The main ways to deposit money into your bank account
You can deposit money into your bank account through an ATM, at a branch, by mobile app, by mail, or by having someone transfer it to you electronically. Which method works best depends on what kind of money you are depositing, where you are, and how quickly you need it to show up in your account.
The fastest routes are ATM deposits and branch deposits, which often post the same day or next business day. Mobile app deposits (taking a photo of a check) are convenient but work only for checks. Electronic transfers from another account or person are reliable but may take one to three business days. Mailing a check is slowest, typically taking five to ten business days.
Key Takeaways
- ATM deposits and branch deposits are the fastest ways to add cash or checks to your account, usually posting within one business day.
- Mobile check deposit through your bank's app lets you photograph the front and back of a check and submit it without visiting a branch.
- Electronic transfers from another bank account or person take one to three business days but require no physical visit.
- Mailing a check is an option if you cannot visit a branch or ATM, but allow five to ten business days for it to clear.
- Your bank may place a hold on large deposits or checks from unfamiliar sources, delaying when you can withdraw the money.
Depositing cash or checks at an ATM
Most bank ATMs accept both cash and checks. Insert your debit card, select "Deposit," choose the account, and follow the on-screen prompts. For cash, the machine counts it and confirms the amount before you finish the transaction. For checks, you place them in an envelope (some ATMs provide these), and the machine scans them.
Cash deposits typically post immediately or within a few hours. Check deposits usually post by the next business day, though some banks post them the same day if you deposit before a certain time (often 2 p.m. or 5 p.m.). Check your bank's website or app to see the cutoff time and whether weekend deposits are processed on Monday.
Not all ATMs accept checks, and not all accept cash deposits. Before you go, confirm your bank's ATM accepts the type of deposit you need. If your bank does not have an ATM near you, you may be able to use an ATM from another bank in the same network, though some networks charge a fee.
Depositing at a bank branch
Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with your debit card, checks, or cash. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit, and hand over the money or checks. The teller will count it, confirm the amount, and ask which account to deposit it into. You will receive a receipt showing the deposit amount and the new account balance.
Cash deposits at a branch post immediately. Check deposits usually post by the next business day. If you deposit a large amount of cash (typically $10,000 or more), the bank is required by federal law to file a report with the government; this does not delay your deposit, but you should be aware it happens.
Branch deposits are useful if you have many checks or a large amount of cash, because a teller can process them faster than an ATM. Branches are also the right choice if you have questions about a deposit or need help with your account.
Mobile check deposit through your bank's app
Open your bank's mobile app, find the deposit or check deposit option, and take a clear photo of the front and back of the check. The app will ask you to confirm the check amount and the account you want to deposit into. Submit the photos, and the deposit is sent to your bank.
Mobile check deposits usually post within one to three business days. Some banks offer next-day posting if you deposit before a certain time. Check your bank's app or website to see the posting timeline and any limits on how many checks you can deposit per day or per month.
Mobile deposit works only for checks, not cash. You will need a smartphone or tablet with a camera and internet access. Make sure the check is signed on the back and that the photos are clear enough to read all the numbers and text. After you submit the deposit, most banks ask you to destroy the check or write "Deposited" on it so you do not accidentally deposit it twice.
Electronic transfers from another account or person
If someone wants to send you money, they can transfer it from their bank account to yours using your account number and routing number. You provide these numbers (found on the bottom left of your checks or in your bank's app), and they initiate the transfer through their bank's website, app, or by phone.
The transfer typically takes one to three business days. Some banks offer faster transfers (same-day or next-day) if both accounts are at banks that participate in faster payment networks like FedNow or the RTP network. Ask your bank whether it offers these faster options and whether there is a fee.
You can also transfer money between your own accounts at different banks the same way. This is useful if you keep money at multiple banks and want to move it to the account where you need it. The timing is the same: one to three business days for a standard transfer.
Mailing a check to your bank
Write your account number on the back of the check. Place it in an envelope with a deposit slip (if your bank provides them) or a note with your name and account number. Mail it to the address your bank provides for deposits. You can find this address on your bank's website, in your account statements, or by calling customer service.
Mailed checks take five to ten business days to clear, depending on how far the check travels and how quickly your bank processes mail. During this time, the money is not in your account, so do not count on it until it shows up. If the check is lost in the mail, you may not know for weeks.
Mailing a check is a last resort if you cannot use an ATM, branch, app, or electronic transfer. It is slow and carries the risk of loss. If you must mail a check, consider sending it by certified mail so you have proof it was delivered.
Holds on deposits and when money becomes available
Your bank may place a hold on a deposit, meaning the money is in your account but you cannot withdraw it yet. Banks do this to protect themselves in case a check bounces or a transfer is reversed. The hold period depends on the type of deposit and your bank's policy.
Cash deposits typically have no hold. Checks from your own bank usually clear within one business day. Checks from other banks may be held for two to five business days. Large deposits or checks from unfamiliar sources may be held longer. Your bank must tell you when the hold will be lifted; this information is usually on your deposit receipt or in your account statement.
If you need the money right away, ask the teller or call customer service to see if the hold can be shortened. Some banks will release funds early if you have a good account history or if the check is from a trusted source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
No, not usually. A check must be deposited into an account in the name of the person it is made out to. If someone gives you a check made out to them, they must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. This is called a third-party check, and many banks no longer accept them because of fraud risk. Ask your bank first.
What happens if I deposit a check twice by accident?
The second deposit will likely be rejected or reversed. If both deposits go through, your bank will catch the duplicate and remove one of them, usually within a few days. You will not be charged twice, but the reversal may cause your account to go negative if you already spent the money. To avoid this, write "Deposited" on the check after you submit it through your app or ATM.
Is there a limit to how much I can deposit?
Banks do not usually limit how much you can deposit in a single transaction. However, deposits of $10,000 or more trigger a federal report, and very large deposits may be held longer while the bank verifies the source of the money. If you regularly deposit large amounts, tell your bank in advance so they know to expect it.
Can I deposit money into someone else's account?
Yes, if you have their account number and routing number, you can transfer money to their account electronically. You can also give them cash or a check made out to them, and they can deposit it into their own account. You cannot deposit money directly into someone else's account at a branch or ATM unless you are an authorized user on that account.
Why is my check deposit taking so long?
Checks take longer to clear if they are from another bank, if the amount is large, if the check is old, or if there is a problem with the check (missing signature, illegible numbers, or a mismatch between the written and numeric amounts). If your deposit is delayed, contact your bank to ask why and when it will post. You can also ask the person who wrote the check to confirm it was issued correctly.