The main ways to deposit money into your account
You can deposit money into your bank account through an ATM, at a teller window, by mobile app, by mail, or through direct deposit from your employer or another source. The fastest routes are ATM deposits and mobile app deposits, which post within hours or a day. Teller deposits at a branch are instant but require you to visit during business hours. Mail deposits take five to ten business days. Direct deposit is the slowest to set up but the most hands-off once it's running.
Which method works best depends on how quickly you need the money available, whether you have a branch nearby, and what your bank supports. Some banks charge fees for certain deposit methods; others do not. Your account type and the amount you're depositing may also matter—some banks limit how much you can deposit through an ATM in a single day or over a rolling period.
Key Takeaways
- ATM deposits and mobile app deposits are the fastest self-service options, posting within hours to one business day.
- Teller deposits at a branch are instant but only available during business hours and require you to visit in person.
- Direct deposit from your employer or government benefits requires setup but then happens automatically on a regular schedule.
- Mail deposits take five to ten business days and require you to endorse the check and include a deposit slip.
- Check your account terms or call your bank to confirm daily deposit limits, fees, and which methods your specific account type supports.
Depositing at an ATM
Most banks and credit unions have ATMs that accept cash and checks. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, select "Deposit," and follow the prompts. For checks, you'll endorse the back (sign it) and insert it into the slot. For cash, you may need to use an envelope provided by the machine or insert bills directly into the slot, depending on the ATM model. The machine will count the cash or read the check and confirm the amount before completing the transaction.
ATM deposits typically post to your account within a few hours or by the next business day. However, many banks impose daily limits on ATM deposits—commonly $1,000 to $5,000 per day, though this varies. Check your bank's website or call to confirm your limit. If you're depositing a large amount, you may need to split it across multiple days or use a teller instead.
Some ATMs charge a fee if you're not a customer of that bank or credit union. Your own bank's ATMs are always free for deposits. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you may see a fee of $1 to $3 per transaction.
Depositing through your bank's mobile app
Most banks now offer mobile check deposit, where you photograph the front and back of a check using your phone and submit it through the app. Open the app, find the deposit or mobile check deposit option, take clear photos of both sides of the check in good lighting, and confirm the amount. The app will process the image and deposit the funds to your account.
Mobile deposits post within one business day, sometimes faster. Like ATM deposits, they're subject to daily limits—often $2,000 to $10,000 per day depending on your bank and account type. Mobile deposit works only for checks, not cash. After you submit a mobile deposit, most banks ask you to hold the check for a set period (often 30 days) before destroying it, in case the image didn't process correctly.
Mobile deposit is free at virtually all banks. It's convenient because you can deposit from home or anywhere you have your phone and a signal.
Depositing cash or checks at a teller
Visit your bank branch during business hours with the cash or checks you want to deposit and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit. For checks, endorse the back by signing your name. For cash, just hand it over. The teller will count the money, record the amount, and give you a receipt. The deposit posts to your account immediately.
Teller deposits have no daily limit and no fee. This is the best option if you're depositing a large amount of cash or if you want the money available right away. However, you're limited to your bank's branch hours, which are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and sometimes Saturday mornings. If you don't have a branch nearby, this method may not be practical.
Depositing by mail
You can mail a check to your bank. Endorse the back of the check by signing your name. Write your account number on the back of the check as well. Include a deposit slip if your bank provided one, or write a note with your account number and the deposit amount. Put the check and slip in an envelope and mail it to the address your bank provides for deposits.
Mailed deposits take five to ten business days to post, depending on mail delivery time and your bank's processing schedule. This method is free but slow. Use it only when you're not in a hurry. Never send cash by mail—it can be lost or stolen. Mail deposits only for checks.
Setting up direct deposit from your employer or benefits
Direct deposit moves money from your employer's or a government agency's account straight into yours on a regular schedule, usually every two weeks for paychecks or monthly for benefits. To set it up, you'll need to provide your bank's routing number and your account number. Your employer or benefits administrator will ask for these details on a form or through their online portal.
Direct deposit is free and automatic once it's set up. The first deposit may take one to two pay periods to process, but after that, money arrives on the same day every cycle. This is the most reliable way to receive regular payments. You can set up direct deposit for paychecks, Social Security, unemployment benefits, tax refunds, and many other recurring payments.
To find your routing number and account number, check the bottom left of a check you have, log into your online banking, or call your bank. Have both numbers ready when you contact your employer or benefits provider.
Understanding deposit holds and when money becomes available
A deposit hold is a temporary delay your bank places on funds before they're fully available to withdraw. Federal law allows banks to hold checks for up to two business days for local checks and up to five business days for out-of-state checks. Cash deposits and ATM deposits typically have no hold. Mobile check deposits may have a one-business-day hold.
Your bank may hold a check longer if the amount is unusually large, if you're a new customer, or if the check is from an unfamiliar source. If your bank places a hold, they must tell you when the funds will be available. You can ask the teller or check your online banking to see if a hold is in place on a deposit you just made.
During a hold, the money is in your account but you cannot withdraw it. If you try to spend it before the hold lifts, your transaction may be declined or you may overdraw your account and face an overdraft fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash through an ATM?
Yes, most ATMs accept cash deposits. Insert your card, select "Deposit," and follow the on-screen instructions. The machine will count the cash and confirm the amount. However, not all ATMs accept cash—some only take checks. Look for a cash deposit slot or check your bank's website to find ATMs near you that accept cash.
What's the difference between a routing number and an account number?
Your routing number identifies your bank or credit union. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank. Both are printed on the bottom left of your checks. You need both to set up direct deposit or to receive wire transfers.
Why is my deposit on hold?
Banks place holds on checks to protect themselves against fraud or insufficient funds at the check writer's bank. Federal law allows holds of up to two business days for local checks and five for out-of-state checks. Large deposits, deposits from new customers, or checks from unfamiliar sources may trigger longer holds. Your bank must notify you of the hold and when the funds will be available.
Do I need to endorse a check before depositing it at an ATM?
Yes. Sign the back of the check and write "For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For Deposit Only" above your signature. This protects you if the check is lost. Some banks also ask you to write your account number on the back.
How long does it take for direct deposit to start?
The first direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to process after you submit your banking information. After that, deposits arrive on the same schedule as your employer's payroll or your benefits payment cycle, typically every two weeks or monthly.