The main ways to put cash in your checking account
You can deposit cash at an ATM, at a bank teller window, through a mobile app with a check deposit feature (though this only works for checks, not cash), or at a store that offers cash deposit services for your bank. The fastest and most direct method is an ATM or teller window at a branch of your bank. Some banks also let you deposit cash at partner ATMs or retail locations like Walmart or CVS, though these may charge a fee or take longer to process.
The method you choose depends on your bank, the time of day, and whether you need the money to show up immediately or can wait a business day. ATMs are available 24/7 but may have daily limits. Teller windows are open during business hours and have no deposit limits. Retail locations are convenient but may not be available everywhere and sometimes charge fees.
Key Takeaways
- ATM deposits are available anytime but may have daily limits set by your bank, usually between $1,000 and $5,000 per transaction.
- Teller deposits at a bank branch have no limit and post immediately, but you can only do them during business hours.
- Retail cash deposits at stores like Walmart or CVS are convenient but may charge a fee and take longer to process.
- Cash deposited at an ATM or teller window typically shows in your account within one business day, though some banks post it the same day.
Depositing cash at an ATM
Most ATMs that belong to your bank accept cash deposits. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, select the deposit option, and follow the on-screen prompts. The machine will ask you to insert bills one at a time or in a stack, depending on the model. Some ATMs count the cash automatically; others require you to enter the amount yourself. After the machine accepts the deposit, you will receive a receipt showing the amount deposited.
ATM deposits usually post to your account within one business day, though some banks credit them the same day if you deposit before a certain time (often 5 p.m. or 9 p.m.). Check your bank's website or app to see the cutoff time. Most banks set a daily ATM deposit limit, commonly between $1,000 and $5,000 per transaction, though limits vary. If you need to deposit more than your limit allows, you can make multiple deposits or visit a teller.
If the ATM rejects your cash or malfunctions after accepting it, contact your bank's customer service line right away. Keep your receipt as proof of the deposit. Your bank can investigate and credit your account if the machine failed to process the transaction correctly.
Depositing cash with a bank teller
Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with your cash and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to make a cash deposit. The teller will count the cash in front of you, enter the amount into the system, and give you a receipt. The deposit posts to your account immediately or within the same business day, depending on the time of day and your bank's processing schedule.
Teller deposits have no limit on the amount you can deposit at once. This is the best option if you are depositing a large sum of cash. Tellers can also answer questions about your account and help if something goes wrong during the deposit. The downside is that you can only do this during branch hours, which are typically Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some locations.
Depositing cash at retail locations
Some banks partner with retail chains like Walmart, CVS, Target, or Walgreens to let customers deposit cash at the register. Ask your bank whether it offers this service and which stores participate. At the register, tell the cashier you want to make a bank deposit, provide your account number or debit card, and hand over your cash. The cashier will count it, print a receipt, and the money goes into your account.
Retail deposits are convenient because these stores are often open early and close late, including weekends. However, not all banks offer this service, and those that do may charge a fee per transaction (typically $1 to $3). The deposit may also take longer to post than an ATM or teller deposit—sometimes one to two business days instead of the same day. Check your bank's website to see whether retail deposits are available and what the fee is before you use this method.
How long it takes for cash to show up
Cash deposited at a teller window or ATM during business hours usually posts to your account the same business day or by the next business day. The exact timing depends on your bank and the time you deposit. If you deposit cash after the bank's cutoff time (often 5 p.m. or later), it may not post until the following business day. Deposits made on weekends or holidays post on the next business day.
Retail cash deposits typically take one to two business days to post because the store does not send the cash to the bank immediately. The store collects deposits throughout the day and sends them to the bank at the end of the business day or the next morning. Your bank then processes the deposit, which adds another day to the timeline.
Once the deposit posts, the money is available for you to spend. If you need cash to be available immediately, a teller deposit during business hours is your fastest option.
What to do if your cash deposit does not show up
If you deposited cash and it has not appeared in your account after two business days, contact your bank's customer service line. Have your receipt ready. If you used an ATM, the bank can check whether the machine actually accepted and processed your deposit. If you used a teller, the teller's record should match your receipt. If you used a retail location, the bank can check whether the store sent the deposit and when.
Banks can usually locate a missing deposit within a few business days. If the ATM malfunctioned or the store failed to send the cash to the bank, your bank will credit your account for the full amount. Keep your receipt until the deposit posts, as it is your proof of the transaction.
Deposit limits and fees
ATM deposits usually have a daily limit set by your bank, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per transaction. Some banks also set a monthly limit on total ATM deposits. Teller deposits have no limit. Retail deposits may have a per-transaction limit (often $500 to $1,000) and may charge a fee of $1 to $3 per deposit.
Check your bank's website or call customer service to find out your specific limits and whether any fees apply. If you regularly deposit large amounts of cash, a teller deposit is usually the best option because there is no limit and no fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash at any ATM, or only my bank's ATM?
You can only deposit cash at ATMs owned by your bank or at ATMs in a network your bank belongs to. ATMs from other banks will not accept deposits from your account. Check your bank's website or app to find ATMs near you that accept deposits.
What if the ATM does not give me a receipt?
Ask the ATM to print a receipt before you leave. If the machine is broken and will not print, contact your bank immediately and report the issue. Your bank can check the ATM's transaction log to confirm your deposit, but having a receipt makes the process faster.
Do I have to use my debit card to deposit cash at an ATM?
Most ATMs require your debit card and PIN to process a deposit. Some banks also let you use your account number instead. Check with your bank about your options if you do not have your debit card with you.
Is there a limit to how much cash I can deposit at a teller?
Teller deposits have no limit on the amount you can deposit in a single transaction. However, the bank may ask questions or file a report if you deposit more than $10,000 in cash in a single day, as this is required by federal law for anti-money-laundering purposes.
Can I deposit someone else's cash into my account?
Yes, you can deposit cash that belongs to someone else into your own account. The bank does not verify who the cash came from. However, if you are regularly depositing large amounts of cash that is not your income, the bank may ask about the source for compliance reasons.