The main ways to deposit money at your bank
You can deposit money into your bank account through an ATM, at a teller window, by mail, or through a mobile app—depending on what your bank offers and what you're depositing. ATMs are the fastest for cash and checks if you're in a hurry. Teller windows let you deposit large amounts or ask questions. Mobile apps work for checks if your bank has mobile deposit. Mail is slowest but works if you can't reach a branch.
Which method you choose depends on what you're depositing, how much time you have, and whether you need the money to show up right away. A cash deposit at an ATM usually posts within hours. A check deposited by mail can take five to ten business days. Knowing the difference matters if you're counting on that money soon.
Key Takeaways
- ATMs accept cash and checks and are available 24/7, though some banks limit how much you can deposit per day.
- Teller deposits at a branch window are best for large amounts, foreign currency, or when you need a receipt on the spot.
- Mobile check deposit through your bank's app lets you photograph a check and deposit it from home, but posting times vary by bank.
- Mail deposits work but take five to ten business days, so use this method only when you're not in a rush.
- Most banks post ATM and teller deposits within one business day; mobile deposits may take longer depending on the check amount and your bank's policy.
Depositing cash or checks at an ATM
Find an ATM owned by your bank or a network your bank belongs to—using an out-of-network ATM may cost you a fee. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit." The machine will prompt you to insert cash, checks, or both. Some ATMs accept only one or the other, so check the screen. Count your cash before inserting it, because the machine will reject bills it can't read clearly.
For checks, endorse the back (sign it) and write "For Deposit Only" followed by your account number. Slip the check into the slot. The ATM will scan it and show you an image to confirm it read the amount correctly. If the image looks wrong, cancel the transaction and try again or use a teller instead.
ATM deposits usually post within a few hours to one business day. However, many banks limit how much you can deposit per day—often $5,000 to $10,000 for cash and $25,000 for checks, though this varies. If you're depositing more, you'll need to use a teller or make multiple trips.
Depositing at a teller window during branch hours
Walk into your bank branch during business hours with your debit card or account number and the cash or checks you want to deposit. Tell the teller you'd like to make a deposit. Hand over your money and checks. The teller will count the cash in front of you, scan the checks, and ask you to sign a deposit slip—a form that lists what you're depositing and which account it goes to.
Teller deposits are the best choice if you're depositing a large amount, if you have foreign currency, or if you need a printed receipt immediately. The teller can also answer questions about holds, daily limits, or whether a check might take longer to clear. Teller deposits post the same day or next business day, depending on the time you deposit and your bank's processing schedule.
Most branches are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some Saturday hours. Call ahead or check your bank's website if you're unsure about hours at your location.
Depositing checks through your bank's mobile app
Open your bank's mobile app and look for "Mobile Deposit" or "Deposit a Check." Take a clear photo of the front and back of the check using your phone's camera. The app will ask you to enter the check amount and confirm the images are readable. Review the details, then submit.
Mobile deposits post within one to three business days for most banks, though some post faster. Large checks—typically over $5,000—may take longer or require you to visit a branch instead. Your bank may also limit how many checks you can deposit per day or per month.
Before you deposit a check by mobile, endorse the back by signing it and writing "For Mobile Deposit Only" along with your account number. This protects you if the check is lost. Keep the original check for at least 30 days in case your bank needs to verify it, then destroy it by shredding or tearing it up.
Mailing a deposit to your bank
Write a deposit slip by hand or download one from your bank's website. List the cash amount, each check separately with its amount, and your account number. Endorse each check on the back. Place the slip and checks in an envelope—do not mail cash, as it can be lost or stolen. Address the envelope to your bank's deposit processing center, which is usually different from the branch address. Check your bank's website for the correct mailing address.
Mail deposits take five to ten business days to post, sometimes longer. This method is slow and risky, so use it only when you have no other option. Once you mail the deposit, you have no proof it arrived unless you send it certified mail with a return receipt, which costs extra.
Understanding deposit holds and posting times
A deposit hold is a temporary delay your bank places on funds after you deposit them. During the hold, the money is in your account but you cannot withdraw it. Holds exist because banks need time to verify that checks are real and that the account they're drawn on has enough money.
Cash deposits usually post immediately or within hours. Checks typically post within one to three business days, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy. A check for $200 might post overnight, while a check for $5,000 might be held for three business days. Your bank's deposit agreement or website will list the specific hold times.
If you need the money urgently, ask the teller or check your app to see if the hold can be shortened. Some banks waive holds for customers with good account history or for checks under a certain amount. Overdrafting your account during a hold can trigger overdraft fees, so be careful about spending money you've deposited but cannot yet access.
What to do if a deposit doesn't show up
Check your account online or through your app first. The deposit may have posted but not appear in your available balance if it's still on hold. If the deposit doesn't appear at all after the expected time, contact your bank. Have the deposit receipt, check number, or ATM confirmation number ready.
If you deposited by mail, the envelope may have been lost or delayed. Ask your bank to search their records for the deposit. If they cannot find it, file a claim with the postal service if you sent it certified mail. If you deposited at an ATM or through mobile deposit, your bank can pull the image the machine or app captured and investigate.
For checks, your bank may need to contact the bank that issued the check to confirm it cleared. This can take several business days. Do not assume the deposit failed until your bank has had time to investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check that's made out to someone else?
No. A check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it's made out to someone else, that person must endorse it to you by signing the back and writing "Pay to the order of [your name]," then you sign below. Your bank may still refuse it. The safest option is to ask the check writer to issue a new check in your name.
What happens if I deposit a check that bounces?
Your bank will remove the funds from your account once the check is returned unpaid. If you've already spent the money, you'll overdraft and may owe overdraft fees. The check writer is responsible for the bounced check, but recovering that money is between you and them. Your bank may also charge you a returned-check fee.
Is there a limit to how much I can deposit?
ATMs usually have daily limits of $5,000 to $10,000 for cash and $25,000 for checks. Teller deposits have no practical limit. Mobile deposits often cap at $5,000 per check or $25,000 per day. Your bank's specific limits are in your deposit agreement or on their website. If you need to deposit more, use a teller or make multiple deposits.
Do I need to be present to deposit money?
No. You can mail a deposit or use mobile deposit without visiting the bank. ATM deposits don't require a teller, just your debit card. Only teller deposits require you to be there in person, and even then you can authorize someone else to deposit on your behalf if you give them a signed letter and your account details.
Why is my mobile deposit taking so long to post?
Large checks, checks from out-of-state banks, or checks deposited late in the day may take longer. Your bank may also hold the deposit if your account is new or if you've had problems with checks in the past. Contact your bank to ask why the hold is in place and when it will clear.