The most direct way to deposit cash is to walk into your bank branch with the cash and a deposit slip, or use an ATM if your bank has one that accepts cash
Most banks let you deposit cash at a teller window during business hours or at an ATM that has a cash-deposit function. The teller method is the safest because you get a receipt immediately and the bank counts the money in front of you. ATM deposits are faster but the bank counts the cash later, so errors can take a few days to show up on your account.
Some banks also let you deposit cash through their mobile app by taking a photo of the bills, though this is less common and usually has lower limits per transaction. A few banks partner with retail stores like Walmart or CVS to let you deposit cash at their registers, which can be useful if you do not have a branch nearby.
The cash appears in your account immediately at a teller window, but ATM deposits usually post within one business day. Mobile photo deposits can take one to three business days. If you deposit cash after your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. on weekdays), it will post the next business day.
Key Takeaways
- Teller deposits are the safest method because the bank counts the money while you watch and gives you a receipt on the spot.
- ATM cash deposits are faster to complete but the bank counts the money later, so errors may not show up for a day or two.
- Mobile app photo deposits exist at some banks but have lower limits and take longer to post than in-person methods.
- Deposits made after your bank's daily cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. on weekdays) will post the next business day, not the same day.
- Some banks charge fees for cash deposits over a certain amount, so check your account agreement or call your bank before depositing large sums.
Depositing cash at a bank teller
Bring your cash and your debit card or account number to any branch of your bank during business hours. Tell the teller you want to make a cash deposit. The teller will ask you to fill out a deposit slip — a small form that has your account number printed on it (or you can write it in). Write the amount of cash you are depositing on the slip.
Hand the cash and the slip to the teller. The teller will count the money, confirm the amount matches what you wrote, and give you a receipt. The money posts to your account immediately. This is the most reliable method because you have proof of the deposit right away and there is no chance of the bank miscounting.
If you do not have a deposit slip, ask the teller for one. If you do not have your debit card, you can still deposit — just tell the teller your account number or the phone number associated with your account, and they can look it up.
Using an ATM to deposit cash
Not all ATMs accept cash deposits — only ones marked with a cash-deposit symbol or labeled as "deposit-enabled." Your bank's website or app usually shows which ATMs near you have this feature. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "deposit" from the menu.
The ATM will prompt you to insert bills one at a time or in a stack, depending on the machine. Do not insert coins — ATMs do not accept them. The machine will count each bill as it goes in and show you the total on the screen. Confirm the amount is correct, then complete the transaction. You will get a receipt showing the deposit amount.
The money will not post immediately. Most banks post ATM cash deposits within one business day, but some take up to two. If you deposit after your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. on weekdays), the deposit will not post until the next business day. Check your bank's website or call customer service to find out the exact timeline for your bank.
Mobile app photo deposits for cash
Some banks let you deposit cash by taking a photo of the bills through their mobile app, though this is less common than teller or ATM deposits. If your bank offers this, open the app, select "deposit," and take clear photos of the front and back of each bill. The app will add up the total and ask you to confirm.
Photo deposits usually have a lower limit per transaction — often $500 to $1,000 — and take one to three business days to post. After you submit the photos, you must physically deposit the cash at a teller or ATM within a set time (usually 24 hours), or the deposit will be canceled. This method is useful if you want to record the deposit right away but cannot get to a branch or ATM immediately.
Depositing cash at retail partners
Some banks partner with retailers like Walmart, CVS, or Target to let you deposit cash at their registers. This is useful if you live far from a bank branch or need to deposit cash outside normal banking hours. Ask your bank whether it has retail deposit partners and which stores near you participate.
At the register, tell the cashier you want to make a bank deposit. Provide your account number or debit card. The cashier will take your cash, give you a receipt, and the money will post to your account within one to two business days. Retail deposits usually have a limit of $500 to $1,000 per transaction.
What happens if the bank counts the cash differently than you did
If you deposit cash at a teller and the teller counts a different amount than you expected, ask them to recount it in front of you. If the teller's count is lower, you can ask to recount together or withdraw the cash and try again. If the teller's count is higher, the extra money will stay in your account unless you tell the teller to remove it.
If you deposit cash at an ATM and the bank later tells you the machine counted a different amount, contact your bank's customer service immediately. Bring your receipt from the ATM deposit. The bank will investigate by reviewing the machine's count and the video recording of your transaction. If the bank miscounted, they will add the missing money to your account. If you miscounted, the bank will explain the discrepancy but will not remove money you already received.
Keep your deposit receipt for at least 30 days so you can match it against your bank statement. If a deposit does not appear within the expected timeframe, call your bank with the receipt in hand.
Fees and limits for cash deposits
Most banks do not charge a fee for cash deposits made by account holders at their own branches or ATMs. However, some banks charge a fee if you deposit cash at a branch you do not normally use, or if you deposit a very large amount in a single transaction.
Check your account agreement or call your bank to find out whether there are any fees for cash deposits. If you plan to deposit more than $10,000 in cash, your bank is required by federal law to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the government — this is routine and not a sign of wrongdoing, but it means the deposit may take longer to process.
Some banks also set daily or monthly limits on how much cash you can deposit. If you hit the limit, you may need to split the deposit across multiple days or speak with a manager about a higher limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into someone else's bank account?
No, you cannot deposit cash directly into another person's account at most banks. You can give them the cash and they can deposit it themselves, or you can transfer money to their account using their bank account number and routing number (if your bank offers transfers). Some banks allow a family member or authorized user to deposit cash on your behalf if they have power of attorney or are listed on the account.
What if I deposit cash and the bank never posts it?
If your deposit does not appear within the expected timeframe, contact your bank immediately with your receipt. The bank will search for the deposit using the receipt number and the amount. If the deposit was made at an ATM, the bank will review the machine's records and video. If the bank finds the cash was counted and deposited, they will add it to your account. If the cash was never received, the bank will work with you to investigate further.
Do I need to report large cash deposits to the IRS?
Your bank reports deposits over $10,000 to the government through a Currency Transaction Report, but this does not mean you owe taxes on the money. You only owe taxes if the cash is income. If it is a gift, a loan repayment, or money you already paid taxes on, you do not owe additional taxes. Keep records of where the cash came from in case the IRS asks.
Can I deposit cash at a bank where I do not have an account?
No, you cannot deposit cash into an account at a bank where you are not a customer. You can only deposit into your own account at your own bank. If you need to deposit cash into someone else's account at a different bank, they will need to do it themselves or give you authorization to do it on their behalf.
How long does it take for a cash deposit to show up in my account?
Teller deposits post immediately. ATM deposits usually post within one business day. Mobile photo deposits take one to three business days. Retail deposits take one to two business days. Any deposit made after your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. on weekdays) will not post until the next business day. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.