The most direct ways to put cash in your account

You can deposit cash at an ATM, at a bank branch, through a mobile app, or by mail — depending on your bank and what you have available. The fastest route is usually an ATM or teller window at a branch. Some banks let you photograph cash with your phone and send it through their app, though this method has daily limits and takes a day or two to clear.

The method you choose depends on whether you need the money in your account right away, whether you have a branch nearby, and what your bank supports. A teller deposit clears instantly. A mobile deposit clears in one to two business days. An ATM deposit may take one to three business days, depending on the machine and the time you deposit.

Key Takeaways

  • ATM deposits and teller deposits are the fastest ways to add cash, with teller deposits clearing immediately in most cases.
  • Mobile app deposits (photographing cash) work for smaller amounts and take one to two business days to clear.
  • Mail deposits are slowest and carry the risk of loss, so use them only if no other option exists.
  • Check your bank's daily deposit limits before you deposit, as they vary by method and by account type.
  • Deposits made after business hours or on weekends may not clear until the next business day, even at a teller window.

Depositing cash at an ATM

Most ATMs accept cash deposits if they are owned by your bank or are part of your bank's network. Insert your debit card, select "Deposit," choose "Cash," and follow the prompts. The machine will count the bills and ask you to confirm the amount before it accepts them. Keep your receipt.

ATM deposits usually take one to three business days to show in your account, though some banks post them faster. Check your bank's website or app to see the typical timeline for your location. If you deposit after the bank's cutoff time (usually 9 p.m. or later), the deposit may not process until the next business day.

Not all ATMs accept deposits — some only dispense cash. Look for a machine labeled "deposit-enabled" or call your bank to find one nearby. ATMs at grocery stores, gas stations, and other retailers may charge a fee even if they are part of your bank's network, so use your bank's own machines when possible.

Depositing cash at a bank branch

Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with your cash and your debit card or account number. A teller will count the money, confirm the amount with you, and deposit it into your account. This deposit clears immediately — the money is in your account the same day.

Bring a valid ID if you are depositing a large amount of cash. Banks are required to report cash deposits over $10,000 to the federal government, but this is routine and does not mean anything is wrong. If you are depositing less than $10,000, you do not need to do anything special.

Branch hours vary, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some are open Saturday mornings. Call ahead or check your bank's website if you are unsure whether the branch near you is open.

Using your bank's mobile app to deposit cash

Many banks let you photograph cash with your phone and send it through their app. Open the app, select "Mobile Deposit" or "Remote Deposit," photograph the front and back of each bill, enter the amount, and submit. The app will tell you the deposit limit — usually $500 to $2,500 per day, depending on your bank and account type.

The cash must be in good condition and clearly visible in the photo. Do not deposit the same bills twice. Once you submit, the app will tell you when the deposit will clear — usually one to two business days. Do not spend the money until it has cleared.

After the deposit clears, you must destroy the cash or keep it in a safe place. Some banks require you to write "DEPOSITED" on the bills or keep them for a set period in case the bank needs to verify the deposit. Check your bank's rules before you delete the photos.

Depositing cash by mail

If you cannot reach a branch or ATM, you can mail cash to your bank, though this is the slowest and riskiest method. Call your bank's customer service line and ask for the mailing address for deposits. Do not send cash to a branch address you find online — use only the address your bank gives you.

Put the cash in an envelope with a deposit slip (which you can print from your bank's website or request by phone). Write your account number on the envelope. Mail it using a tracked service like Certified Mail so you have proof it was sent and received. The deposit will take five to ten business days to clear, and there is a risk the envelope will be lost or stolen.

Mailing cash should be your last resort. Use it only if you have no access to a branch, ATM, or mobile app, and only for smaller amounts you can afford to lose.

Daily limits and holds on cash deposits

Your bank sets a daily limit on how much cash you can deposit through each method. ATM deposits might be limited to $500 or $1,000 per day. Mobile app deposits are usually limited to $500 to $2,500 per day. Teller deposits have no standard limit, but the bank may ask questions about very large deposits.

Even after a deposit clears, your bank may place a hold on the funds if the amount is unusually large or if you are a new customer. A hold means the money is in your account but you cannot withdraw it yet. Holds usually last one to five business days. Check your deposit receipt or your bank's website to see if a hold has been placed.

What to do if your deposit does not show up

If you deposited cash at an ATM or by mail and it has not appeared after the expected time, contact your bank's customer service. Have your receipt or confirmation number ready. The bank can trace the deposit and tell you whether it was received and processed.

If you used a mobile app, check the app first to see the status of the deposit. Most apps show whether the deposit is pending, processing, or complete. If the status says "complete" but the money is not in your account, contact customer service with the date and amount of the deposit.

If the bank cannot find the deposit, file a claim. For ATM deposits, the bank will investigate and usually refund you within ten business days if the money cannot be located. For mail deposits, this process takes longer because the bank must verify that the envelope was received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit cash at any bank's ATM, or only my own bank's?

You can deposit at your own bank's ATM or at ATMs in your bank's network. Deposits at other banks' ATMs may be rejected or charged a fee. Check your bank's website or app to find deposit-enabled ATMs near you.

How long does it take for a cash deposit to clear?

Teller deposits clear the same day. ATM deposits usually clear in one to three business days. Mobile app deposits clear in one to two business days. Mail deposits take five to ten business days. Your bank's website will show the exact timeline for your location.

Do I have to report cash deposits to the IRS?

Banks report deposits over $10,000 to the federal government as a routine matter. This does not trigger an investigation unless the pattern of deposits looks suspicious. You do not need to do anything special for deposits under $10,000.

What happens if I deposit cash that is torn or damaged?

Most banks will accept slightly damaged bills. If a bill is severely damaged or missing a large piece, the bank may refuse it or send it to the Federal Reserve for inspection. Ask the teller if you are unsure whether a bill will be accepted.

Can I deposit someone else's cash into my account?

Yes, you can deposit cash that belongs to someone else. The bank does not verify who the cash came from. If the amount is large or the deposits are frequent, the bank may ask questions to make sure you are not involved in money laundering, but this is routine.