Yes, you can deposit money into someone else's bank account — but the method depends on the account holder's bank and what access they give you
You can put money into another person's account in several ways: transfer it online if you have their account and routing numbers, use a mobile payment app like Venmo or PayPal, deposit cash at an ATM if the account holder adds you as an authorized user, or hand them cash or a check to deposit themselves. The fastest and most direct route is usually an online transfer or mobile app, which takes minutes to hours. The slowest is waiting for someone to deposit a check you give them, which can take days.
The account holder does not have to be present, and they do not have to add you to the account. What matters is whether you have the right information (account number, routing number) or access (the app, the ATM card). Different banks have different rules about who can deposit cash at their ATMs, so if you are planning to deposit physical money regularly, ask the account holder's bank first.
Key Takeaways
- Online transfers and mobile payment apps are the fastest ways to send money to someone else's account, usually completing within hours.
- You need either the account holder's account and routing numbers (for a bank transfer) or their username or phone number (for a mobile app).
- Cash deposits at ATMs are possible only if the account holder has authorized you or if the ATM belongs to their bank and accepts third-party deposits.
- Checks and cash you hand to the account holder work but depend on them depositing the money themselves, which can take several days.
- Some banks charge fees for deposits made by non-account holders, so confirm the cost before you deposit.
Online bank transfers: the fastest method for most situations
If you have the account holder's account number and routing number, you can transfer money from your own bank account to theirs using online banking or your bank's mobile app. Log into your account, select "send money" or "transfer," enter their information, and the money usually arrives within one business day — sometimes the same day if both banks process it quickly.
You do not need permission from the account holder's bank to do this. You only need their account details, which they can give you over the phone, text, or email. The account holder does not have to add you to their account or give you any special access. Once the transfer lands, it is their money to use.
Some banks charge a small fee (usually $1 to $3) for outgoing transfers to accounts outside your bank, though many offer a certain number of free transfers per month. Check your bank's fee schedule before you send, especially if you plan to do this regularly.
Mobile payment apps: fastest for small amounts and regular transfers
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle let you send money to someone's phone number or email address in minutes. The money lands in their account (or their app wallet) almost instantly. These apps work best for splitting bills, paying back friends, or sending regular small amounts — most have daily or monthly limits on how much you can transfer.
The account holder needs to have the same app and a linked bank account or debit card. You do not need their bank account number. You just need their phone number or email, which they give you directly. The transfer is usually free, though some apps charge a fee if you use a credit card instead of a debit card or bank account.
One trade-off: these apps are less formal than bank transfers. If there is a dispute about whether the money was sent or received, the app's customer service may take longer to resolve it than a bank would. For large amounts or one-time transfers, a direct bank transfer is safer.
Cash deposits at ATMs: only if the account holder has authorized it
Some banks allow you to deposit cash into someone else's account at their ATM if that person has added you as an authorized user or given the bank permission. This is not standard — most banks do not allow it. Call the account holder's bank and ask whether they accept third-party cash deposits and what steps are needed.
A few banks (Chase, Bank of America, and some regional banks) have started allowing cash deposits to linked accounts or accounts where you have been added as a depositor. Even then, the account holder usually has to set this up in advance. You cannot walk up to an ATM and deposit cash into a stranger's account without their bank's permission and their account setup.
If the account holder's bank does allow it, ask them to confirm your name and authorization status with the bank before you attempt a deposit. ATM cash deposits can fail silently — the machine may reject the cash or the deposit may not post to the account — so follow up with the account holder to confirm the money arrived.
Checks and cash you hand to the account holder
You can write a check to the account holder or give them cash, and they can deposit it themselves. This is free and requires no special setup, but it depends on them actually going to the bank. Checks take 1 to 3 business days to clear after deposit, and cash deposits are immediate but only if they go in person.
This method is useful if you do not have the account holder's bank details or if they prefer not to share them. It is also useful if you are sending a large amount and want a paper trail. The downside is that you have no control over when the money actually reaches their account — it depends on when they deposit it.
What happens if you deposit money into the wrong account
If you accidentally transfer money to the wrong account number, contact your bank immediately. Your bank can try to recall the transfer, but success depends on whether the receiving bank has already released the funds. If the money has been withdrawn or transferred out, recovery is much harder and may require the receiving bank to cooperate.
Most banks have a window of a few hours to a day to recall a transfer before it is considered final. After that, the money is legally the property of whoever received it, and your bank cannot force them to return it. You may have to pursue a civil claim or file a police report if the transfer was fraudulent.
Always double-check the account number and routing number before you hit send. Ask the account holder to confirm the last four digits of their account number after you have entered it, or have them verify the information themselves.
Fees and limits to know before you deposit
Most online transfers between banks are free, but some banks charge $1 to $3 per outgoing transfer if you exceed a certain number per month (often 6 free transfers). Mobile payment apps are usually free if you use a linked bank account or debit card, but charge 1% to 3% if you use a credit card.
Daily and monthly limits vary by app and bank. Venmo and PayPal typically allow $300 to $20,000 per transaction depending on your account age and verification status. Bank transfers have higher limits, often $10,000 to $25,000 per day, but this varies by bank. If you need to send more than the limit, split the transfer across multiple days or contact your bank to request a higher limit.
Some banks also charge a fee if a non-account holder deposits cash at their ATM — usually $1 to $5 per deposit. Ask the account holder's bank about this before you attempt a cash deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the account holder's permission to deposit money into their account?
No. You can transfer money to someone's account using their account number and routing number without asking them first. However, it is good practice to tell them you are sending money so they are not surprised by the deposit and can confirm it arrived.
What if I only have the account holder's name and bank, but not their account number?
You cannot complete a bank transfer with only a name and bank. You need the account number and routing number. Ask the account holder for these details, or use a mobile payment app instead, which requires only a phone number or email address.
Can I deposit cash into someone else's account at their bank's branch?
Yes, if you go to the bank in person with the account holder or with their written authorization. Bring the account holder's account number and a form of ID. Some banks require the account holder to be present; others accept a signed letter of authorization. Call the bank ahead to confirm their policy.
How long does it take for money to show up after I transfer it?
Online bank transfers usually take one business day, though some banks offer same-day transfers for a fee. Mobile payment apps like Venmo and PayPal are nearly instant — the money appears in the recipient's app within minutes. Checks take 1 to 3 business days after deposit. Cash deposits are immediate if deposited in person.
What if the account holder's bank rejects my deposit?
Banks rarely reject deposits, but it can happen if the account number is wrong, the account is closed, or the account holder has restrictions on who can deposit money. If a deposit is rejected, your bank will return the money to your account within a few business days. Contact the account holder to verify their account number and ask their bank whether there are any restrictions on deposits.