USAA does not accept cash deposits at branches or ATMs, so you will need to convert cash to a check or transfer it through another bank first
USAA is an online-only bank with no physical branches. This means you cannot walk into a location and hand over cash. Instead, you have three main routes: deposit a check (which USAA accepts through mobile deposit), move money from another bank account you control, or ask someone else to deposit cash into their account and transfer it to you.
The fastest option for most people is mobile check deposit—you write a check to yourself, photograph it with the USAA app, and the funds appear in your account within one to two business days. If you do not have checks yet, you can request them from USAA, but that takes five to seven business days to arrive. The other routes work immediately or within hours.
Key Takeaways
- USAA has no ATMs or branches that accept cash deposits, so you must convert cash to a check or move it through another account.
- Mobile check deposit is the most direct method: write a check to yourself, photograph both sides with the USAA app, and funds post within one to two business days.
- If you have a second bank account (at Chase, Bank of America, or any other bank), you can deposit cash there and transfer it to USAA the same day using online banking.
- You can also ask a trusted person to deposit your cash into their account and send it to your USAA account via transfer, though this creates a record of the transaction.
- USAA does not charge fees for incoming transfers or mobile deposits, but other banks may charge you to deposit cash at their ATM or branch.
Mobile check deposit through the USAA app
This is the simplest path if you have checks. Write a check to yourself (your name as both payer and payee), sign it, and open the USAA mobile app. Go to Deposit, select Mobile Check Deposit, and photograph the front and back of the check in good lighting. The app will confirm the amount and routing information. Submit the deposit.
Funds typically post within one to two business days. USAA does not charge a fee for mobile deposits. If you do not have checks yet, order them through the USAA app or website—they arrive in five to seven business days. Once you have them, you can use this method anytime you need to deposit cash.
The main limitation is that you need a physical check. If you are in a hurry and do not have checks on hand, the other methods below are faster.
Transfer cash from another bank account you own
If you have a checking or savings account at another bank—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, a local credit union, or any other institution—you can deposit cash there and then move it to USAA. Deposit the cash at that bank's ATM or branch (most banks accept cash deposits at their own ATMs). Then log into that bank's online banking and set up a transfer to your USAA account.
You will need your USAA account number and routing number (USAA's routing number is 314074269). The transfer usually posts the same day or within one business day. USAA does not charge for incoming transfers. The other bank may charge you a fee for depositing cash at an ATM if you are not a customer, though most banks allow free cash deposits at their own machines.
This method works immediately and requires no checks. The trade-off is that you need access to another bank account.
Ask someone else to deposit cash and transfer it to you
If you do not have checks or another bank account, you can give cash to a trusted person—a family member, friend, or roommate—and ask them to deposit it into their own account, then transfer it to your USAA account. They will need your USAA account number and routing number to send the money.
The transfer typically posts within one business day. This method works, but it creates a record showing money moving from someone else's account to yours, which can raise questions if the amount is large or if you do this repeatedly. It is also the least private option and requires trust.
Use this only if the other methods are not available to you.
What USAA ATMs and branches do accept
USAA operates no physical branches and owns no ATM network. However, USAA members can use ATMs from the Allpoint network (over 55,000 ATMs worldwide) to withdraw cash for free. Some USAA accounts also include access to CO-OP and Surcharge-Free networks, depending on your account type. You can find participating ATMs through the USAA app.
These networks let you withdraw cash, but they do not accept deposits. Deposits must come through the methods described above.
Timing and fees for each method
| Method | Time to post | USAA fee | Other costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile check deposit | 1–2 business days | None | None (if you have checks) |
| Transfer from another bank | Same day to 1 business day | None | Possible ATM fee at other bank |
| Third-party deposit and transfer | 1 business day | None | None |
USAA does not charge for any incoming deposits or transfers. Your only potential cost is if you deposit cash at another bank's ATM and are not a customer there—most banks charge $1 to $3 for non-customer cash deposits, though many waive this for their own customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash at a USAA ATM?
No. USAA ATMs only allow withdrawals. You must use one of the three methods above to deposit cash into your USAA account.
How long does mobile check deposit take?
Funds typically post within one to two business days after you submit the photo through the app. Weekends and holidays may delay posting. USAA will send you a notification when the deposit clears.
What if I do not have checks yet?
Order checks through the USAA app or website—they arrive in five to seven business days. In the meantime, use a transfer from another bank account or ask someone to deposit cash and transfer it to you.
Is there a limit to how much cash I can deposit?
USAA does not publish a per-deposit limit for mobile check deposits. However, large deposits (typically over $10,000) may trigger reporting requirements under federal banking law. If you are depositing a large amount, contact USAA directly to confirm the process.
Can I deposit cash from someone else's account?
Yes, but the money must come from their account to yours as a transfer. You cannot deposit someone else's cash directly into your USAA account. They deposit it into their own bank first, then send it to you.