Yes, you can deposit money into someone else's TD Bank account, but the method depends on whether you have their account number and what type of deposit you're making
TD Bank allows third parties to deposit cash or checks into another person's account at a branch or ATM, provided you have the account holder's permission and their account number. You cannot transfer money online or through a mobile app into someone else's account unless you are an authorized user on that account. The fastest route is usually a branch deposit with the account holder present, or a check made out to their name.
The rules differ slightly depending on whether you're depositing cash, a check, or transferring funds electronically. Each method has different requirements for verification and documentation. Understanding which option works for your situation will save you a trip or prevent a deposit from being rejected.
Key Takeaways
- You can deposit cash or checks into someone else's TD Bank account at a branch or ATM if you have their account number and their permission.
- The account holder does not need to be present for a cash or check deposit at an ATM, but must be present for most branch deposits of cash.
- You cannot use TD Bank's online banking or mobile app to deposit money into another person's account unless you are listed as an authorized user.
- Checks made out to someone else's name can be deposited by that person or, in some cases, by a third party with a signature from the payee on the back.
- TD Bank may place a hold on deposits made by third parties, especially large amounts or checks from unfamiliar sources.
Depositing cash at a TD Bank branch
Walk into any TD Bank branch with the account holder's account number and the cash you want to deposit. Tell the teller you are depositing money into someone else's account and provide that account number. The teller will ask for the account holder's name to verify the account exists. You do not need the account holder to be present for a cash deposit at a branch, though some branches may ask for ID from you as the depositor.
Bring a form of identification with you. TD Bank tellers are required to verify who is making the deposit, especially for cash amounts over $3,000. If you do not have ID, the branch may refuse the deposit or ask you to return with the account holder. After the deposit is processed, you will receive a receipt showing the amount deposited and the account it was credited to.
Using a TD Bank ATM for cash or check deposits
TD Bank ATMs accept cash and check deposits into any TD Bank account if you have the account number. Insert your debit card or the account holder's debit card into the ATM, select "Deposit," and choose the account you want to deposit into. If you do not have a debit card, some TD Bank ATMs allow you to enter the account number manually, though this varies by machine and location.
For check deposits at an ATM, endorse the check (sign the back) and follow the ATM's prompts to scan or insert it. Cash deposits at ATMs are usually processed immediately, while check deposits may take one to two business days to clear. ATM deposits do not require the account holder to be present, and you do not need to show ID at most machines.
Depositing a check made out to someone else
If you have a check made out to the other person's name, they can deposit it themselves at a branch or ATM using their debit card or account number. If you want to deposit it on their behalf, the check must be endorsed (signed on the back) by the payee. Write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature, then sign your own name below. This is called a third-party check, and TD Bank will accept it, though some branches may require both the payee and the depositor to be present.
Third-party checks carry higher fraud risk, so TD Bank may place a longer hold on the funds—sometimes up to seven business days instead of the standard one to two days. Some branches have stopped accepting third-party checks altogether, so call ahead to confirm your local branch will take one before you attempt the deposit.
Electronic transfers into someone else's account
You cannot use TD Bank's online banking portal or mobile app to transfer money into another person's account unless you are an authorized user on that account. If you want to send money electronically, use a separate service: wire transfer through TD Bank, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or another peer-to-peer payment app. These services move money from your account to theirs without requiring you to be an authorized user.
Wire transfers through TD Bank take one to two business days and cost $15 to $30 depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international. Peer-to-peer apps like Zelle and Venmo are usually free and transfer money within minutes to hours. If the recipient does not have an account with the same app, they can receive the money via email or phone number and set up an account to claim it.
What happens if TD Bank places a hold on the deposit
TD Bank may place a hold on deposits made by third parties, meaning the money is credited to the account but cannot be withdrawn for a set period. Holds typically last one to two business days for checks and same-day for cash, but can extend to seven business days if the check is from an unfamiliar bank, the amount is large, or the account has a history of returned deposits.
The account holder can ask TD Bank to release the hold early by visiting a branch with ID and the deposit receipt. If the hold is longer than expected, the account holder should contact TD Bank's customer service at 1-800-937-8372 to ask why and request an expedited release. Holds do not prevent the deposit from being recorded in the account—they only prevent withdrawal of those specific funds.
Risks and limits on third-party deposits
TD Bank does not publish a daily or monthly limit on third-party cash deposits, but deposits over $10,000 trigger federal reporting requirements. If you deposit more than $10,000 in cash into someone else's account in a single transaction or within a short period, TD Bank must file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the federal government. This is routine and legal, but the account holder should be aware it will happen.
Repeated large deposits by third parties can also trigger fraud alerts, especially if the deposits come from different people or different locations. If the account holder's account is flagged, TD Bank may freeze it temporarily while they investigate. To avoid this, keep the account holder informed about who is depositing money and when, and use consistent depositors when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the account holder's permission to deposit money into their account?
Yes. Depositing money into someone else's account without their knowledge or consent is not illegal, but it can create problems if TD Bank suspects fraud or money laundering. Always get permission from the account holder before making a deposit on their behalf.
Can I deposit money into a TD Bank account if I don't have the account number?
No. You need the account number to deposit money at an ATM or to specify which account the deposit goes into at a branch. If you do not have the account number, ask the account holder for it or have them present at the branch so the teller can look it up.
What if the check is made out to both me and the other person?
If the check is made out to both names, both people must endorse it. You sign your name and the other person signs theirs on the back. Then either of you can deposit it into the other person's account, though TD Bank may still treat it as a third-party check and place a hold.
How long does a third-party deposit take to clear?
Cash deposits at a branch or ATM are usually available immediately or within hours. Check deposits typically take one to two business days, but third-party checks can take up to seven business days if TD Bank places an extended hold. The account holder can check their account online to see when funds are available for withdrawal.
Can I deposit money into a TD Bank account if I don't have a TD Bank account myself?
Yes. You can walk into any TD Bank branch with cash and the recipient's account number and make a deposit without having your own account. You will need to show ID, and the teller will record your information for compliance purposes.