The main ways to deposit money into your account
You can put money into your 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. Which method works depends on what you have on hand, how quickly you need the money to show up, and whether your bank offers that service.
Most people use one of three routes: walking into a branch with cash or a check, using an ATM to deposit a check, or setting up direct deposit so money arrives automatically. Each has different timing and requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Cash and check deposits at a teller usually post the same day or next business day, while ATM check deposits may take one to three business days.
- Direct deposit requires your account number and routing number, which you can find on a blank check or in your online banking portal.
- Wire transfers move money fastest but cost $15 to $30 and require the sender to have your full account and routing information.
- Mobile app deposits work only for checks, not cash, and require you to photograph both sides of the check.
Depositing cash or a check in person at a branch
Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with your cash or check and your debit card or ID. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit. They will ask which account to deposit into if you have more than one, count the cash or process the check, and give you a receipt showing the amount and the date.
Cash deposits post when ready or by the end of the business day. Check deposits usually post the next business day, though some banks post them the same day if you deposit before a certain time (often 2 p.m.). Ask your teller what time cutoff applies at your branch.
You do not need an appointment. If the branch is busy, you may wait, but the actual deposit takes a few minutes.
Using an ATM to deposit a check
Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit" from the menu. The ATM will ask you which account to deposit into. Insert the check into the slot when prompted. The machine will scan it, show you an image of both sides to confirm it is readable, and ask you to confirm the amount. Once you confirm, the check goes into the machine and your receipt prints.
Check deposits made at an ATM typically post within one to three business days. Some banks post them faster if you deposit before a certain time on a weekday. Weekend and holiday deposits usually post on the next business day.
ATM deposits work only for checks, not cash. If you need to deposit cash, you must use a teller or a cash-accepting ATM, which are less common and usually found only at larger branches or in-network locations.
Setting up direct deposit from your employer or another source
Direct deposit means money is sent automatically from your employer's payroll system, a government agency, or another organization straight into your account on a set schedule. You do not have to do anything once it is set up except wait for the money to arrive.
To set up direct deposit, you need your account number and routing number. Find both on a blank check: the routing number is the first nine digits at the bottom left, and your account number is the second set of digits. You can also log into your online banking portal or call your bank's customer service line to get these numbers.
Give your account and routing number to your employer's payroll department, or to the government agency or organization sending the money. They will set it up on their end. Direct deposits usually start within one to two pay periods. Money typically posts on the scheduled date, often early morning.
Sending money via wire transfer
A wire transfer moves money from another bank account into yours quickly, usually within hours or one business day. The person sending the money goes to their bank and provides your full name, account number, routing number, and the amount. Their bank charges a fee (typically $15 to $30) and sends the money to your bank.
You do not need to do anything to receive a wire transfer except give the sender your information. The money will arrive in your account automatically. Your bank may notify you by email or text when it posts, depending on your settings.
Wire transfers are useful when you need money fast, but they are expensive and cannot be reversed once sent. Do not use them to send money to someone you do not know or trust completely.
Depositing money through a mobile banking app
Most banks let you deposit checks using your phone. Open your bank's mobile app, select "Deposit a Check" or similar, and follow the prompts. You will photograph the front and back of the check. The app will show you the images to confirm they are clear and readable, then ask you to confirm the amount and which account to deposit into.
Once you confirm, the check is deposited. Most mobile check deposits post within one to three business days, the same as ATM deposits. Some banks post them faster if you deposit before a certain time on a weekday.
Mobile deposits work only for checks. You cannot deposit cash through an app. After the deposit posts, you should write "Deposited" on the check and keep it for your records, or destroy it so it cannot be deposited twice.
What to do if your deposit does not show up
If you deposited cash or a check and the money has not appeared after the time your bank said it would, contact your bank's customer service line or visit a branch. Bring your receipt if you have it. The bank can look up the deposit in their system and tell you whether it posted, whether there was an error, or whether it is still processing.
If a check was rejected or did not post, the bank will tell you why. Common reasons include the check being unreadable, the amount not matching what you entered, or the check being damaged. If the check was rejected, ask the bank what to do next — you may be able to redeposit it or contact the person who wrote it.
If you deposited a check through an ATM or mobile app and it has been more than three business days, call your bank. There may have been a scanning error, or the check may have been rejected for a reason the app did not show you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
No. A check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it is made out to someone else, that person must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]," then you sign below that. This is called a third-party check, and many banks no longer accept them. Ask your bank first.
What is the difference between my account number and routing number?
Your routing number identifies your bank. Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank. Both are needed for direct deposits and wire transfers. You can find both on a blank check, or call your bank to ask.
How long does it take for a check to clear?
A check usually posts to your account within one to three business days. However, the funds may not be available to withdraw or spend until the check fully clears, which can take five to ten business days. Your bank will tell you when funds are available if you ask.
Can I deposit cash through my phone or online?
No. Mobile apps and online banking let you deposit checks only. To deposit cash, you must use a teller at a branch, a cash-accepting ATM, or a cash deposit machine. Ask your bank where the nearest cash deposit option is located.
What happens if I deposit a check twice by accident?
If you deposit the same check twice, your bank will likely catch it and reject the second deposit. If both deposits go through, the check writer's bank will reject one when they process it, and you will be asked to return the money. Write "Deposited" on checks after you deposit them to avoid this.