You can deposit cash or checks at a bank where you don't have an account, but the process and fees depend on the bank's policies and your relationship to the account holder

Most banks will not accept deposits into an account you don't own unless you are an authorized user on that account. If you're trying to deposit money into your own account at a different bank, the answer is simpler: yes, but you'll need to use one of several methods, each with different timelines and costs.

The key distinction is whether you own the account or not. If the account is yours, you have multiple deposit routes. If the account belongs to someone else, most banks require you to be listed on the account before they'll accept a deposit on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • You can deposit cash or checks into your own account at a different bank using ATM deposits, mobile check deposit, bank transfers, or by visiting a branch in person.
  • Most banks will not accept cash deposits into an account you don't own, even if you have the account number and routing number.
  • If you need to deposit money into someone else's account, ask the account holder to add you as an authorized user, or use a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal instead.
  • ATM deposits and mobile check deposits are fastest for your own account; bank-to-bank transfers typically take one to three business days.
  • Some banks charge fees for deposits at branches outside their network, so check your bank's fee schedule before depositing at an unfamiliar location.

Depositing into your own account at a different bank

If the account is yours but held at a different bank, you have four main options. The fastest is mobile check deposit: photograph the front and back of a check using your bank's app, and the funds typically post within one business day. Most banks offer this free to account holders.

The second option is an ATM deposit. If your bank has ATMs outside its main branch network—either through a shared ATM alliance or a national network like Allpoint or MoneyPass—you can deposit cash or checks at those machines. The deposit posts immediately to your account, though the funds may take one business day to clear. Check whether your bank charges a fee for out-of-network ATM deposits; many do not for deposits, only for withdrawals.

The third option is a bank-to-bank transfer. Log into your account online or via app, select "transfer money," and enter the receiving bank's routing number and your account number there. The transfer typically takes one to three business days and is free. This works only for moving money between accounts you own.

The fourth option is to visit a branch in person. Walk into any branch of your bank with cash or a check, and a teller will deposit it into your account. If you visit a branch of a different bank, they will not accept the deposit—you must go to your own bank's branch.

Depositing into someone else's account

Banks treat deposits into accounts you don't own as a money-laundering and fraud risk. Most will refuse the deposit outright, even if you have the correct account number and routing number. The account holder must authorize you first.

If you need to deposit money regularly into someone else's account, ask them to add you as an authorized user or joint account holder. Once you're on the account, you can deposit cash or checks at any branch or ATM. The account holder can set this up by visiting their bank in person or calling their bank's customer service line.

If adding you to the account is not an option, use a peer-to-peer payment app instead. Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and similar services let you send money directly to another person's phone number or email address. The recipient receives the money in their app account and can transfer it to their bank account. These transfers are free between individuals and typically take one to three business days.

Cash deposits at banks where you have no account

Some banks and credit unions will accept cash deposits from non-account holders, but this is rare and usually limited to specific situations. A few credit unions participate in shared branching networks that allow members of one credit union to conduct basic transactions at another credit union's branch, including deposits. Check whether your credit union is part of the CO-OP or Alliant networks.

Some banks offer deposit-only ATMs that accept cash from anyone, but these are uncommon and typically found only in high-traffic locations like airports or casinos. The cash is held in a secure envelope and credited to the account number you enter. Verify with the bank that the ATM accepts deposits from non-account holders before attempting a deposit.

If you need to deposit cash into someone else's account and they are not willing to add you to the account, your only reliable option is a peer-to-peer payment app or a wire transfer through a money transfer service like Western Union.

Check deposits at a different bank

If the check is made out to you and you want to deposit it into your own account at a different bank, mobile check deposit is the fastest route. Take a photo of the front and back of the check using your bank's app, and submit it. The funds post within one business day in most cases.

If you prefer not to use mobile deposit, you can deposit the check at an ATM if your bank's ATM network accepts check deposits. Not all ATMs do, so check your bank's website or app to find a check-deposit-enabled machine near you.

If the check is made out to someone else and you need to deposit it into their account, they must endorse the check (sign the back) and add a line that says "Pay to the order of [your name]." You then sign below that. This is called a third-party check, and many banks refuse to accept them due to fraud risk. Ask the account holder's bank whether they accept third-party checks before attempting the deposit.

Fees and timing for out-of-network deposits

Most banks do not charge a fee for deposits at their own branches or ATMs, even if you're depositing cash or checks from an outside source. However, if you use an out-of-network ATM to deposit, some banks charge a small fee—typically $1 to $3 per transaction. Check your bank's fee schedule on their website or in your account agreement.

Timing varies by method. Mobile check deposits and in-person branch deposits post the same day or next business day. ATM deposits post immediately but may take one business day to clear. Bank-to-bank transfers take one to three business days. Peer-to-peer payments typically take one to three business days to reach the recipient's bank account.

If you deposit cash or a check on a weekend or holiday, the deposit will not post until the next business day, even if you use an ATM or mobile app.

What to do if a bank refuses your deposit

If a bank refuses to accept your deposit, ask why. The most common reasons are: the account number or routing number is incorrect, the account is closed or frozen, you are not an authorized user, or the bank's policy prohibits deposits from non-account holders.

If the account number is wrong, verify it with the account holder. If the account is closed or frozen, the account holder needs to contact their bank to resolve the issue. If you're not authorized, ask the account holder to add you to the account. If the bank's policy prohibits the deposit, use a peer-to-peer payment app or wire transfer instead.

Do not attempt to deposit a check or cash into an account you don't own without the account holder's permission. This can be treated as fraud or theft, even if your intentions are legitimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check at a bank I don't have an account with?

No, most banks will not accept a check deposit from a non-account holder. If the check is made out to you, deposit it into your own account using mobile check deposit, an ATM, or a branch visit. If the check is made out to someone else, they must deposit it themselves or add you as an authorized user first.

What if I have the account number but no account at that bank?

Having the account number is not enough. Banks require you to be an authorized user or account owner before accepting a deposit. If you're trying to send money to someone else, use Venmo, PayPal, or a similar app instead.

Do I need to visit a branch to deposit cash into my account at a different bank?

Not necessarily. If your bank has ATMs in a shared network or outside its main branches, you can deposit cash at those ATMs. Otherwise, you'll need to visit a branch of your own bank. You cannot deposit cash at a branch of a different bank.

How long does it take for a deposit to show up in my account?

Mobile check deposits and in-person deposits typically post the same day or next business day. ATM deposits post immediately but may take one business day to clear. Bank-to-bank transfers take one to three business days. Peer-to-peer payments take one to three business days to reach a bank account.

Can I deposit money into someone else's account using a peer-to-peer app?

Yes. Apps like Venmo, PayPal, and Square Cash let you send money to another person's phone number or email. The recipient receives it in their app account and can transfer it to their bank account. These transfers are typically free and take one to three business days.