The main ways to deposit money into a checking account

You can put money into a checking account through a bank teller, an ATM, a mobile app, a wire transfer, or by mailing a check. The fastest method depends on where you are and what form the money is in. If you have cash or a check in hand, an ATM or teller is quickest. If someone is sending you money from another account, a wire transfer or ACH transfer takes a few business days. Mobile deposit — photographing a check with your phone — works if your bank supports it and you have the app.

Each method has different limits, fees, and timing. Some banks charge for certain deposits or cap how much you can deposit at once. Knowing which method works for your situation saves time and avoids unexpected holds on your money.

Key Takeaways

  • ATM deposits and teller deposits work immediately for cash, but checks usually have a one- to three-business-day hold before the money is available to spend.
  • Mobile deposit (photographing a check with your phone) is available through most banks' apps and typically holds the check for the same one- to three-business-day period.
  • Wire transfers and ACH transfers from another bank account take two to five business days and may have per-transaction fees of $15 to $30.
  • Some banks limit how much you can deposit at an ATM in a single day or require you to visit a teller for deposits over a certain amount.
  • Mailing a check is the slowest option and can take one to two weeks, plus an additional hold period once the bank receives it.

Depositing cash or checks at a teller or ATM

A bank teller can accept cash or checks during business hours. Cash deposits are credited to your account immediately, but checks are subject to a hold — usually one to three business days — before you can withdraw the money. The hold exists because the bank must confirm the check is valid and the account it came from has sufficient funds.

ATM deposits work the same way. You insert cash or an envelope containing checks into the machine, and it credits your account right away. However, the same hold period applies to checks. Some ATMs have daily limits — commonly $1,000 to $5,000 for cash deposits — so if you are depositing a large amount, you may need to split it across multiple days or visit a teller instead.

If your bank charges a fee for teller deposits, it is usually waived for customers with certain account types or minimum balances. ATM deposits are typically free, but using an ATM outside your bank's network may incur a surcharge.

Using mobile deposit to photograph checks

Mobile deposit lets you photograph the front and back of a check using your bank's app, then submit it without visiting a branch or ATM. The process takes two to three minutes. Your bank will send you a confirmation, and the check is deposited into your account.

Like ATM and teller deposits, mobile deposits of checks are subject to a hold — usually one to three business days. Some banks offer next-business-day availability for mobile deposits if you submit them before a certain time (often 5 p.m. or 9 p.m.). Cash cannot be deposited through mobile deposit; you must use an ATM or teller for that.

Most banks cap mobile deposits at $2,000 to $10,000 per check and $5,000 to $25,000 per day, depending on your account type and history. If you exceed the limit, you can deposit additional checks the next day or visit a teller for a larger deposit.

Wire transfers and ACH transfers from another account

A wire transfer moves money from another bank account directly into your checking account. You provide the sending bank with your account number, routing number, and bank name. Wire transfers typically arrive within one to two business days and cost $15 to $30 per transaction. Some banks offer free incoming wire transfers but charge for outgoing ones.

An ACH transfer is slower but usually free. ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, a network that processes electronic transfers between banks. ACH transfers take two to five business days and are commonly used for payroll deposits, bill payments, and transfers between your own accounts at different banks. There is no fee for most ACH transfers, though some banks charge for outgoing ACH transfers.

To receive a wire transfer or ACH transfer, you need to provide the sender with your account number and routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank and is printed on the bottom left of your checks. If you do not have a check, call your bank or log into your online account to find it.

Mailing a check to your bank

You can mail a check to your bank's deposit address, which is usually listed on your bank's website or on the back of your checks. Write your account number on the back of the check in the memo line. Mail the check in an envelope and allow one to two weeks for it to arrive, plus an additional one to three business days for the bank to process and clear it.

Mailing is the slowest deposit method and carries a small risk that the check will be lost in transit. Use this method only if you cannot deposit in person, through an ATM, or through mobile deposit. Keep a record of what you mailed and when, in case you need to follow up with your bank.

Understanding holds on check deposits

A hold is a temporary delay before deposited check funds become available for withdrawal. Banks place holds to protect themselves against bad checks — checks written on accounts with insufficient funds or closed accounts. The hold period is typically one to three business days for standard checks, but can be longer for large deposits, out-of-state checks, or checks from banks the receiving bank does not recognize.

During a hold, the money appears in your account balance but is marked as unavailable. If you withdraw money before the hold lifts, you may overdraw your account and face overdraft fees. Some banks offer next-business-day availability for deposits made before a certain time, which shortens the hold to one business day.

If a check is returned unpaid (bounced), the bank will reverse the deposit and deduct the amount from your account. You may also be charged a returned-check fee, typically $10 to $30. If you need the money urgently, ask your bank whether they offer early availability for the specific check you are depositing.

Deposit limits and fees

Most banks set daily or per-transaction limits on deposits to prevent fraud and manage processing capacity. ATM cash deposits often have a $1,000 to $5,000 daily limit. Mobile deposits typically cap at $2,000 to $10,000 per check and $5,000 to $25,000 per day. Teller deposits usually have no limit, though the bank may ask questions about very large cash deposits (over $10,000) for regulatory reasons.

Fees vary by bank and account type. Teller deposits are usually free, but some banks charge $1 to $5 per deposit if you exceed a certain number per month. ATM deposits are typically free at your bank's machines but may cost $1 to $3 at out-of-network ATMs. Wire transfers cost $15 to $30 per transaction. ACH transfers are usually free. Mobile deposits are free at most banks.

Check your account agreement or call your bank to confirm the limits and fees that apply to your account. Some account types — such as premium or business accounts — have higher limits or waived fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most checks clear within one to three business days. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Some banks offer next-business-day availability if you deposit before a certain time, usually 5 p.m. or 9 p.m. Large checks or checks from out-of-state banks may take longer.

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 a check is made out to someone else, that person must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" before you can deposit it. Some banks do not accept third-party checks, so call ahead to ask.

What happens if I deposit a check and it bounces?

The bank will reverse the deposit and remove the money from your account. You may also be charged a returned-check fee of $10 to $30. If you spent the money before the check bounced, you could overdraw your account and face additional overdraft fees.

Can I deposit cash at an ATM outside my bank's network?

Some out-of-network ATMs accept deposits, but most do not. Even if they do, you may be charged a $1 to $3 fee. It is best to use your bank's ATMs or visit a teller. If you need to deposit at an out-of-network ATM, call your bank first to confirm it accepts deposits and ask about fees.

Do I need to endorse a check before depositing it through mobile deposit?

Yes, you must sign the back of the check before photographing it for mobile deposit. Write "For mobile deposit only" above your signature to add an extra layer of security. Do not deposit the physical check elsewhere after submitting it through mobile deposit.