Depositing Cash Into Your Bank Account: An Easy Guide

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Ways to deposit cash in person, online, or through an ATM

Co-authored by Gina D'Amore and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: September 25, 2024 Fact Checked

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Depositing Cash at a Bank

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Depositing Cash Into an Online Bank

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Depositing Cash at an ATM

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FAQs

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Video

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Tips

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Warnings

In most cases, depositing cash is as easy as walking into your bank, filling out a deposit slip, then explaining your intentions to the bank teller, but these days, there are plenty of other ways to make a deposit, including ATMs and online banking. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to deposit cash at a bank, with an online bank, and at an ATM. Plus, learn how much cash you can deposit at once, what to do if your bank is far away, and other common questions about cash deposits.

How to Deposit Cash Into Your Bank Account

Fill out a deposit slip and count your cash to make sure you’re depositing the right amount. Bring your cash, deposit slip, and ID to the bank teller and tell them you want to make a deposit. They’ll confirm the amount and deposit it into your account. The money will typically be available to use within a business day.

Section 1 of 4:

How to Deposit Cash at a Bank

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1
Fill out your deposit slip. Either bring your own deposit slip if you have one or pick one up at the bank. Fill out all the identifying information, like your name, address, account number, and bank name and address. Then, write the date you’re making the deposit and indicate how much cash you’re depositing on the cash deposit line, typically located on the right side of the slip. When you’re done, write the grand total at the bottom of the deposit slip.^{[1]
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- If you’re using your personal deposit slips, most of your identifying information should already be printed on the slip. Double check that all of this information is correct. If it isn’t, talk to a representative of the issuing bank.
- If you did not receive deposit slips when opening your account, contact the bank where you have the account.
- If you’re depositing checks along with cash, write the totals of your checks on the subsequent lines under the cash deposit line. Count the checks in ascending or descending order to ensure the balance equals that on the deposit slip.
- When depositing checks, you must write the check numbers on the deposit slip. Since some check numbers are very long, put the last four digits of the check number and then the check amount.
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Bring the deposit slip, cash, and your ID to the bank teller. Approach the bank teller’s counter or pull up to the bank’s drive-thru and tell them that you’d like to make a deposit. The teller will walk you through the process, though generally you’ll hand them the cash and your deposit slip. You’ll also likely need to present your ID to confirm you’re the owner of the account. The teller will count the money and confirm it’s the right amount before depositing it.^{[2]
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- If your account number isn’t listed on your deposit slip and you don’t know it, bring your debit card with you. The teller can usually type in the card number to find your account number.
- Before depositing your cash, double count it one more time to make sure it’s all there.
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Once the teller has deposited your cash, they’ll give you a receipt. Double check that the amount on the receipt matches the amount you deposited. Your cash should be available in your account within a business day, so make sure the amount you see in your account is correct. If there are any discrepancies, contact your bank.^{[3]
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Deposit Cash Into an Online Bank

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Some online banks also offer walk-in locations where you can deposit cash. Check with your bank to see if they have a walk-in location near you. If they do, the depositing process is similar to that of a traditional bank. Have your ID, cash, and bank information ready. In some cases, online banks also accept deposits through ATMs. Check with your bank to see if this is possible.^{[4]
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Buy a money order. Money orders are like checks, but they are guaranteed by a public or private service like Western Union or the Indian Postal Service. Visit the money order service of your choice, fill out the money order, then pay for it. From there, deposit it according to the instructions prescribed by your bank. Note that money orders allow you to deposit up to $1000.^{[5]
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- The specific process by which you can deposit a money order varies depending on the online bank you use.
- Generally, scan or take a photo of the money order, then send the image to your online bank. In some cases, you might need to mail the money order to the bank.
- Check your online bank’s policy regarding money orders before you get a money order.
- In many cases, money orders require you to pay a small fee, typically less than $2.
3
Electronically transfer the funds from a traditional bank. If you use an online bank as well as a traditional bank, make a deposit at your local branch of the traditional bank. Then, transfer the funds to your online bank over the internet. The specific method by which you can accomplish this varies depending on the banks you use.^{[6]
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- Generally, however, set up an account online with your traditional bank, then select an “electronic funds transfer” or some similar formulation. You will then be prompted to provide the routing number for the online bank you wish to transfer the funds to.
- If you exclusively use an online bank, open a bank account at a local bank. Look for one with the lowest monthly fees.
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Use a wire transfer service. Wire transfer services allow you to move money electronically from one account to another. They are provided by most major traditional banks. To deposit cash into your online account using wire transfer services, deposit the cash at your traditional bank. Request a wire transfer and fill out the bank’s transfer form.^{[7]
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- Requirements for using wire transfer services vary from bank to bank.
- Depositing cash in your online bank via wire transfer may result in a brief hold time before the money is available.
- There are often fees involved in using a wire transfer service. Ask about these fees before depositing cash using a wire transfer.
- If you exclusively use an online bank, the only way to move cash from the physical bank to your online bank is to open an account with a traditional bank. Look for one with the lowest monthly fees.
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Load cash onto a reloadable prepaid debit card. These cards work the same way regular debit or credit cards do and allow you to make purchases up to the amount deposited on the card. Many prepaid cards allow you to load the cash at certain stores then make an ACH transfer to your online bank. Or, simply keep the cash on the card and use it that way.^{[8]
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US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
U.S. government agency for protecting consumers in the financial sector

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- The process by which you deposit cash onto the card depends on the terms of the card. Some cards allow customers to deposit cash at the checkout register of certain big box stores. Cards that were obtained at banks usually require you to add more money to the card at the issuing bank.
- Before purchasing a reloadable prepaid debit card, ask the issuer how to deposit cash onto the card. If you find the process too difficult, consider another option for depositing cash.
- Reloadable prepaid debit cards are available online, at big box stores, and at many banks.
- Be aware that many prepaid debit cards charge fees to obtain the card, deposit cash, or withdraw funds. Some even have monthly membership fees.

Section 3 of 4:

How to Deposit Cash at an ATM

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Not all ATMs allow you to make deposits, and many don’t allow you to do so if you’re not a member of that bank. Look on your bank’s website or app to make sure they allow ATM deposits and to locate the nearest ATM.^{[9]
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Once you find an ATM, insert your debit or ATM card and enter your PIN to access your bank account. Select the option for making a deposit and choose the account into which you’d like to deposit the money.^{[10]
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Insert the cash, following the ATM’s guidelines. Most ATMs allow you to deposit a stack of cash, while some may require you to use an envelope and deposit slip. The ATM should guide you through the entire process to ensure you deposit correctly.^{[11]
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- Before inserting your cash, count it one last time so you know exactly how much you’re depositing.
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Verify and confirm the deposit amount. Once you’ve inserted the cash, the ATM will count it and present the total on the screen. Make sure it matches the amount you deposited. If there’s a discrepancy, contact your bank. Remember to take your receipt in case the amount that shows up in your account isn’t the same as what you deposited.^{[12]
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- In general, the deposit should show up in your account within the next business day.
- Before walking away, make sure that the session is complete and you have your debit or ATM card in your possession.

Section 4 of 4:

Depositing Cash FAQs

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For your safety, do not send cash through the mail. While many banks—both traditional and online—allow you to deposit checks by mail, most banks do not allow you to deposit cash by mail. Even if you encounter a bank that does, the risk of your money getting lost is too great. Convert your money to a money order instead, or wait until you can deposit the cash in person.^{[13]
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Each bank has its own deposit limit, but all banks must report deposits over $10,000 to the IRS. You may be able to deposit that much at once, but know that the bank will investigate and report the payment to ensure it is legal. Contact your bank to find out their individual deposit limit.^{[14]
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Internal Revenue Service
U.S. government agency in charge of managing the Federal Tax Code

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Can I deposit cash into someone else’s account? It depends on the bank, as some banks do not allow you to make a deposit if you aren’t a customer. If the bank does allow you to deposit into someone else’s account, make sure you have the recipient’s name and bank account number. It’s a good idea to have the person with you when you make the deposit in case the bank doesn’t allow you to make the deposit on your own.^{[15]
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- If the bank doesn’t allow you to make the deposit, consider doing a wire transfer, an online bank transfer, using a money transfer app, or filling out a personal check.
In short, no. Not all ATMs accept cash deposits, and most ATMs do not accept out-of-network deposits. Check with your bank to see if their ATMs accept cash deposits and where the closest one is.^{[16]
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Most banks and credit unions allow you to make deposits at other branches or CO-OP networks. In some cases, the bank may require you to pay a fee if you make a deposit at a non-home branch. Other options include depositing at an ATM if your bank allows it or purchasing a money order payable to yourself.^{[17]
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In general, cash deposits made at a bank are available by the next business day. If you make a large deposit, the bank may place a hold on it to ensure the payment was legal. Cash deposits made at an in-network ATM are also generally available within the next business day, while deposits made at an out-of-network ATM may take several business days.^{[18]
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In general, ATMs that allow cash deposits also allow you to deposit checks.

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Warnings

When making an ATM deposit, check your surroundings and make sure the ATM is in a well-lit area. While it isn’t common, using an ATM allows for the possibility of being robbed or having your bank information stolen. If you feel unsafe, wait and deposit the cash at your bank’s branch instead.^{[19]
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