The main ways to deposit money
You can put money into your bank account through an ATM, at a branch, by mail, through a mobile app, or by having someone transfer it to you electronically. Which method works best depends on where you are, what kind of account you have, and how quickly you need the money to show up. Most banks offer at least three of these options.
The fastest deposits happen at an ATM or through a mobile app—money usually appears within minutes to a few hours. Branch deposits and mail deposits take longer. Electronic transfers from another person's account can take one to three business days, depending on the banks involved.
Key Takeaways
- ATM deposits and mobile app deposits are the fastest methods, with money appearing in your account within minutes to a few hours.
- Branch deposits require you to visit in person during business hours, but a teller can answer questions about your account on the spot.
- Mail deposits take one to two weeks and require you to write a check or use a deposit slip, so use this method only when other options are not available.
- Electronic transfers from another person take one to three business days and require you to share your account number and routing number.
- Some banks charge fees for certain deposit methods, so check your account terms or call your bank to confirm what is free.
Depositing at an ATM
Most ATMs that belong to your bank accept cash and check deposits. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit" from the menu. The machine will ask whether you are depositing cash or a check. For cash, insert bills one at a time—the machine counts them and shows you the total before you confirm. For checks, insert them one at a time as well. The ATM scans the front and back and displays the amount it reads.
After you confirm the deposit, the machine prints a receipt showing the amount and the time. The money appears in your account almost when ready for cash, usually within a few hours for checks. 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 operator—check your account terms first.
ATMs that are not at a branch location sometimes have limits on how much you can deposit in a single transaction, usually $5,000 or less. If you need to deposit more, use an ATM at a branch or visit during business hours.
Depositing at a bank branch
Walk in during business hours with your cash or checks and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit. They will ask you to fill out a deposit slip—a small form that shows your account number, the date, and the amounts you are depositing. You list cash and checks separately. Hand the slip and your money to the teller, and they will count it, confirm the total with you, and give you a receipt.
Branch deposits are processed when ready, so the money shows up in your account right away for cash and within a few hours for checks. This is also the best option if you have questions about your account or need help—a teller can answer them while you are there. Branch deposits are free at your own bank.
The main drawback is that you have to go in person during the hours the branch is open. Many branches close by 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and have limited weekend hours or are closed on Sundays.
Depositing through a mobile app
Most banks offer mobile check deposit through their app. Open the app, select "Deposit a Check," and take a photo of the front and back of the check. The app shows you what it read from the check—the amount, the check number, and the routing number. Review it for accuracy, then confirm the deposit. The money usually appears in your account within a few hours, sometimes when ready.
Mobile deposit is free at most banks and works any time of day or night. You do not have to leave home or wait in line. The main limitation is that it only works for checks, not cash. Also, some banks limit how much you can deposit per day through the app—often $2,500 to $5,000—so if you have a large check, you may need to use an ATM or branch instead.
To use mobile deposit, you need a smartphone with the bank's app installed and a camera that can take clear photos. Make sure the check is endorsed (signed on the back) before you photograph it.
Depositing by mail
Write a check or obtain a deposit slip from your bank. On the back of the check, write "For Deposit Only" and sign your name. Put the check in an envelope with a deposit slip (if your bank requires one) and mail it to the address your bank provides. Do not send cash by mail—it can be lost or stolen.
Mail deposits take one to two weeks to clear, depending on how far away the bank is and how long mail takes. The money will not show up in your account until the check has been received, processed, and cleared. Use mail deposit only when you cannot reach an ATM, branch, or mobile app—for example, if you are traveling and do not have access to your bank's services.
Keep a record of what you mailed and the date you mailed it. If the check does not appear in your account after two weeks, contact your bank to report it.
Receiving money from someone else
If another person wants to put money into your account, they can do so through an electronic transfer if they know your account number and routing number. These numbers appear on the bottom left of your checks or in your online banking portal. They can also transfer money through services like Venmo, PayPal, or their own bank's transfer system—these usually take one to three business days.
The other person can also deposit cash or a check into your account at your bank's branch if they have your account number. Some banks allow this; others do not. Call your bank to ask whether this is an option.
If someone is sending you a check, you can deposit it yourself using any of the methods above. You do not need to be the person whose name is on the check—the check can be made out to you, and you can deposit it into your own account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?
Most checks clear within one to three business days. The exact timing depends on the bank that issued the check, your bank, and the amount. Larger checks sometimes take longer. Your bank may make some of the money available before the full amount clears, but you should not spend it until the check shows as fully processed in your account.
Can I deposit cash at an ATM?
Yes, most ATMs that belong to your bank accept cash deposits. Insert bills one at a time, and the machine counts them and shows you the total. The money appears in your account almost when ready. Some ATMs have daily limits on how much cash you can deposit, usually $5,000 or less.
What if I do not have a debit card?
You can still deposit at a branch by providing your account number instead of your debit card. You can also deposit by mail. Mobile app deposit requires you to have the bank's app, which usually requires a debit card to set up, so that option may not work without one.
Do I have to endorse a check before I deposit it?
Yes. On the back of the check, write "For Deposit Only" followed by your signature. This tells the bank that you are depositing it into your account and not cashing it. If you are using mobile deposit, sign the check before you photograph it.
What happens if I deposit a check that bounces?
If the check bounces (the account it came from does not have enough money), your bank will remove the money from your account and may charge you a fee. You are responsible for returning the money to your bank. Contact the person who gave you the check and ask them to provide a new one or pay you in another way.