The main ways to deposit money into your account
You can deposit money into a bank account through an ATM, at a branch in person, by mail, through a mobile app, or by having someone else transfer money to your account. Which method works depends on where you are, what kind of deposit it is, and how fast you need the money to show up. ATM deposits and branch deposits are the quickest—usually available the same day or next business day. Mail and mobile deposits take longer, typically three to five business days.
Not every bank offers every method. Some banks have no physical branches at all, so they only take mobile deposits and transfers. Others charge fees for certain deposit types or limit how much you can deposit at once. Before you choose a method, check your bank's website or call to confirm they offer it and whether there are any limits or costs.
Key Takeaways
- ATM deposits and in-person branch deposits usually post the same day or next business day, while mail and mobile deposits take three to five business days.
- Mobile deposits require a smartphone app and work by photographing the front and back of a check; cash deposits cannot be made this way.
- Some banks limit how much you can deposit at once or charge fees for certain deposit methods, so check your bank's rules before you deposit.
- If you deposit a check, the bank may place a hold on part or all of the funds for a few business days while they verify it.
Depositing cash at an ATM or branch
Most banks have ATMs that accept cash deposits. Insert your debit card or enter your account number, select "deposit," and follow the on-screen prompts. The ATM will ask you to insert bills into a slot. Some ATMs count the cash automatically; others require you to enter the amount yourself. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive a receipt showing the amount deposited. The money usually posts to your account the same day or by the next business day.
If you prefer to deposit in person, go to any branch of your bank during business hours. Bring your debit card or ID and the cash you want to deposit. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit, and they will count the money, record it, and give you a receipt. In-person deposits also typically post the same day or next business day. Some banks charge a fee if you make more than a certain number of deposits per month, so ask the teller if there are any limits.
Depositing checks by mobile app
Most banks now offer mobile check deposits through their smartphone app. Download your bank's app, log in, and look for a "deposit" or "mobile deposit" option. You will need to photograph both the front and back of the check. Make sure the images are clear, in focus, and show all the text on the check, including the routing number and account number at the bottom. The app will show you a preview of both images before you submit.
After you submit the photos, the app will ask you to confirm the amount and which account to deposit into. Once you confirm, the deposit is sent to the bank. The check usually posts within one to three business days, though some banks take up to five. Do not spend the money until it has posted to your account. After the deposit posts, you should destroy the check or write "deposited" across it so it cannot be deposited again by mistake.
Mobile deposits work only for checks, not for cash. If you try to photograph a cash bill, the app will reject it. You also cannot use mobile deposit for money orders or other payment documents unless your bank specifically says it accepts them.
Mailing a check to your bank
If you do not have access to an ATM, a branch, or a mobile app, you can mail a check to your bank. Call your bank or check their website to find the mailing address for deposits. Write your account number on the back of the check, and mail it in an envelope. Include a deposit slip if your bank provides one, or write a note with your account number and the amount you are depositing.
Mail deposits take the longest—typically five to seven business days from the time the bank receives it. The check must travel through the mail, arrive at the bank, be processed, and then clear. During this time, the money is not in your account. If you need the money quickly, use a mobile deposit, ATM deposit, or in-person deposit instead.
Having money transferred to your account
You can also receive money by having someone else transfer it directly to your account. This requires you to give them your routing number and account number. Your routing number identifies your bank; your account number identifies your specific account. Both numbers appear at the bottom of your checks, or you can find them by logging into your online banking or calling your bank.
Transfers can be made through ACH (Automated Clearing House), which is free but takes one to three business days, or through wire transfer, which is faster (usually same day or next day) but costs money—typically $15 to $30. Some people also use payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App to send money, though these apps may have daily limits on how much you can receive. The money from these apps usually transfers to your bank account within one to three business days.
Understanding holds on deposited checks
When you deposit a check, your bank may place a hold on the funds. A hold means the money is in your account, but you cannot withdraw it yet. The bank holds the check while they verify it is real and that the account it is drawn from has enough money to cover it. Holds typically last one to five business days, depending on the check amount and your bank's policy.
Your bank must tell you when the hold will be lifted. If you deposit a check at a branch, ask the teller how long the hold will last. If you use mobile deposit or ATM deposit, the app or receipt will show the expected date the funds will be available. Do not assume the money is available just because it appears in your account balance—check the hold date before you spend it. If you withdraw money that is still on hold, you may overdraw your account and face overdraft fees.
What to do if a deposit does not show up
If you deposited money and it has not appeared in your account after the expected time, contact your bank right away. Have your receipt or transaction confirmation ready. Tell the bank the date you deposited, the amount, and the method you used (ATM, mobile, mail, or in-person). The bank can look up the deposit in their system and tell you whether it was received and processed.
If you mailed a check and it has been more than a week, the check may have been lost in the mail. Ask your bank if they received it. If they did not, contact the person who sent you the check and ask them to stop payment on it and send you a new one. If you used mobile deposit and the app said the deposit was successful but the money never appeared, the bank may have rejected the images as unclear. Call your bank to find out what went wrong, and ask whether you can resubmit the photos or mail the check instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash through a mobile app?
No. Mobile deposit works only for checks. To deposit cash, you must use an ATM, visit a branch in person, or have someone else deposit it for you. Some banks also allow you to deposit cash at partner retailers like Walmart or CVS, so ask your bank if this option is available.
How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?
Most checks post within one to three business days if you use mobile deposit or ATM deposit. In-person deposits at a branch may post the same day. Mailed checks take five to seven business days. The exact time depends on your bank and the bank that issued the check. Even after the money appears in your account, your bank may place a hold on it for a few more days.
What if I deposit a check and it bounces?
If the check bounces (meaning the account it was drawn from did not have enough money), your bank will remove the money from your account and may charge you a returned-check fee, usually $10 to $30. The person who wrote the check is responsible for the bounced check, but you will bear the cost of the fee. Contact the person who sent you the check and ask them to send you a new one or repay you by another method.
Do I need to endorse a check before depositing it?
Yes. On the back of the check, sign your name on the line marked "endorse here." If you are using mobile deposit, you must endorse the check before you photograph it. If you are depositing at a branch or ATM, some banks require endorsement and others do not, but it is safest to endorse it anyway. Never deposit a check that is not endorsed to you or that you are not authorized to deposit.
Can someone else deposit money into my account for me?
Yes. They can deposit cash or a check in your name at your bank's branch or ATM if they have your account number. They can also transfer money to your account if you give them your routing number and account number. However, do not share your account number with anyone you do not trust completely, as they could withdraw money or set up unauthorized transfers.