The most direct ways to deposit cash

You can put cash into your bank account at an ATM, at a teller window inside a bank branch, or through a mobile deposit app if your bank offers it. ATMs are the fastest and most available option — most work 24/7 and take bills and coins. Teller deposits are slower but let you ask questions and deposit large amounts without hitting daily limits. Mobile deposit only works for checks, not cash, so ignore that option if you have bills.

Which method you choose depends on how much cash you have, how quickly you need it in your account, and whether you have a branch nearby. A $20 bill at an ATM takes 30 seconds. A shoebox of $500 in mixed bills and coins at a teller might take 10 minutes, but the teller will count it and you'll see the deposit post immediately or within one business day.

Key Takeaways

  • ATMs accept cash deposits 24/7 and post to your account within one business day, but most have daily limits between $1,000 and $5,000 per transaction.
  • Teller deposits at a branch have no daily limit and let you deposit coins, but you must go during business hours and wait in line.
  • Cash deposited at an ATM or teller on a weekday before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.) posts the same day; deposits after cutoff or on weekends post the next business day.
  • Some banks charge a fee if you deposit cash at an ATM that is not owned by your bank, so use your bank's ATM when possible.
  • If you do not have a bank account yet, you will need to open one before you can deposit cash.

Depositing cash at an ATM

Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit" or "Make a Deposit" from the menu. The machine will ask you how much cash you want to deposit and may ask you to confirm the amount. Slide the bills into the slot one at a time, or all at once if the machine accepts a stack. Most ATMs take bills but not coins, so separate those out. The machine will count the bills, show you the total on the screen, and ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the deposit is submitted.

The cash posts to your account within one business day, usually by the next morning. Your bank's ATM is free; using another bank's ATM may cost $1 to $3. Most ATMs have a daily deposit limit between $1,000 and $5,000 per transaction, though some banks allow multiple deposits in one day up to a higher total. Check your bank's website or app to see your limit, or call customer service.

Depositing cash at a bank branch

Go to any branch of your bank during business hours with your debit card and the cash. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit. The teller will ask for your account number (on your debit card) and count the cash in front of you. They will give you a receipt showing the amount deposited. The deposit posts to your account immediately or within one business day, depending on the time of day and your bank's processing schedule.

Branch deposits have no daily limit, so you can deposit $10,000 or $50,000 in cash if you need to. You can also deposit coins, which ATMs usually reject. The downside is that branches close in the evening and on weekends, and you may have to wait in line. If you are depositing a very large amount of cash (usually $10,000 or more), the bank will file a Currency Transaction Report with the federal government — this is normal and not a sign of wrongdoing.

When the deposit shows up in your account

Deposits made at an ATM or teller before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m. on a business day) post the same day. Deposits made after cutoff or on a weekend or holiday post the next business day. "Next business day" means the next day the bank is open, so a deposit made on Friday evening posts on Monday morning (unless Monday is a holiday).

Once the deposit posts, the money is in your account and you can spend it. Some banks show the deposit as "pending" for a few hours before it becomes final, but you can usually withdraw or transfer the money even while it is pending. If you need the cash to be available immediately, go to a teller during business hours — that is the fastest way to ensure the deposit posts the same day.

Depositing cash at a bank you do not have an account with

You cannot deposit cash into an account at a bank where you do not have an account. You must have an account at the bank or credit union where you want to deposit the money. If you do not have a bank account yet, you will need to open one first. Most banks let you open an account online in 10 minutes with a photo ID and Social Security number, though some require an in-person visit.

If you have an account at Bank A and want to deposit cash into an account at Bank B, you have two options: open an account at Bank B and deposit the cash there, or deposit the cash at Bank A and transfer it to Bank B electronically. The transfer takes one to three business days and may have a fee, so depositing directly at Bank B is faster if you have time to go there.

Fees and limits to know about

Your own bank's ATM is free. Using another bank's ATM to deposit cash usually costs $1 to $3 per transaction. Some banks waive this fee if you maintain a high balance or have a premium account, so check your account terms. Teller deposits are always free at your own bank.

ATM deposit limits vary by bank and account type. Most banks allow $1,000 to $5,000 per transaction, but some allow up to $10,000. If you hit the limit, you can make another deposit after the first one posts, or go to a teller. Tellers have no daily limit. If you deposit more than $10,000 in cash in a single day, your bank will file a Currency Transaction Report — this is required by law and does not mean you have done anything wrong.

What to do if the ATM rejects your cash

ATMs reject bills that are torn, stained, or too worn to read. They also reject bills that are folded, stuck together, or inserted upside down. If the machine rejects a bill, straighten it, make sure it is clean, and try again. If it still rejects it, go to a teller — they can deposit worn or damaged bills that an ATM will not accept.

If the ATM accepts your cash but does not show it as deposited on your receipt, contact your bank's customer service right away. Give them the date, time, and ATM location. The bank will investigate and credit your account if the cash was accepted but not recorded. This is rare, but it happens, and the bank has systems to catch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash at an ATM that belongs to a different bank?

No. You can only deposit cash at an ATM owned by your bank or a bank you have an account with. Attempting to deposit at another bank's ATM will not work — the machine will reject your card or tell you that you cannot make a deposit at that location.

How long does it take for cash to show up after I deposit it at an ATM?

Usually within one business day. If you deposit before your bank's cutoff time (typically 2 or 3 p.m. on a weekday), it posts the same day. Deposits after cutoff or on weekends post the next business day. Once it posts, you can spend the money immediately.

What if I want to deposit a large amount of cash, like $15,000?

Go to a teller at your bank branch. Tellers have no daily deposit limit and can handle large amounts. The bank will file a Currency Transaction Report with the federal government, which is routine and required by law for cash deposits over $10,000.

Do I need my debit card to deposit cash at an ATM?

Yes. You need your debit card and PIN to access the ATM and authorize the deposit. If you do not have a debit card, go to a teller at a branch instead.

Can I deposit cash using my phone or computer?

No. Mobile deposit apps only work for checks, not cash. To deposit cash, you must use an ATM or go to a teller in person.