How to Deposit Money Into Your Bank Account

The main ways to deposit money at your bank

You can deposit money into your bank account in person at a branch, through an ATM, by mail, or online using a mobile app or website. The fastest method is usually an in-person deposit at a branch or ATM, which posts to your account the same day or next business day. Mail deposits take five to ten business days. Mobile deposits—where you photograph a check and send it through your bank's app—typically post within one to three business days.

Which method works best depends on what you're depositing (cash, check, or transfer), how quickly you need the money to show up, and what your bank offers. Not all banks support every option, so check your bank's website or call to confirm what's available to you.

Key Takeaways

In-person deposits at a branch or ATM are the fastest way to add money to your account, usually posting the same day or next business day.
Mobile check deposits through your bank's app let you photograph a check and submit it without visiting a branch, though they take one to three business days to post.
Mail deposits work if you're far from a branch, but allow five to ten business days for the check to clear and appear in your account.
ATM deposits accept cash and checks, but some ATMs have daily limits on how much you can deposit at once.
You will need your account number and routing number to deposit money by mail or transfer, which you can find on the bottom left of your checks or in your online banking portal.

Depositing cash or checks in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with the cash or checks you want to deposit. Bring your debit card or account number so the teller can identify your account. Hand over the money and any checks, and the teller will count it, record the deposit, and give you a receipt. The funds post to your account immediately or by the next business day.

If you're depositing multiple checks, the teller may ask you to endorse them (sign the back) if you haven't already. For cash deposits over $10,000, your bank is required by federal law to file a report, but this does not affect your ability to deposit—it's a standard procedure.

Using an ATM to deposit cash or checks

Most ATMs accept both cash and checks. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit" from the menu. Follow the on-screen prompts to insert cash or checks into the slot. The ATM will scan and count the deposit, show you a summary, and print a receipt. The money usually posts within one business day.

Check your bank's website for the daily deposit limit at ATMs—many banks cap ATM deposits at $5,000 to $10,000 per transaction, though limits vary. If you hit the limit, you can make another deposit later or visit a branch instead. Some ATMs are owned by other banks or networks; using an out-of-network ATM may delay posting by a day or two.

Mobile check deposits through your bank's app

Open your bank's mobile app and look for "Mobile Deposit" or "Deposit a Check." Take a clear photo of the front and back of the check using your phone camera. The app will ask you to enter the check amount and confirm the details. Submit the deposit, and the app will give you a confirmation number.

Mobile deposits typically post within one to three business days. After you submit, most banks ask you to write "Mobile Deposit" on the back of the physical check and keep it for 30 days before destroying it, in case the bank needs to verify it. Do not deposit the same check twice—once you've submitted it through the app, do not take it to a branch or ATM.

Mailing a check to your bank

Write the check payable to yourself or to your bank. On the back, sign the check and write "For Deposit Only" followed by your account number. Place the check in an envelope with a deposit slip (if your bank provides one) that includes your account number, or write your account number on a separate piece of paper. Mail it to the address your bank lists for deposits—this is usually different from the branch address and is often a processing center.

Mail deposits take five to ten business days to clear, depending on mail speed and your bank's processing time. Keep a copy of the check or take a photo before mailing it, so you have a record. This method works if you live far from a branch or prefer not to visit in person, but it is the slowest option.

Transferring money from another account or bank

If you want to move money from another bank account into your account, you can set up an electronic transfer through your bank's website or app. Log in, select "Transfer Money" or "Move Money," and choose the account you want to transfer from. You will need the routing number and account number of the other bank, which you can find on a check from that account or by logging into that bank's website.

Enter the amount and the date you want the transfer to happen. Most transfers between banks take one to three business days. Some banks offer next-day transfers for an extra fee, though many do not charge. If you're transferring from your own account at another bank, the process is the same—your current bank will contact the other bank to pull the funds.

What information you need to deposit money

For in-person deposits, you need your debit card or account number. For mail or electronic transfers, you need your account number and your bank's routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; you can find it on the bottom left of any check you have, or by logging into your online banking portal and looking under account details.

If you're depositing a check from someone else, make sure the check is made out to you or your business, and that it includes the date, amount, and the payer's signature. Checks without a signature or with the wrong name cannot be deposited.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a deposit to show up in my account?

In-person deposits at a branch or ATM usually post the same day or next business day. Mobile check deposits take one to three business days. Mail deposits take five to ten business days. Electronic transfers between banks take one to three business days. The exact timing depends on your bank and when you make the deposit (deposits after 2 p.m. on a weekday may not post until the next day).

Can I deposit a check that's made out to someone else?

No. A check must be made out to you or your business name to be deposited into your account. If a check is made out to someone else, that person must deposit it into their own account. Some banks allow third-party deposits in limited cases, but most do not—call your bank to ask.

What happens if I deposit the same check twice?

Your bank will likely catch the duplicate and reject one of the deposits, returning it to you. If both deposits go through, your bank will reverse one of them and may charge you a fee. To avoid this, keep track of checks you've deposited and destroy the physical check after a mobile deposit posts.

Is there a limit to how much I can deposit?

There is no legal limit on how much you can deposit into your own account. However, ATMs may have daily limits (often $5,000 to $10,000), and your bank may flag very large deposits for review as part of standard anti-fraud procedures. If you need to deposit a large amount, visit a branch in person.

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

Some out-of-network ATMs accept deposits, but not all do. Even if they do, the deposit may take longer to post—sometimes two to three business days instead of one. It's best to use an ATM owned by your bank to avoid delays and fees.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.