The main ways to deposit cash

You can deposit cash at an ATM, a bank branch, a check-cashing store, or through a third-party service like PayPal or Square Cash. Which one works depends on whether you have an account at that institution, whether the ATM is in your bank's network, and how quickly you need the money in your account.

The fastest and most direct route is your own bank's ATM or branch. If you use an ATM outside your bank's network, the deposit may take longer to post and could cost you a fee. Third-party services like PayPal let you deposit cash at certain retail locations, but they charge a percentage and the money goes into a digital wallet first, not directly into your bank account.

Some banks and credit unions also partner with retail chains — Walmart, CVS, Walgreens — so you can deposit cash at those locations without visiting a branch. Check your bank's website or app to see which retailers near you accept deposits.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank's own ATMs and branches deposit cash when ready or within one business day, with no fee.
  • ATMs outside your bank's network may charge a fee and take longer to post the deposit.
  • Some banks partner with retailers like Walmart and CVS to let you deposit cash at those locations.
  • Third-party services like PayPal and Square Cash let you deposit cash at retail stores, but charge a percentage and deposit to a digital wallet, not a bank account.
  • Mobile deposit (photographing a check) works for checks, not cash, and is offered by most banks.

Depositing at your bank's ATM or branch

This is the simplest route. Walk to an ATM or branch owned by your bank, insert your debit card or enter your account number, and follow the on-screen prompts to deposit the cash. The money posts to your account when ready or within one business day, depending on the time of day and your bank's processing schedule.

Most banks process deposits made before 2 p.m. on a business day the same day. Deposits made after 2 p.m. or on weekends and holidays typically post the next business day. Some banks have a cutoff as early as noon, so check your bank's specific timing.

There is no fee for depositing at your own bank's ATM or branch. This is always the cheapest and fastest option if you have access to one.

Using ATMs outside your bank's network

If you deposit cash at an ATM that does not belong to your bank, two things happen: you may pay a fee, and the deposit may take longer to post. The fee typically ranges from $1 to $3 and is charged by the ATM operator, not your bank — though your bank may also charge you a fee for using an out-of-network ATM.

The timing is also slower. Out-of-network deposits often take two to three business days to post because the ATM operator has to send the cash to a processing center, which then sends it to your bank. In-network deposits post within one business day.

Some banks belong to shared ATM networks — Allpoint, MoneyPass, CO-OP — that let you use thousands of ATMs without a fee. Check whether your bank participates in one of these networks before you use an out-of-network ATM.

Retail deposits through your bank's partnerships

Many banks and credit unions have partnered with large retailers to let you deposit cash at those locations. Common partners include Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Target. You walk into the store, go to the customer service desk or pharmacy, and hand over your cash along with a deposit slip or your debit card. The cashier processes the deposit and it posts to your account within one business day.

These deposits are free and do not carry the delays of out-of-network ATMs. However, not every bank offers this service, and not every retailer participates. Check your bank's website or mobile app to see which retailers near you accept deposits for your account type.

The process is slower than an ATM because a person is handling the transaction, so there is more room for error. Bring your debit card or account number and a deposit slip to make sure the money goes into the right account.

Third-party services like PayPal and Square Cash

PayPal, Square Cash, and similar services let you deposit cash at thousands of retail locations — 7-Eleven, Walmart, CVS, and others — but the money goes into your PayPal or Square account first, not directly into your bank account. You then have to transfer it from PayPal to your bank, which takes one to three business days.

These services charge a percentage of the deposit, typically 1.5% to 2%, which is deducted from the amount you deposit. So if you deposit $100, you might receive $98 in your PayPal account. This makes them more expensive than your bank's own deposit methods.

The advantage is convenience if you do not have a bank branch or ATM nearby. The disadvantage is the fee, the extra step of transferring to your bank, and the fact that the money sits in a third-party account rather than your bank account. Use this method only if your bank does not offer retail deposits and you cannot reach an ATM.

Mobile deposit and check deposits

Mobile deposit — photographing a check with your phone and uploading it through your bank's app — works for checks, not cash. Most banks offer this service for free, and the check posts within one to three business days. This does not help you deposit physical cash, but it is worth knowing if you receive checks.

Some banks let you deposit cash through their app by scanning a barcode or QR code at a participating retailer, but this is less common and still requires you to visit a location. The process is similar to third-party services: the cash is processed at the retailer and posted to your account within one business day.

Timing and what affects how fast your deposit posts

The speed of a cash deposit depends on three things: the type of deposit (ATM, branch, or retail), the time of day you deposit, and your bank's processing schedule. In-network ATM and branch deposits typically post the same day if made before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. on a business day. Out-of-network ATM deposits take two to three business days. Retail deposits take one business day.

Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a deposit made on Friday evening will not post until Monday. Some banks process deposits in batches at specific times of day, so a deposit made at 3 p.m. may not post until the next day even if it is before the cutoff.

If you need the cash in your account urgently, deposit at your bank's own ATM or branch before the cutoff time on a business day. If you are depositing outside business hours or on a weekend, the money will not post until the next business day at the earliest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash at any ATM?

You can deposit cash at any ATM that accepts deposits, but you will pay a fee if it is not your bank's ATM. In-network deposits are free and post faster. Check whether your bank belongs to a shared network like Allpoint or CO-OP to find free ATMs near you.

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

Deposits at your bank's own ATM or branch post within one business day, usually the same day if made before 2 p.m. Out-of-network ATM deposits take two to three business days. Retail deposits take one business day. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.

What is the cheapest way to deposit cash?

Your bank's own ATM or branch is always free. Retail deposits through your bank's partnerships are also free. Out-of-network ATMs and third-party services like PayPal charge fees. If you have access to your bank's ATM or a partner retailer, use those.

Can I deposit cash at a Walmart or CVS?

Only if your bank has partnered with that retailer. Not all banks offer this service, and not all retailers participate. Check your bank's website or app to see which retailers near you accept deposits for your account.

What happens if I deposit cash at the wrong bank's ATM?

The ATM will ask you to enter an account number or card number. If you enter your account information, the deposit will go to your bank account, but you will pay an out-of-network fee and it will take longer to post. If you enter the wrong information by mistake, contact your bank when ready.