The main ways to deposit money into checking

You can deposit money into your checking account at an ATM, through a bank teller, by mobile app, by mail, or through an electronic transfer from another account. The fastest method depends on whether you need the money available the same day, whether you have access to your bank's physical location, and what form the money is in—cash, check, or digital transfer.

Each method has different timing. ATM deposits and teller deposits usually post within one business day. Mobile check deposits typically post within one to three business days. Mailed checks take longer—usually five to ten business days depending on mail speed and your bank's processing time. Electronic transfers between accounts at the same bank are often instant or same-day.

Key Takeaways

  • ATM deposits and teller deposits are the fastest in-person options and usually post within one business day.
  • Mobile check deposits through your bank's app take one to three business days but work from anywhere.
  • Mailed checks are slowest, taking five to ten business days, and require you to endorse the check and include a deposit slip.
  • Electronic transfers between accounts at the same bank often post instantly or the same business day.
  • Some banks charge fees for certain deposit methods or have limits on how much you can deposit at once.

Depositing cash or checks at an ATM

Most banks have ATMs that accept both cash and checks. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, select "Deposit," and follow the on-screen prompts. For checks, the ATM will scan the front and back, so make sure the check is endorsed on the back (sign your name). For cash, the machine counts it and confirms the amount before you finish the transaction.

ATM deposits usually post to your account within one business day, though some banks post them the same day if you deposit before a certain time—often 2 p.m. or 5 p.m. Check your bank's website or app to see the cutoff time. Be aware that some banks limit how much you can deposit at an ATM in a single day or per transaction—this varies by bank, so check your account terms.

Depositing with a bank teller

Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with your cash or checks and your debit card or account number. Hand the money to the teller and tell them you want to deposit it to your checking account. The teller will count the cash or scan the checks, give you a receipt, and the deposit posts to your account—usually the same day or next business day.

Teller deposits are useful if you have a large amount of cash or checks, because there are no daily limits like there are at ATMs. You can also ask the teller questions about your account or request a printed receipt if you need documentation. If you don't have your debit card, bring a government-issued ID and know your account number.

Mobile check deposits through your bank's app

Most banks let you photograph the front and back of a check using their mobile app and deposit it without visiting a branch or ATM. Open your bank's app, find the deposit or mobile check option, take clear photos of both sides of the check, and submit. The app will show you the amount and ask you to confirm before the deposit goes through.

Mobile check deposits usually post within one to three business days. Some banks post them faster if you deposit early in the day on a weekday. After you submit a mobile deposit, most banks ask you to write "Mobile Deposit" on the back of the check and keep it for at least 30 days in case there's a problem. Do not deposit the same check twice—banks catch duplicate deposits and will reverse one of them.

Mailing a check to your bank

If you cannot reach a branch or ATM, you can mail a check to your bank's deposit address. Write your account number on the back of the check below your signature, include a deposit slip (you can print one from your bank's website or request one by phone), and mail it to the address your bank provides. Use a regular envelope—do not send cash by mail.

Mailed deposits take five to ten business days to post, depending on mail delivery time and how quickly your bank processes incoming mail. The timing is unpredictable, so do not rely on a mailed deposit if you need the money by a specific date. Keep a copy of the check or take a photo of it before mailing, in case you need proof of the deposit later.

Electronic transfers from another account

If the money is already in another bank account—yours or someone else's—you can transfer it electronically to your checking account. Log into your bank's website or app, select "Transfer Money," choose the account you want to transfer from, enter the amount, and confirm. If you are transferring from a different bank, you will need the routing number and account number of the other bank.

Transfers between accounts at the same bank usually post instantly or within the same business day. Transfers between different banks take one to three business days and are called ACH transfers. Some banks charge a small fee for outgoing transfers to other banks, though most do not. Check your bank's fee schedule to see whether transfers cost anything.

Deposit limits and fees

Banks set daily and per-transaction limits on ATM deposits, usually ranging from $500 to $5,000 per day depending on the bank. Teller deposits and mobile check deposits may have higher limits or no limit at all. If you need to deposit more than your bank's limit, you can make multiple deposits over several days or visit a teller, who can process a larger amount in one transaction.

Most banks do not charge fees for deposits made at ATMs, tellers, or through mobile apps. Some banks charge a fee if you use an ATM that does not belong to their network, though this is less common for deposits than for withdrawals. Check your bank's fee schedule or call customer service to confirm whether any of your deposit methods will cost money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?

Checks deposited at a teller or ATM usually post within one business day. Mobile check deposits take one to three business days. Mailed checks take five to ten business days. The check is "cleared" when the money actually moves from the other person's bank to yours, which can take longer than when it posts to your account—ask your bank if you need to know the exact clearing time.

Can I deposit cash at an ATM?

Yes, most bank ATMs accept cash deposits. Insert your card, select "Deposit," choose cash, and insert the bills. The machine counts them and confirms the amount. Cash deposits usually post the same day or next business day. Not all ATMs accept cash, so check your bank's website to find a cash-accepting ATM near you.

What if I deposit a check twice by mistake?

Banks have systems to catch duplicate deposits. If you submit the same check twice, one deposit will be reversed and the money returned to your account. The reversal usually takes a few business days. To avoid this, write "Mobile Deposit" on the back of checks you deposit through your app, and do not mail or deposit them again.

Do I need to endorse a check before depositing it?

Yes. Sign the back of the check and write your account number below your signature. For mobile deposits, make sure both sides of the check are clearly photographed so the bank can see your signature. For ATM or teller deposits, the teller will verify your signature matches your account.

Can someone else deposit money into my checking account?

Yes. Another person can deposit cash or a check made out to you at a teller by providing your account number or debit card. They can also transfer money electronically if they have your routing number and account number. If the check is made out to you, they may need to ask the teller whether you need to endorse it first.