The main ways to deposit money at your bank
You can deposit money into your bank account in person at a branch, through an ATM, by mail, or online using your phone or computer. The method you choose depends on how much money you're depositing, how quickly you need it in your account, and what your bank offers. Most banks let you use multiple methods, so you can pick the fastest or most convenient one for each deposit.
In-person deposits at a branch teller are the most straightforward: you hand over cash or a check, the teller counts it or scans it, and the money appears in your account the same day or the next business day. ATM deposits work similarly but happen outside branch hours. Mobile deposits and online transfers are faster for checks and transfers from other accounts, but they require you to have the right app or access set up first.
Key Takeaways
- In-person deposits at a teller window are processed the same day or next business day, and you get a receipt immediately.
- ATM deposits let you deposit cash or checks 24/7, but the money may take one to two business days to show in your account.
- Mobile check deposits through your bank's app are the fastest way to deposit a check—usually one business day—but you need the app installed first.
- Mailed deposits take five to seven business days and work only for checks, not cash.
- Wire transfers and ACH transfers move money from another account into yours, but they have different speeds and fees depending on your bank.
Depositing cash or checks in person at a branch
Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with your cash or check and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit. The teller will ask which account to deposit into if you have more than one. Hand over the money or check, and the teller will count it, verify it, and enter it into the system. You'll receive a receipt showing the amount and the date.
The money is credited to your account the same business day if you deposit before your bank's cutoff time—usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. on weekdays. Deposits made after the cutoff or on weekends and holidays are processed the next business day. There is no fee for this deposit method at most banks, though some charge a fee if you're not a customer or if you deposit a check that bounces.
Using an ATM to deposit cash or checks
ATM deposits work around the clock and don't require you to visit a teller. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit." The ATM will prompt you to insert cash or checks into a slot. Some ATMs accept both at once; others require you to deposit them separately. The machine scans the check or counts the bills, shows you the amount on the screen, and asks you to confirm. Once you confirm, the money is held in a temporary account.
ATM deposits usually take one to two business days to clear and appear in your account. This delay happens because the bank has to verify the deposit after you leave—the ATM doesn't have the same real-time verification a teller does. If you deposit a check that bounces, the bank will reverse the deposit and may charge you a fee. Most banks do not charge a fee for ATM deposits made at their own machines, but they may charge if you use an ATM from a different bank.
Depositing checks through your mobile app
Mobile check deposits are the fastest way to deposit a check without visiting a branch or ATM. Open your bank's mobile app, select "Deposit a Check," and take a photo of the front and back of the check. The app will read the check number, amount, and routing information automatically. Review the details, confirm the amount, and select which account to deposit into. The app will tell you when the deposit is complete.
Mobile deposits usually clear within one business day, faster than ATM deposits. However, you must have the bank's app installed on your phone, and you need a camera that works. Some banks limit how many checks you can deposit per day or per month—common limits are three to ten checks daily or $2,500 to $10,000 per day. If you try to deposit a check that's already been deposited or a check that's damaged, the app will reject it and ask you to try again or visit a branch.
Mailing a check to your bank
If you can't visit a branch, use an ATM, or access the mobile app, you can mail a check to your bank. Write your account number on the back of the check in the area marked for endorsement. Put the check in an envelope with a deposit slip—you can request one from your bank or print one from their website—and mail it to the address on the slip. Do not send cash by mail; it can be lost or stolen and the bank won't replace it.
Mailed deposits take five to seven business days to arrive and clear, sometimes longer depending on mail delivery and your bank's processing schedule. The bank will credit your account once the check clears. If the check bounces or is damaged, the bank will contact you. Mailing is the slowest deposit method and should be used only when other options aren't available.
Transferring money from another account
You can move money into your bank account from another bank account using a wire transfer or an ACH transfer. A wire transfer is fast—usually same-day or next-day—but costs $15 to $30 per transfer. An ACH transfer is slower—typically three to five business days—but is free or costs $1 to $3. Both require you to know the other account's routing number and account number, or the other bank's name and the account holder's name.
To set up a transfer, log into your bank's website or app, select "Transfer Money," and choose the account you're transferring from. Enter the receiving account details, the amount, and the date you want the transfer to happen. The bank will verify the information and process the transfer. Some banks let you schedule recurring transfers, like a weekly deposit from your employer or a monthly transfer from savings to checking. If you enter the wrong account number, the money may go to the wrong person, and recovering it can take weeks.
What happens if your deposit is rejected or delayed
A deposit can be rejected if the check is damaged, already deposited, post-dated (dated in the future), or written for an amount that doesn't match what you entered. If you're depositing a check through an ATM or mobile app and it's rejected, the machine or app will tell you why. Try depositing it again, or visit a branch teller who can inspect it in person and may be able to process it.
Deposits can be delayed if your bank suspects fraud, if the check is from an account with insufficient funds, or if there's a holiday or weekend in the processing window. If your deposit doesn't appear within the expected timeframe, contact your bank's customer service line or visit a branch. Have your receipt or the check number ready. The bank can tell you the status and when the money will be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash at an ATM?
Yes, most ATMs accept cash deposits. Insert your debit card, select "Deposit," and feed the bills into the slot one at a time. The ATM will count them and show the total on the screen. The deposit usually clears within one to two business days.
What's the difference between a wire transfer and an ACH transfer?
A wire transfer moves money the same day or next day but costs $15 to $30. An ACH transfer takes three to five business days and is free or costs $1 to $3. Use a wire transfer when you need money fast; use ACH for routine transfers where speed doesn't matter.
Do I need to endorse a check before depositing it?
Yes. Sign the back of the check in the area marked "Endorse here." If you're depositing by mail, also write your account number below your signature. If you're using a mobile app or ATM, the machine will scan the back, so make sure your signature is visible.
What if I deposit a check that bounces?
The bank will reverse the deposit and remove the money from your account. If you spent the money before the check bounced, your account may go negative and you'll owe the bank a fee, usually $25 to $35. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to deposit funds or write a new check.
How long does it take for a mobile check deposit to clear?
Mobile check deposits usually clear within one business day, which is faster than ATM or mailed deposits. However, some banks hold the funds for two business days if the check amount is large or if it's your first deposit through the app.