The main ways to deposit money

You can put money into your bank account in three main ways: at an ATM (automated teller machine), at a branch in person, or by transferring money electronically from another account. Which method works best depends on what you have available, how quickly you need the money in your account, and whether your bank charges fees for each option.

ATM deposits are the fastest and most convenient if you have a debit card — you can do it any time, day or night, without talking to anyone. In-person deposits at a branch take longer because you have to go during business hours, but a teller can answer questions and handle larger amounts of cash. Electronic transfers are best when someone else is sending you money, because the funds move between accounts without any physical cash changing hands.

Key Takeaways

  • ATM deposits let you add money to your account 24/7 using your debit card, and the money usually shows up within one business day.
  • Cash deposits at a branch teller window are when ready — the money is in your account right away — but you can only do this during business hours.
  • Electronic transfers from another person's account or your employer take one to three business days but require no cash handling.
  • Some banks charge fees for certain deposit methods, so check your account agreement or ask a teller what your bank charges.
  • Mobile check deposit — taking a photo of a check with your phone — is available at many banks and usually takes one to two business days.

Depositing cash at an ATM

Most ATMs that belong to your bank accept cash deposits if you have a debit card. Insert your card, enter your PIN (personal identification number), and select "deposit" from the menu. The machine will ask you to insert bills one at a time or in a stack, depending on the model. Count your money before you start so you know what amount to expect.

The ATM will show you a total on the screen before it confirms the deposit. Check this number carefully — if it is wrong, cancel the transaction and try again or go to a branch instead. Once you confirm, the money goes into your account, though it may not show up in your balance for a few hours or until the next business day. Your bank will send you a receipt; keep it until you see the deposit in your account.

Not all ATMs accept deposits, and some only accept checks, not cash. Look for a sign on the machine or ask at your bank which ATMs near you take cash deposits. If you use an ATM that does not belong to your bank, you may be charged a fee by both your bank and the ATM owner, so stick to your bank's machines when you can.

Depositing cash in person at a branch

Walking into a branch with cash is the most straightforward way to deposit money, and it is the only method where the money is in your account when ready. Go to any branch of your bank during business hours, take a number or wait in line, and tell the teller you want to make a deposit. Bring your debit card or account number so the teller knows which account to put the money into.

The teller will count your cash in front of you, enter it into the system, and give you a receipt showing the deposit. The money is available in your account right away — you can use your debit card or write a check against it when ready. This makes branch deposits useful if you need the money to be available the same day.

Branch hours vary by location, but most banks are open Monday through Friday during daytime hours and some on Saturday mornings. If you work during the day, you may find it hard to get to a branch, which is why many people use ATMs instead. Some branches are inside grocery stores or pharmacies, which may have longer hours than standalone bank buildings.

Receiving money through electronic transfer

An electronic transfer moves money from someone else's bank account directly into yours without any physical cash. The most common type is a direct deposit, where your employer sends your paycheck straight to your account. You give your employer your account number and routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank), and they handle the rest.

Direct deposits usually arrive on payday and show up in your account automatically. You do not have to do anything except set it up once with your employer. Another person can also send you money electronically using their bank's online system or a money transfer service — they enter your account number and routing number, and the money moves to your account in one to three business days.

To find your account number and routing number, look at the bottom left of any check you have, or log into your online banking and look for account details. Your bank's website or a teller can also give you this information. Electronic transfers are safe because no cash is involved, and the money is tracked by the banks, so there is a record if something goes wrong.

Depositing checks by phone or mail

Many banks let you deposit a check by taking a photo of it with your phone through their mobile app. This is called mobile check deposit. Open the app, select "deposit check," and take clear photos of the front and back of the check. The app will show you what the bank sees and ask you to confirm the amount.

Once you confirm, the check is sent to your bank electronically, and the money usually shows up in your account within one to two business days. You should write "mobile deposited" on the back of the physical check and keep it for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it. Do not deposit the same check twice — at an ATM or in person — or your bank may charge you a fee for duplicate deposits.

If your bank does not offer mobile deposit or you do not have a smartphone, you can mail a check to your bank. Include a deposit slip (a small form your bank provides) with the check, put it in an envelope, and mail it to the address on the back of your checks or on your bank's website. Mailed checks take longer — usually five to seven business days — because they have to travel through the mail and then be processed by hand.

Understanding deposit holds and timing

A deposit hold is when your bank puts the money in your account but does not let you use it right away. This protects the bank in case a check bounces or a transfer is reversed. The length of the hold depends on the type of deposit and your bank's policy.

Cash deposits at a branch or ATM usually have no hold — the money is available when ready or within one business day. Check deposits, whether by mobile app or in person, often have a hold of one to five business days. Electronic transfers from another bank typically take one to three business days. Your bank should tell you when the hold will end; you can ask a teller or check your online banking.

If you need the money right away, a cash deposit at a branch is your fastest option. If you are depositing a check and need the money urgently, ask the teller whether the hold can be shortened — some banks will do this for customers with good account history, though they are not required to.

Fees and what to watch for

Most banks do not charge you to deposit money into your own account, but some charge fees for certain methods. ATM deposits at branches are usually free, but using an out-of-network ATM (one that does not belong to your bank) may cost you a fee from both your bank and the ATM owner. Mobile check deposits are almost always free. In-person deposits at a teller are free.

Some banks charge a fee if you deposit more than a certain number of checks per month, or if you deposit a very large amount of cash at once. Check your account agreement or ask a teller what your specific bank charges. If fees seem high, you can ask whether your bank offers a different account type with lower fees, or you can switch banks.

Be cautious about depositing cash in large amounts if you are not sure whether your bank will report it. Banks are required to report cash deposits over $10,000 to the government — this is normal and legal, not a sign of trouble. If you are depositing a large amount legitimately (from a job, a sale, an inheritance), the bank will ask you where the money came from, and you can straightforward explain. Do not try to avoid this by making multiple smaller deposits — that is illegal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a deposit to show up in my account?

Cash deposits at a branch show up when ready. ATM cash deposits usually appear within one business day. Checks take one to five business days depending on the deposit method and your bank's hold policy. Electronic transfers from another bank take one to three business days.

Can I deposit money into someone else's account?

You can deposit cash into another person's account at a branch if you have their account number and they have authorized you to do so. However, most banks do not allow you to deposit checks into someone else's account — the check must be deposited by the person whose name is on it. Ask your bank about their specific rules.

What should I do if the ATM rejects my deposit?

If an ATM rejects cash, it will return the money to you. Take it to a branch instead and deposit it with a teller, who can handle any issues. If an ATM rejects a check, try a different ATM or use mobile deposit. If the problem continues, contact your bank to ask what is wrong.

Do I need to bring anything with me to deposit cash at a branch?

You should bring your debit card or know your account number so the teller can put the money in the right account. You do not need an ID for a cash deposit at your own bank, but having one is a good idea in case the teller has questions.

What is the difference between a deposit and a transfer?

A deposit is when you put money into your account — from cash, a check, or a transfer from someone else. A transfer is the movement of money between accounts, usually electronic. When someone sends you money electronically, that is a transfer into your account, which counts as a deposit from your perspective.