The most direct way is to walk into your bank branch with cash and a deposit slip
You can deposit cash at a teller window during business hours. Bring your cash and your debit card or account number. The teller will count it, give you a receipt, and the money appears in your account when ready or within one business day, depending on the time of day and your bank's processing schedule.
If you do not have a deposit slip, ask the teller for one. Some banks print them at the counter; others have them in the lobby. You fill in your account number, the amount, and sign it. The teller keeps the slip and gives you a receipt.
Deposits made before your bank's daily cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.) typically post the same day. Deposits after that cutoff post the next business day. Weekend and holiday deposits post on the next business day.
Key Takeaways
- In-person deposits at a teller window are the fastest way to put cash into your account and post within hours or one business day.
- ATM deposits work 24/7 but may take one to two business days to post, and some ATMs have daily limits on how much cash you can deposit.
- Mobile check deposit apps let you photograph checks but do not work for cash; you must use an ATM or teller for physical currency.
- Deposits over $10,000 trigger a federal reporting requirement, but this is routine and does not mean anything is wrong.
- If your bank does not have a branch near you, a third-party ATM network or a different bank's ATM may accept deposits, though fees and processing times vary.
Using an ATM to deposit cash when the branch is closed
Most banks have ATMs that accept cash deposits 24 hours a day. Insert your debit card, select "Deposit," choose "Cash," and follow the prompts. The ATM will ask you to insert bills one at a time or in a stack, depending on the machine. It counts them and shows you the total on the screen before you confirm.
ATM deposits usually take one to two business days to post to your account. Some banks post them faster, but do not count on same-day posting from an ATM. The bank still has to verify the cash count the next business day, so there is a delay built in.
Check your bank's daily ATM deposit limit. Many banks cap cash deposits at $5,000 or $10,000 per transaction, though some have no limit. If you are depositing more than that, you may need to make multiple deposits or go to a teller.
Deposits at ATMs outside your bank's network
If your bank is not nearby, you can sometimes deposit cash at another bank's ATM or at a third-party ATM network. This depends on whether your bank has a partnership with that network. Allpoint, MoneyPass, and Surcharge-Free Network are common third-party networks.
Check your bank's website or call customer service to see which ATMs accept deposits from your account. Using an out-of-network ATM may charge you a fee ($1 to $3 is typical), and the deposit may take longer to post because it has to travel through multiple banks.
Some third-party ATMs do not accept cash deposits at all—only withdrawals. Always confirm before you go.
What happens with large cash deposits over $10,000
If you deposit $10,000 or more in cash in a single transaction, your bank is required by federal law to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This is a routine filing and does not mean you are under investigation or that anything is wrong.
The bank does not ask your permission to file the report—it happens automatically. You will not see it, and it does not affect your account. The report straightforward documents the deposit for federal record-keeping.
If you make multiple deposits of cash under $10,000 within a short time frame in a way that appears designed to avoid the reporting requirement, your bank may file a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) instead. This is called "structuring," and it is illegal even if the total amount is legitimate. If you have a legitimate reason to deposit large amounts of cash regularly (you run a cash business, for example), tell your bank. They can note this in your account so deposits are not flagged.
Depositing cash when you do not have a bank account yet
If you are opening a new account, you can deposit cash as part of the account opening process. Bring your cash and the documents the bank requires (usually a photo ID and proof of address). The teller will open the account and deposit your cash in the same visit.
Some banks require a minimum opening deposit—often $25 to $100—though many no longer do. Ask before you go in.
If you want to deposit cash before your account is officially open, most banks will not let you. You have to open the account first, then deposit. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Deposits at bank branches you do not normally use
If you bank with a large national chain like Bank of America, Chase, or Wells Fargo, you can deposit cash at any of their branches, not just the one closest to you. Walk in with your debit card or account number and a deposit slip, and any teller can process it.
If you bank with a smaller regional or local bank, you can usually only deposit at their branches. Check your bank's branch locator on their website to find one near you.
Credit unions work the same way—you can deposit at any branch of your credit union, but not at other credit unions unless there is a shared branching agreement. Ask your credit union whether they participate in shared branching networks like CO-OP or Alliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into someone else's bank account?
No, you cannot deposit cash directly into another person's account at a teller window or ATM. You can give them the cash and they can deposit it themselves, or you can transfer money to their account if you have online banking set up with them. Some banks allow you to add another person as an authorized user on your account, which lets them deposit on your behalf.
What if the ATM rejects my cash or says it cannot read the bills?
ATMs sometimes reject bills that are torn, worn, or folded. Try smoothing the bill and inserting it again. If the ATM keeps rejecting it, go to a teller window instead—they can deposit worn cash without issue. Keep your ATM receipt in case the bank does not credit the deposit.
How long does it take for a cash deposit to show up in my account?
Teller deposits usually post within hours or by the next business day. ATM deposits typically take one to two business days. Deposits made after your bank's daily cutoff or on weekends post on the next business day. Check your bank's deposit policy on their website or ask a teller for the exact cutoff time at your branch.
Do I need a receipt for a cash deposit?
Yes, always keep the receipt. It shows the amount you deposited and the date. If the bank does not credit the full amount, the receipt is your proof of what you deposited. Most receipts are printed when ready by the teller or ATM.
Can I deposit cash through my bank's mobile app?
Mobile apps let you photograph checks for deposit, but not cash. You must use an ATM or visit a teller to deposit physical currency. Some banks are testing cash deposit through apps, but this is not yet standard.