hold checks for one to five business days before the money is fully available, even though it may show in your account sooner. This hold exists because the bank is waiting for the other bank (the one the check was written from) to confirm the money is actually there.
Depositing checks with your phone
If your bank offers mobile deposit, you can add a check to your account without visiting a branch or ATM. Open your bank's mobile app on your smartphone, find the deposit option (usually under "Transfers" or "Deposit"), and take a clear photo of the front of the check and then the back. The app will show you what it read from the check — the amount, the check number, and the routing information. Review it for mistakes, then confirm the deposit.
The check image goes to your bank's system, and the money usually shows in your account within one business day. You should write "Mobile Deposit" on the back of the physical check and keep it for 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it. After 30 days, you can destroy it. Not all banks offer mobile deposit, and some limit how many checks you can deposit this way per month or per day.
Receiving money from another person
If someone wants to send you money directly into your account, you need to give them your account number and your bank's routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank. You can find both numbers on the bottom left of any check you have, or you can call your bank or log into your online account to find them.
The person sends the money through their own bank using a wire transfer, ACH transfer, or peer-to-peer payment app (like Venmo or PayPal). Wire transfers are fastest — usually same-day or next-day — but may cost $15 to $30. ACH transfers are free or very cheap but take one to three business days. Peer-to-peer apps are usually free and fast if both people use the same app. Ask the person which method they are using so you know when to expect the money.
What happens after you deposit
Once your deposit is in the system, your bank updates your account balance. For cash deposits at a branch, this happens when ready. For ATM deposits and checks, it usually takes one business day. For transfers from another person, it takes one to three business days depending on the method.
During the hold period — the time before the money is fully available — you may see it in your account balance but not be able to spend it yet. Your bank shows you two balances: your "available balance" (money you can use right now) and your "account balance" (money that is in your account but may be on hold). If you try to spend money that is still on hold, your transaction may be declined or you may overdraw your account and face a fee.
Fees and limits on deposits
Most deposits are free if you use your own bank's ATM or branch. Using another bank's ATM usually costs $1 to $3 per deposit. Some banks limit how much cash you can deposit at an ATM in one day — this might be $5,000 or $10,000 depending on the bank. If you need to deposit more than that, go to a branch instead.
Mobile check deposits often have daily limits too, such as $2,000 or $5,000 per day. Wire transfers and ACH transfers may have their own limits. If you are depositing a very large amount of cash (more than $10,000), your bank is required by law to file a report with the government — this is normal and not a sign of trouble, but it is something to know about.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a check to clear?
Most checks take one to five business days to clear, meaning the money becomes fully available. Your bank may show the deposit in your account sooner, but you should not spend it until the hold is lifted. You can ask your bank how long the hold is for the specific check you deposited.
Can I deposit cash at any ATM?
You can deposit cash at any ATM that belongs to your bank. If you use a different bank's ATM, it may not accept deposits, or it may charge you a fee. Check your bank's website or app to find ATMs that belong to your bank.
What if the ATM rejects my cash?
ATMs reject cash that is torn, very old, or too wrinkled to read. If this happens, try depositing at a branch instead, where a teller can accept the bill if it is still legal tender. You can also exchange damaged cash at your bank for new bills.
Do I need my debit card to deposit money?
At an ATM, yes — you need your debit card and PIN. At a branch, you can show your debit card or just tell the teller your account number. For mobile deposits and electronic transfers, you do not need a physical card.
What is the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer moves money the same day or next day but usually costs $15 to $30. An ACH transfer takes one to three business days and is free or very cheap. ACH is better for routine payments; wire is better when you need money fast and do not mind paying for it.