The main ways to deposit money into checking
You can deposit money into your checking account at an ATM, at a bank branch, through mobile deposit, by mail, or by having money sent directly to your account. The fastest method depends on where you are, what time it is, and whether you have the bank's app on your phone. Most banks let you use multiple methods, so you can pick what works for your situation that day.
The amount you deposit does not matter for most methods — you can deposit $5 or $5,000 the same way. The main difference is speed: some deposits clear the same day, others take one to three business days. If you need the money right away, the method you choose matters.
Key Takeaways
- ATM deposits and branch deposits usually clear by the next business day, while mobile deposits typically take one to three business days.
- Mobile deposit requires your bank's app and works by photographing the front and back of a check, but only works for checks, not cash.
- Direct deposit (payroll or government payments) is the fastest method and requires you to give your account number and routing number to your employer or the paying agency.
- Deposits made after your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or later) may not clear until the next business day, even at a branch.
- Some banks charge fees for deposits over a certain amount or for using another bank's ATM, so check your account terms.
Depositing cash or checks at an ATM
Most ATMs accept both cash and checks. You insert the bills or checks into the slot, the machine counts or scans them, and the deposit shows in your account within one business day. Some banks show the deposit immediately on your phone, but the money may not be available to spend until the next day.
Not all ATMs accept checks — older machines only take cash. If you are not sure whether your bank's ATM takes checks, look for a label on the machine or use your bank's website or app to find an ATM that does. Using an ATM from a different bank may add a fee to your account, so stick to your own bank's machines when you can.
The amount you can deposit at an ATM varies by bank. Some banks limit cash deposits to $5,000 or $10,000 per transaction, and some limit check deposits to $50,000. If you are depositing more than that, you will need to use a branch or split the deposit across multiple ATM visits.
Depositing at a bank branch in person
Walk into any branch of your bank with your cash or checks and a teller will process the deposit for you. This is the fastest way to deposit large amounts or unusual items (like a cashier's check or a money order). The deposit usually clears by the next business day.
Bring your debit card or account number so the teller knows which account to deposit into. If you do not have your card, you can give your name and the teller can look up your account. You do not need an appointment — just go during business hours.
If you deposit after your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. on weekdays), the deposit may not process until the next business day. Some banks have different cutoff times on Fridays or do not process deposits on weekends at all, so the money might not clear until Monday.
Mobile deposit using your phone
Mobile deposit lets you photograph the front and back of a check using your bank's app, then submit it without going to a branch or ATM. The deposit usually clears in one to three business days. This method only works for checks — you cannot deposit cash this way.
To use mobile deposit, download your bank's app, open it, and look for a "deposit" or "mobile deposit" option. You will take two photos (front and back of the check) and enter the check amount. The app will tell you when the deposit cleared and when the money is available to spend.
There are limits on mobile deposit. Most banks cap the amount per check at $2,500 to $10,000, and some limit the total you can deposit per day or per month. Check your bank's app or website for your specific limits. Once you submit a mobile deposit, do not spend the check itself — write "deposited" on it and keep it for 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it.
Direct deposit from your employer or government
Direct deposit is the fastest way to get money into your account. Your employer or a government agency (like the Social Security Administration or the IRS) sends money straight to your bank account on a set schedule — usually every two weeks for payroll, or monthly for benefits. The money appears in your account on the day it is sent, and you can spend it right away.
To set up direct deposit, you need to give your employer or the paying agency your account number and your bank's routing number. You can find both on a blank check, in your online banking portal, or by calling your bank. Some employers have you fill out a form; others let you enter the information online.
Direct deposit is free and does not require you to do anything once it is set up. If you change banks, you will need to update your account information with your employer or the agency so the money goes to the right place.
Depositing by mail
You can mail a check to your bank, and they will deposit it into your account. This is the slowest method — the check has to travel through the mail, then the bank has to process it, which usually takes five to ten business days. Use this method only when you cannot deposit any other way.
Your bank will have a mailing address for deposits on its website or in your account materials. Write your account number on the back of the check, put it in an envelope, and mail it to that address. Do not send cash by mail — it can be lost or stolen.
Keep a record of what you mailed and when. If the deposit does not show up after two weeks, contact your bank to ask whether they received it.
What happens after you deposit money
Once you deposit money, it goes through two stages: it shows in your account, and then it becomes available to spend. These are not the same thing. Your bank might show the deposit immediately, but hold the money for one to three business days before you can withdraw it or use your debit card.
This hold exists because the bank is waiting for the money to actually clear from the source (your employer's bank, another bank's ATM, or the check writer's bank). Until that happens, the bank is taking the risk that the money will not actually arrive. Holds are longer for checks from other banks than for cash or direct deposits.
If you need the money right away, ask your bank how long the hold will be before you deposit. Direct deposit and cash deposits at your own bank's ATM or branch usually clear the fastest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
No. A check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it is made out to someone else, that person needs to sign the back and deposit it themselves, or sign it over to you (though many banks no longer accept third-party checks). Ask your bank what they will accept.
What if I deposit a check and it bounces?
If the check writer does not have enough money in their account, the check bounces. Your bank will remove the money from your account and may charge you a fee (usually $10 to $30). You will need to contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to pay you another way or write a new check.
Do I need to be present to deposit money at an ATM?
Yes, you need to be there to insert the cash or checks and complete the transaction. You cannot deposit money remotely at an ATM — only through mobile deposit (for checks) or direct deposit (for payroll or government payments).
Why is my mobile deposit taking longer than expected?
Mobile deposits sometimes take longer if the photo quality is poor, the check amount does not match what you entered, or the check is damaged. Your bank's app will tell you if there is a problem. You can also contact your bank to ask why the deposit is delayed.
Can I deposit money into someone else's checking account?
Yes, if you know their account number and routing number, you can set up a transfer from your bank to theirs, or you can deposit cash or a check made out to them at their bank's ATM or branch. Direct deposit also works this way — you can have your paycheck sent to someone else's account if you give your employer their account information.