The basic ways to deposit money into your account
You can put money into a bank account through a teller at a branch, an ATM, a mobile app, a wire transfer, or by having your employer or another person send money directly to your account number. The method you choose depends on where you are, how much money you're depositing, and how fast you need it to arrive. Some methods are when ready; others take a few business days.
Most banks offer multiple deposit methods, and you can use different ones at different times. A teller deposit might work best for a large amount of cash; a mobile app deposit might work best for a check when you're at home; a direct deposit from your employer happens automatically without you doing anything.
Key Takeaways
- In-person deposits at a teller or ATM are when ready or nearly when ready, but you need to be at a physical location during business hours or have access to an ATM.
- Mobile app deposits of checks take a photo of the front and back and usually clear within one or two business days.
- Direct deposit from an employer or government agency requires you to provide your account number and routing number once, then happens automatically on a set schedule.
- Wire transfers and transfers from another bank account are faster than checks but may carry fees, and you need the correct account and routing numbers.
- Cash deposits at a teller are when ready, but large deposits (over $10,000) trigger a federal reporting requirement that is routine and not a problem.
Depositing cash at a branch or ATM
Walking into a bank branch and handing cash to a teller is the fastest way to put money in your account. The deposit shows up when ready, and you get a receipt. You need your debit card or account number, and the teller will ask for your ID if you're not a regular customer or if the amount is large.
ATM deposits work the same way but without a person. You insert your debit card, select "deposit," feed cash or checks into the machine, and the money appears in your account right away or within a few hours. Not all ATMs accept cash deposits—only ones owned by your bank or a network your bank belongs to. Check your bank's website or app to find a deposit-enabled ATM near you.
If you deposit more than $10,000 in cash in a single transaction or across multiple transactions in a short period, the bank files a Currency Transaction Report with the federal government. This is automatic and routine; it does not mean you've done anything wrong. The bank is required to file it, and you don't need to do anything.
Depositing checks through your phone
Most banks let you photograph a check using their mobile app instead of going to a branch. You take a clear photo of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit it. The bank reviews the image and deposits the money into your account.
Mobile check deposits usually clear within one or two business days. Some banks offer faster clearing (same-day or next-day) if you deposit early in the morning on a weekday. Check your bank's app to see what timeline it shows for your deposit.
For this to work, you need the bank's mobile app installed on your phone, your account set up in the app, and a check made out to you. The check cannot be a duplicate or already deposited elsewhere. After you submit it through the app, most banks ask you to write "deposited" on the back and keep it for a few weeks before destroying it.
Setting up direct deposit from your employer or government
Direct deposit is the most hands-off way to put money in your account. Your employer or a government agency (like Social Security or unemployment) transfers your payment directly to your bank account on a set schedule—usually weekly, biweekly, or monthly. The money arrives automatically without you having to do anything after the first setup.
To set up direct deposit, you provide your employer or the agency with your account number and routing number. Your bank statement or online banking portal shows both numbers. Some employers ask for a voided check instead, which has the same information printed on it. Once you submit this information, the first deposit usually arrives within one or two pay periods.
Direct deposit is free and reliable. If you change banks, you need to update your account and routing numbers with your employer or the agency so future deposits go to the new account. If you forget to update and a deposit goes to the old account, contact your employer or the agency to redirect it.
Transferring money from another bank account
You can move money from a savings account, checking account, or investment account at another bank into your current account. This is called an external transfer or ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House). The money usually arrives within one to three business days and is free or low-cost.
To set up a transfer, log into your bank's app or website, select "transfer money," and choose "from another bank." You'll enter the other bank's name, your account number there, and the amount. Your bank will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account, then asking you to confirm the amounts. Once verified, you can transfer money whenever you want.
Some banks also let you transfer money by giving the other bank permission to pull money from your account. This is called a push transfer. Ask your bank whether it offers this option if you want to move money faster.
Wire transfers and other fast deposit methods
A wire transfer moves money from one bank to another in hours, sometimes minutes. You go to a branch or use your bank's app, provide the receiving bank's name, the account number, and the routing number, and the bank sends the money. Wire transfers usually cost $15 to $30 and are not reversible once sent, so double-check the account number before confirming.
Some banks also accept deposits through peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App. Money sent to you through these apps can be transferred into your bank account, though it may take a day or two. These apps are free to receive money but may charge a fee if you want to move the money out when ready.
Wire transfers are useful when you need money to arrive the same day or when you're sending a large amount to someone you trust. For routine deposits, direct deposit or mobile check deposits are simpler and cheaper.
What to do if a deposit doesn't show up
If you deposited money and it hasn't appeared after the expected time, first check your account to make sure it didn't go through. Log into your bank's app or website and look at your recent transactions. If you see the deposit, it's there—sometimes the app takes a few hours to update.
If the deposit is not there and the important date has passed, contact your bank. Have the receipt or confirmation number ready. For mobile check deposits, the bank may ask you to submit the check image again or bring the physical check to a branch. For direct deposits, contact your employer or the agency to confirm they sent it to the correct account number. For transfers from another bank, the sending bank may need to investigate on their end.
Most banks resolve missing deposits within a few business days. If money was sent to the wrong account by mistake, the receiving bank can sometimes reverse it, but this requires both banks to cooperate and is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash at an ATM that's not my bank's?
Not usually. Most ATMs only accept cash deposits from customers of that bank or a partner network. Check your bank's website to find ATMs in your bank's network. If you use an ATM from a different bank, it may charge you a fee and may not accept the deposit.
How long does a check deposit take?
A mobile app check deposit usually clears within one to two business days. A check deposited at a teller or ATM may clear the same day or the next business day. Checks from out-of-state banks or very large checks may take longer. Your bank's app will show you the expected clearing date when you deposit.
What's the difference between a routing number and an account number?
Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both are printed on the bottom left of your checks. You need both to set up direct deposit or to receive a wire transfer. If you give only one, the deposit will fail or go to the wrong place.
Is there a limit to how much I can deposit?
Banks don't usually have a limit on how much you can deposit in a single transaction, but deposits over $10,000 in cash trigger a federal report. This is normal and not a problem. Some banks may ask questions about very large deposits to prevent fraud, but you can deposit as much as you want.
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?
No. A check must be made out to you or to you and someone else. If it's made out to someone else, that person must deposit it into their own account. If it's made out to both of you, you may both need to sign the back, depending on your bank's rules.