The fastest way depends on where you are and what you're depositing
You can deposit cash or checks into your bank account at an ATM, at a branch during business hours, through the mail, or using your phone. ATMs are open 24/7 and take both cash and checks. Branches let you deposit in person and ask questions if something goes wrong. Mobile deposit—taking a photo of a check with your phone—works for checks only and usually takes one to two business days to show up in your account. The method you choose depends on what you're depositing, how quickly you need the money to appear, and what your bank offers.
Most banks charge nothing for deposits, but some have limits on how much you can deposit at an ATM in a single day or how many mobile deposits you can make per month. Check your bank's rules before you choose your method, especially if you're depositing a large amount.
Key Takeaways
- ATM deposits work around the clock for cash and checks, though some banks limit how much you can deposit per day.
- Branch deposits let you hand money directly to a teller and get a receipt on the spot, and you can ask questions if there's a problem.
- Mobile deposit lets you photograph a check from home, but it only works for checks, not cash, and takes longer to process.
- Mail deposits are slowest but work if you live far from a branch and don't need the money right away.
- Verify your bank's daily limits and processing times before you deposit, especially for large amounts.
Depositing cash or checks at an ATM
Most ATMs accept both cash and checks. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, select "Deposit," and follow the on-screen prompts. For cash, the machine will ask you to insert bills into a slot or envelope. For checks, you'll place the check in an envelope (some ATMs provide these; others require you to bring your own), seal it, and insert it into the machine. The ATM will show you a receipt with the amount deposited.
ATM deposits usually show up in your account within one business day for cash and one to two business days for checks. However, many banks set daily limits—commonly $1,000 to $5,000 per day—so if you're depositing more than that, you may need to split the deposit across multiple days or use a different method. Check your bank's website or call customer service to find out your specific limit.
One risk with ATM deposits: if the machine malfunctions or doesn't process your deposit correctly, you won't know until you check your account later. If money goes missing, contact your bank immediately with your receipt. Banks usually investigate and refund you within a few business days if the ATM was at fault.
Depositing 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. They'll count the money or checks in front of you, enter the amount into the system, and give you a receipt showing exactly what was deposited. This method is the safest because you have a witness and immediate proof of what went in.
Branch deposits show up in your account the same day if you deposit before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m. on weekdays). Deposits made after cutoff or on weekends may not post until the next business day. Unlike ATM deposits, branch deposits have no daily limit—you can deposit as much as you need in one visit.
The downside is that branches have limited hours. If you work during the day or live far from a branch, this method may not be practical. Some banks offer Saturday hours, but few are open on Sundays or evenings.
Depositing checks by phone or mobile app
Mobile deposit lets you photograph the front and back of a check using your phone's camera and submit it through your bank's app. Open the app, select "Deposit Check," take clear photos of both sides of the check, enter the amount, and submit. The bank will send you a confirmation, and the money usually appears in your account within one to two business days.
Mobile deposit is convenient because you can do it from home at any time, and you don't have to visit a branch or ATM. However, it only works for checks—you cannot deposit cash this way. Also, some banks limit how many checks you can deposit per month (often 10 to 50) or set a maximum amount per check ($5,000 to $10,000 is common). After you submit a mobile deposit, most banks require you to write "Mobile Deposit" on the back of the physical check and keep it for a set period (usually 30 days) before destroying it.
Make sure the check is signed, the amount is legible, and both sides are fully visible in the photo. Blurry or incomplete photos will be rejected, and you'll have to resubmit.
Mailing a check to your bank
If you can't reach a branch or ATM and don't want to use mobile deposit, you can mail a check to your bank. Write "For Deposit Only" and your account number on the back of the check, place it in an envelope with a deposit slip (if your bank requires one), and mail it to the address on your bank's website. The check will arrive in a few days, and the bank will process it within one to two business days after receiving it.
This method is the slowest—total time from mailing to the money appearing in your account can be a week or more. Use it only if you're not in a hurry and have no other option. The risk is that mail can be lost or delayed, so keep a record of what you mailed and when. If the check doesn't show up after two weeks, contact your bank.
What to do if your deposit doesn't show up
Check your account online or by calling your bank within one business day of depositing. If the money isn't there, contact customer service right away with your receipt or confirmation number. Tell them the date, amount, and method you used. The bank will investigate and either find the deposit or determine that it failed.
If the ATM malfunctioned or the check was lost in the mail, the bank will refund you. This usually takes three to five business days. If you used mobile deposit and the photo was rejected, the bank will tell you why and ask you to resubmit. Keep your receipt or confirmation until the money shows up in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check that's made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it's made out to someone else, that person must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]," then you sign below that. Some banks accept this (called a third-party check), but many do not. Ask your bank before you try.
How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?
Most checks clear within one to two business days. However, large checks, checks from out-of-state banks, or checks from new accounts may take longer—up to five business days. Your bank will tell you the expected clearing time when you deposit. The money may show up in your account before the check fully clears, but the bank can take it back if the check bounces.
What if I deposit a check that bounces?
If the check bounces (the person who wrote it doesn't have enough money), the bank will remove the funds from your account and charge you a returned-check fee, usually $10 to $35. You're responsible for getting the money from the person who wrote the check. Contact them and ask them to write you a new check or pay you another way.
Can I deposit cash at someone else's bank?
No. You can only deposit into an account at the bank that holds that account. You cannot walk into Bank A and deposit cash into an account at Bank B. If you need to deposit cash into an account at a different bank, you'll need to transfer it from your current bank or withdraw cash and have someone else deposit it for you.
Is there a limit to how much I can deposit?
Banks don't limit the total amount you can deposit per month, but ATMs usually have daily limits ($1,000 to $5,000 is typical). Mobile deposit often limits the amount per check and the number of checks per month. Branch deposits have no limit. If you're depositing a very large amount of cash, the bank may ask where it came from for tax reporting purposes—this is normal and required by law.