Direct deposit, bank transfers, and cash deposits are the main ways to put money into another person's account
You can deposit money into someone else's checking account in four ways: direct deposit (if you're their employer or a government agency), bank-to-bank transfer (online or by phone), cash deposit at their bank's branch, or third-party payment apps like Venmo or PayPal. Which method works depends on whether you have the person's account details, whether you both bank at the same institution, and how quickly the money needs to arrive.
The fastest route is usually a same-bank transfer if you both use the same bank—money often moves within minutes. If you bank at different institutions, a standard ACH transfer takes one to three business days. Cash deposits at a branch are instant but require you to visit in person with the account holder's name and account number.
Key Takeaways
- Bank-to-bank transfers require the recipient's routing number and account number, which you can ask them for directly or find on a check.
- Same-bank transfers between two accounts at the same institution usually complete within minutes and often have no fee.
- ACH transfers between different banks take one to three business days and may charge a small fee depending on your bank.
- Cash deposits at a branch are instant but require you to go to the bank in person with the account holder's name and account number.
- Payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Square Cash work for smaller amounts but may have daily or monthly limits.
Bank-to-bank transfers using account and routing numbers
If you have the recipient's account number and routing number, you can transfer money through your own bank's website or mobile app. Log into your account, select "Send Money" or "Transfer," and choose the option for transfers to another bank. Enter the recipient's name, routing number, and account number, then the amount and date.
The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies the recipient's bank. You can find it on the bottom left of any check they give you, or they can call their bank's customer service line to ask for it. The account number is usually printed on the check as well, or they can find it in their online banking portal.
This type of transfer is called an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House). It typically takes one to three business days to complete. Some banks offer faster ACH options that arrive the same day or next business day, but these may charge a fee of $5 to $15. Standard ACH transfers are usually free.
Same-bank transfers that arrive within minutes
If you and the recipient both have accounts at the same bank, you can transfer money instantly through your bank's app or website. The process is simpler than a bank-to-bank transfer because the money never leaves the institution. Log in, select "Transfer Between Accounts" or "Send Money," enter the recipient's name or account number, and confirm the amount.
Most same-bank transfers complete within minutes, and there is no fee. Some banks let you transfer to any account holder at that bank, while others require you to set up the recipient as a "payee" first, which takes a few minutes. Check your bank's website or call their customer service line to confirm whether you can transfer to an account you haven't used before.
Cash deposits at the bank branch
You can walk into any branch of the recipient's bank with cash and deposit it directly into their account. Bring the cash, the account holder's name, and their account number. You do not need the account holder to be present. The deposit is recorded immediately, though the funds may take a few hours to show in their online balance depending on the bank's processing schedule.
This method works well if you have cash on hand and want the money to arrive the same day. The downside is that you have to visit the bank during business hours. Some banks charge a fee for deposits made by someone other than the account holder, though many do not—call ahead to confirm.
Payment apps for smaller amounts
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Apple Pay let you send money to someone's phone number or email address. The recipient then transfers the money into their checking account, or they can spend it directly from the app. These apps are convenient for splitting bills or sending money to friends, but they have limits.
Most payment apps cap transfers at $500 to $2,000 per transaction and $1,000 to $5,000 per week, depending on the app and whether your account is verified. Some apps charge a fee if you fund the transfer with a credit card, though transfers from your bank account are usually free. The money typically arrives in the recipient's bank account within one to three business days after they request it.
What information you need from the recipient
For a bank-to-bank transfer, you need the recipient's full name, account number, and routing number. For a same-bank transfer, you usually just need their name or account number. For a cash deposit, you need their name and account number. For a payment app, you need their phone number or email address.
If the recipient is uncomfortable sharing their full account number, ask them to provide it in writing or over the phone directly to you—do not ask them to text it. Some people prefer to give you only the last four digits of their account number and their routing number, then call their bank to notify them that a deposit is coming. This adds a layer of security.
Fees and timing comparison
| Method | Speed | Typical Fee | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Same-bank transfer | Minutes | None | Recipient's name or account number |
| ACH transfer (different banks) | 1–3 business days | None (standard) | Routing number and account number |
| Expedited ACH | Same day or next day | $5–$15 | Routing number and account number |
| Cash deposit at branch | Same day | None or $1–$5 | Recipient's name and account number |
| Payment app (Venmo, PayPal) | 1–3 business days | None (bank transfer) or 3% (credit card) | Recipient's phone or email |
What to do if the transfer fails or the money goes to the wrong account
If you enter the wrong account number or routing number, the transfer may be rejected before it leaves your bank, or it may go to a different account. If your bank rejects it, you will see an error message and the money will stay in your account. If the money reaches the wrong account, contact your bank immediately with the date, amount, and recipient details. Your bank can file a trace to locate the funds and request their return.
The process usually takes five to ten business days. In the meantime, also contact the recipient's bank directly and ask them to reverse the deposit if it went to one of their customers by mistake. Keep records of all communications with both banks. If the money was sent to an account at a different bank, your bank will work with that bank's fraud department to recover it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money into someone's account without their permission?
Yes, you can deposit money into someone's account without their permission if you have their account and routing numbers. The recipient does not need to authorize incoming deposits. However, if you are sending money as a gift or payment, it is good practice to let them know it is coming so they are not surprised.
Do I need the recipient's debit card or PIN to deposit money?
No. You do not need their debit card, PIN, or password to deposit money into their account. You only need their account number and routing number (for transfers between banks) or their name and account number (for cash deposits or same-bank transfers).
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
The routing number identifies the bank or credit union where the account is held. The account number identifies the specific account within that bank. Both are printed on checks: the routing number is on the bottom left, and the account number is in the middle. You need both for transfers between different banks.
Can I deposit money into a savings account the same way?
Yes. The process is identical whether the account is a checking account or a savings account. You use the same routing number and account number, and the transfer method (bank-to-bank, same-bank, or cash deposit) works the same way.
What happens if I deposit cash at the wrong branch of the recipient's bank?
It does not matter which branch you visit. All branches of the same bank share the same routing number and can access any account at that bank. The deposit will be recorded to the correct account as long as you provide the correct account number.