How to Deposit Cash: Traditional Banks, Online Banks, & ATMS (2024)

Co-authored byGina D'Amoreand Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: July 1, 2024Fact Checked

How to Deposit Cash Into Your Bank Account

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   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]

   • 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]

   • 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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   Take your receipt and ensure the deposit is accurate. 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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1. 1

   Use an online bank with a physical location or ATM. 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]

   • 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.
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   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]

   • 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.
4. See Also

   How To Fill Out a Money Order: A Step-by-Step GuideHow to Fill Out a Money Order Step-by-Step | Capital OneMoney Orders: When, Where, and How to Send

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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]

   • 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]

   • 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.

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   Check with your bank to find an ATM that accepts deposits. 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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   Access your bank account and select “Make a deposit.” 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]

   • 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]

   • 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.

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   Can I send cash through the mail? 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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   How much cash can I deposit at once? 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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   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]

   • 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.
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   Can I deposit cash at any ATM? 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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   How can I deposit money when I’m out of town? 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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   Are cash deposits available immediately? 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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