The three ways to put money into your account
You can deposit money at a bank in three ways: in person at a branch, through an ATM, or by mail. In-person deposits are fastest and work with cash or checks. ATM deposits take a few minutes and work with checks and some cash (depending on the machine). Mail deposits are slowest—typically three to five business days—and work only with checks.
Which method you use depends on what you're depositing, how quickly you need the money in your account, and whether you have access to a branch or ATM. Most people use a combination of all three over time.
Key Takeaways
- In-person deposits at a branch are the fastest way to deposit cash and checks, and the teller can answer questions about your account on the spot.
- ATM deposits work 24/7 and are convenient, but some ATMs accept only checks, and deposits may take longer to show up in your account than in-person deposits.
- Mail deposits work for checks only and take three to five business days to clear, so use this method only when you cannot reach a branch or ATM.
- Your bank may place a hold on large deposits or checks from unfamiliar sources, meaning the money sits in your account but you cannot withdraw it for a set number of days.
- Always keep your deposit receipt or take a photo of the check you mail, in case the bank and you disagree about whether the deposit arrived.
Depositing cash or checks in person at a branch
Walk into your bank during business hours with your cash or checks and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit. Hand over the money or checks. The teller will count the cash in front of you, stamp the back of any checks, and enter the deposit into the system. You will get a receipt showing the amount and the date.
In-person deposits show up in your account immediately or within one business day. Cash deposits are usually available right away. Checks may take one business day, depending on when you deposit them and your bank's processing schedule. If you deposit a check after 2 p.m. on a Friday, for example, it may not process until Monday.
Bring your debit card or know your account number. Some banks ask for ID as well. If you are depositing a check that is not in your name, the bank may refuse it or ask you to have the check writer sign the back and add your name.
Depositing checks at an ATM
Not all ATMs accept deposits, and not all ATMs accept cash. Most accept checks. Look for an ATM at your bank's branch or at a partner bank in your bank's network. Insert your debit card, select "Deposit," and follow the prompts on the screen. The ATM will ask you to insert the check into a slot or hold it up to a camera.
ATM deposits typically take one to two business days to show up in your account, longer than in-person deposits. Some banks process ATM deposits overnight; others wait until the next business day. Check your bank's website or app to see how long deposits usually take.
Keep your receipt. If the ATM jams or loses your check, the receipt is your proof that you attempted the deposit. Take a photo of the front and back of the check before you insert it, just in case. ATMs can malfunction, and having a photo protects you if the bank says they never received it.
Mailing a check to your bank
Write your account number on the back of the check, in the area below the signature line. Put the check in an envelope with a deposit slip (if your bank still sends them) or a note with your name and account number. Mail it to the address on your bank's website or the back of your debit card.
Mail deposits take three to five business days to arrive at the bank, plus one to two business days to process. A check you mail on Monday may not be available in your account until Friday or the following Monday. Do not count on mail deposits for time-sensitive payments.
Keep a copy of the check or take a photo of both sides before you mail it. If the check never arrives or the bank says they did not receive it, you will need proof that you sent it. Some banks let you photograph checks and deposit them through a mobile app instead of mailing them—ask whether your bank offers this option.
Understanding deposit holds and when money becomes available
A deposit hold means the bank has received your money but will not let you withdraw it for a set number of days. Holds are most common on checks, especially large ones or checks from banks the system does not recognize. The bank is protecting itself against the risk that the check will bounce after you have already spent the money.
Federal law allows banks to hold checks for up to five business days in most cases. Some banks hold for shorter periods; others hold for the full five days. Checks from your own bank usually clear faster—sometimes the same day. Checks from other banks may take longer. A hold does not mean the deposit failed; it means you have to wait before you can use the money.
Your bank should tell you when the hold will lift. Check your account online or ask the teller. If you need the money sooner, ask whether the bank will release it early—some will for customers with good account history.
What to do if your deposit does not show up
If you deposited cash in person and got a receipt, contact your bank immediately. The money should be in your account within one business day. If it is not, the teller may have made an error or the deposit may not have been entered into the system correctly.
If you deposited a check and it has not appeared after the expected time, check whether a hold is still in place. Log into your account online or call your bank's customer service line. They can tell you whether the check has been received and when it will be available.
If you deposited by ATM or mail and the money never arrives, provide your bank with the receipt (for ATM) or a photo of the check (for mail). Your bank can investigate whether the check was received and processed. Keep records of all your deposits so you can prove what you sent and when.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
Not usually. Banks require that the check be in your name or that you have permission from the person it is made out to. If someone gives you a check in their name, ask them to sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. Your bank may still refuse it. The safest option is to ask the check writer to write a new check in your name.
What happens if I deposit a check that bounces?
The bank will remove the money from your account after the check bounces, usually three to five business days after deposit. If you have already spent the money, your account will go negative and you may owe overdraft fees. The person who wrote the check is responsible for the bounced check, but you may have to pursue them to recover the money.
Do I have to use my bank's ATM to deposit checks?
No. You can use ATMs from other banks in your bank's network, and sometimes from banks outside the network. Check your bank's website to find partner ATMs. Deposits at non-partner ATMs may take longer to process or may not be accepted at all.
Can I deposit cash at an ATM?
Some ATMs accept cash deposits, but not all. Ask your bank which ATMs in your area have cash deposit capability. In-person deposits at a branch are the most reliable way to deposit cash quickly.
How long does a deposit hold last?
Holds vary by bank and by the type of check. Federal law allows holds of up to five business days. Your bank should tell you the hold date when you deposit the check. Some banks lift holds early for customers with good account history—call and ask.