The three ways to put money into your account

You can deposit money at a bank in person at a teller window, through an ATM, or by mailing a check. The fastest route is the teller window during business hours — the money usually shows up in your account the same day. ATM deposits take a photo of your check and typically post within one business day. Mailed checks take the longest, usually three to five business days depending on distance and mail speed.

Which method you choose depends on what you're depositing, how quickly you need the money to show up, and whether you have time to visit a branch. If you're depositing cash, you must go to a teller or use a cash-accepting ATM — you cannot mail cash. If you're depositing a check and it's not urgent, mailing it costs nothing and requires no trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Teller deposits at a branch window are the fastest method and work for cash, checks, and other items, with money usually posted the same day.
  • ATM deposits work for checks only and take a photo of both sides; the deposit typically posts within one business day.
  • Mailed checks take three to five business days and require you to write your account number on the back of the check.
  • Some banks also offer mobile check deposit through their app, which works like an ATM deposit but from your phone.

Depositing in person at a teller window

Walk into your bank branch during business hours with your cash, check, or other item you want to deposit. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit and hand them what you're depositing. If you don't have your debit card or account number memorized, bring your ID — the teller can look up your account by name and address.

The teller will count the cash or examine the check, enter the deposit into the system, and give you a receipt showing the amount and your new balance. Ask the teller when the deposit will post if you need the money urgently — most same-day deposits post within a few hours, but some banks post deposits at the end of the business day. If you're depositing a check from another bank, ask whether there's a hold on the funds; large checks sometimes take an extra day or two to clear.

Using an ATM to deposit a check

Find an ATM owned by your bank (not another bank's ATM, which usually won't accept deposits). Insert your debit card and enter your PIN. Select "Deposit" from the menu and choose "Check" as the deposit type.

The ATM will ask you to insert the check into the slot. It will take a photo of the front and back of the check automatically — do not sign the back of the check before inserting it, as the ATM needs to photograph the blank back. The machine will display the amount it read from the check and ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the check is scanned and held inside the ATM. The deposit typically posts to your account within one business day, though some banks post ATM deposits the same day if you deposit before a certain time (often 2 p.m. or 5 p.m.).

Keep your receipt from the ATM. If the deposit doesn't show up in your account within two business days, contact your bank with the receipt and the check details so they can investigate.

Mailing a check to your bank

Write your account number on the back of the check in the top left corner, above the line that says "For Deposit Only." Do not sign the back of the check — your account number is enough. Place the check in an envelope with a letter stating your name, account number, and the amount of the check you're depositing.

Mail the envelope to the address your bank provides for deposits. You can find this address on your bank's website under "Mailing Address for Deposits" or by calling the customer service number on the back of your debit card. The check will arrive in three to five business days depending on mail speed and distance. Once your bank receives it, they will scan it and post the deposit to your account, which usually takes one to two more business days. In total, expect the money to show up five to seven business days after you mail it.

Do not mail cash. Cash cannot be replaced if it is lost in the mail, and banks will not reimburse you. Use a teller window or ATM for cash deposits only.

Mobile check deposit through your bank's app

Many banks offer a mobile deposit feature in their smartphone app. Open the app, select "Deposit a Check" or "Mobile Deposit," and follow the prompts to take a photo of the front and back of the check. The app will read the check amount and ask you to confirm before submitting.

Mobile deposits work the same way as ATM deposits — the bank scans the image and posts the money to your account within one business day. Some banks post mobile deposits the same day if you submit before a certain time. Check your bank's app to see if this feature is available; not all banks offer it, and some require you to have had your account open for a certain length of time before you can use it.

What happens after you deposit

Once your deposit posts, the money is in your account and you can use it. However, if you deposited a check from another bank, your bank may place a hold on the funds for one to five business days. A hold means the money is in your account but you cannot withdraw it yet. Holds exist because the check has to clear through the other bank's system first — if the check bounces, your bank needs time to reverse the deposit.

Holds are most common on large checks, checks from banks far away, or checks from banks your bank doesn't recognize. You can ask the teller or call customer service to find out when the hold will lift. Once the hold is removed, you can withdraw or spend the money freely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check that's made out to someone else?

No. A check must be made out to you or to you and another person together. If a check is made out to someone else, that person must deposit it themselves or sign it over to you in writing (called a third-party endorsement), though many banks no longer accept third-party checks due to fraud risk. Ask your bank whether they accept them before trying.

What if I deposit a check and it bounces?

Your bank will reverse the deposit and remove the money from your account. If you already spent the money, your account will go negative and you may be charged an overdraft fee. The person who wrote the check is responsible for the bounced check, but you will need to contact them to get the money back or ask them to write a new check.

Do I need to endorse a check before depositing it at an ATM?

No. ATMs photograph the back of the check, so you should leave it blank. For teller deposits, sign the back of the check before handing it to the teller. For mailed deposits, do not sign the back — write your account number instead.

How long does a deposit take if I use my bank's ATM versus a different bank's ATM?

Use your own bank's ATM only. Deposits to ATMs owned by other banks may not be accepted, or they may take longer to post because they have to be routed through multiple banking systems. Stick to your bank's ATMs for deposits.

Can I deposit cash at an ATM?

Only if the ATM is a cash-accepting machine, which some banks have but not all. These machines look different and have a wider slot for bills. If your bank's ATMs don't accept cash deposits, you must go to a teller window during business hours.