Walk in with your cash and a deposit slip, or use an ATM if your bank has one that accepts cash
A cash deposit is when you give physical money to your bank and they add it to your account balance. You can do this in person at a branch during business hours, or at an ATM that accepts cash deposits — many banks have these in their lobbies or outside their buildings. The process takes a few minutes either way.
The money does not appear in your account instantly. Most banks process cash deposits the same business day if you deposit before their cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.), though some may take until the next business day. Weekend and holiday deposits typically post the next business day.
Key Takeaways
- You can deposit cash in person at a teller or at a 24-hour ATM that accepts cash, and you will need your debit card or account number.
- A deposit slip tells the bank which account to put the money in and is required at a teller but optional at most ATMs.
- Cash deposits post the same business day if you deposit before your bank's cutoff time, usually in the afternoon.
- There is no limit to how much cash you can deposit, but deposits over $10,000 trigger a federal reporting form that is routine and not a problem.
Depositing cash at a teller inside the bank
Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with your cash and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to make a cash deposit. They will ask which account you want to deposit into if you have more than one.
You can fill out a deposit slip before you reach the teller, or ask them for one and fill it out while you are there. The slip has blanks for your name, account number, the date, and the amount of cash. Write the total amount on the line marked "cash" and leave the other lines blank. Hand the slip and your cash to the teller.
The teller will count the cash in front of you, confirm the amount matches what you wrote on the slip, and give you a receipt. Keep the receipt — it shows the deposit was made and the amount. Your account balance updates the same day if you deposit before the bank's cutoff time, or the next business day if you deposit after.
Depositing cash at an ATM
Not all ATMs accept cash deposits, but many do. Look for a slot labeled "deposit" or check your bank's website or app to find ATMs near you that take cash. You will need your debit card to use the machine.
Insert your card and enter your PIN. Select "deposit" from the menu. The machine will ask how much you are depositing — you can tell it the amount or let it count the bills as you feed them in. Some machines count automatically; others ask you to insert bills one at a time. Follow the on-screen instructions.
The ATM will give you a receipt showing the amount deposited. Your account balance updates the same day if you deposit before your bank's cutoff time, or the next business day otherwise. If the machine rejects a bill or has a problem, it will return your cash immediately.
What happens if you deposit more than $10,000
Banks are required by federal law to file a report called a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) when a customer deposits more than $10,000 in a single transaction or in multiple transactions that add up to more than $10,000 within a business day. This is routine and legal — it does not mean anything is wrong or that you are under investigation.
The bank files the report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a federal agency. You do not have to do anything. The report includes your name, account number, and the amount, but it is not shared with the IRS or other agencies unless there is a separate reason to investigate.
If you are depositing a large amount of cash because you sold something, inherited money, or received a bonus, you can tell the teller where the money came from. The bank may ask, and it is normal to answer. Do not try to avoid the reporting requirement by making multiple smaller deposits — that is called "structuring" and is illegal.
Deposit limits and holds
There is no legal limit to how much cash you can deposit at once. Your bank may have its own internal limits for ATM deposits — some machines will not accept more than $5,000 or $10,000 in a single transaction — but you can always deposit at a teller instead.
Most banks do not place a hold on cash deposits. A hold is when the bank makes you wait before you can withdraw the money, even though it has been deposited. Cash is treated as immediately available at most banks because it is not a check that needs to clear. However, if you deposit a very large amount or if your account is new, the bank may hold part of the deposit for a day or two. Your receipt or account statement will tell you if a hold has been placed.
Depositing cash if you do not have a debit card yet
If you just opened an account and have not received your debit card, you can still make a cash deposit in person at a teller. Bring your ID and your account number (from your welcome paperwork or bank statement). You do not need the card itself.
At an ATM, you will need your debit card or a PIN to access the machine, so in-person deposits at a teller are your only option until your card arrives. Most banks send debit cards within 5 to 10 business days of opening an account.
What to do if the ATM keeps your cash
ATM malfunctions are rare, but if a machine takes your cash and does not give you a receipt or confirmation, contact your bank right away. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch. Tell them the date, time, location of the ATM, and the amount of cash you deposited.
The bank can review the ATM's records and camera footage to confirm whether the deposit was received. If the machine malfunctioned and ate your cash, the bank will credit your account for the amount. This process usually takes a few business days. Always keep your ATM receipt until the deposit shows up in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash at a different bank's ATM?
No. You can only deposit cash at an ATM owned by your own bank or at a bank that has a partnership with yours. Using another bank's ATM to deposit cash will not work — the machine will reject it or tell you the service is not available. Stick to your bank's ATMs or visit a teller at your bank's branch.
Does the bank charge a fee for cash deposits?
No. Banks do not charge you a fee to deposit your own cash into your own account. Deposits are free. Some banks charge fees for other services, like overdrafts or out-of-network ATM withdrawals, but deposits themselves have no cost.
How long does it take for a cash deposit to show up?
Cash deposits usually post the same business day if you deposit before your bank's cutoff time, which is typically 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. Deposits made after the cutoff or on weekends post the next business day. Check your bank's website or ask a teller for the exact cutoff time at your branch.
What if I want to deposit cash but I do not have my debit card with me?
You can deposit at a teller with just your ID and account number. You do not need your debit card to make a deposit in person. At an ATM, you will need your card or PIN, so in-person deposits are your only option if you do not have either.
Is there a limit to how much cash I can deposit per day?
There is no legal limit. Your bank may have its own limits for ATM deposits, but you can deposit any amount at a teller. Deposits over $10,000 require a federal report, but that does not stop you from depositing — it is just paperwork the bank files.