The fastest ways to deposit money into Chase savings

You can add money to a Chase savings account through your phone, a computer, an ATM, or in person at a branch. The method you choose depends on how much you're depositing, how quickly you need it there, and whether you have the account number handy. Most deposits land in your account the same day or within one business day.

Chase offers five main deposit routes: mobile check deposit (photograph a check), transfers from another bank account, transfers from another Chase account, ATM deposits at a Chase machine, and cash or check deposits at a Chase branch. Each one works differently and has different limits or timing.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile check deposit through the Chase app lets you photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it without visiting a branch, with funds typically available within one business day.
  • Transfers from another bank account (ACH transfers) are free and usually take one to three business days, depending on the sending bank.
  • Transfers between your own Chase accounts are instant and have no limit.
  • ATM deposits at Chase machines accept cash and checks, with funds usually available the next business day, but some ATMs have daily deposit limits.
  • In-person deposits at a Chase branch are immediate for cash and checks, but require you to visit during business hours.

Mobile check deposit through the Chase app

Open the Chase mobile app, tap the deposit icon, select your savings account, and photograph the front and back of the check. The app will read the check amount automatically. You'll need to confirm the amount and endorse the back of the check (sign it) before you submit. After you deposit, destroy the check or write "deposited" on it so it doesn't get deposited twice.

Funds from mobile check deposits are usually available within one business day. Chase holds some checks longer depending on the amount or the bank the check is drawn from—if the check is over $5,000 or from a bank outside the Chase network, Chase may hold it for up to five business days. The app will tell you the expected availability date before you confirm the deposit.

Mobile check deposit works for personal checks, business checks, and government checks. It does not work for starter checks, checks that are post-dated (dated in the future), or checks that have already been deposited elsewhere.

Transfers from another bank account

Link your external bank account to Chase through the app or online banking. Go to Transfer Money, select the external account as the source, choose your Chase savings account as the destination, and enter the amount. The transfer will process as an ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfer, which is free and takes one to three business days depending on the sending bank.

Some banks process outgoing transfers the same day you request them; others wait until the next business day. Chase typically receives the money within one to three business days after the sending bank releases it. You can set up recurring transfers if you want to add money on a regular schedule—weekly, biweekly, or monthly.

ACH transfers have no limit on the amount you can send, though your sending bank may have its own daily or monthly caps. Check with your other bank if you're transferring a large amount.

Transfers between your Chase accounts

If you have money in a Chase checking account or another Chase savings account, you can move it to your target savings account instantly through the app or online banking. Go to Transfer Money, select the source account (checking or another savings account), choose your savings account as the destination, and enter the amount. The money appears in your savings account immediately.

There is no limit on how much you can transfer between your own Chase accounts, and the transfer is free. This is the fastest way to move money if you already have it in another Chase account.

Cash and check deposits at Chase ATMs

Find a Chase ATM near you through the app or at chase.com. Insert your debit card, select Deposit, choose your savings account, and follow the prompts. The ATM accepts cash and checks. For checks, insert them one at a time; for cash, insert bills in the same direction. The ATM will count the money and confirm the amount before you finish the transaction.

Funds from ATM deposits are usually available the next business day. Some Chase ATMs have daily deposit limits—commonly $5,000 for cash and $10,000 for checks, though this varies by location. The ATM will tell you the limit before you start depositing. If you hit the limit, you can deposit the rest at another ATM or at a branch.

ATM deposits work 24/7, so you can deposit money outside of branch hours. However, deposits made after 9 p.m. or on weekends may not post until the next business day.

Cash and check deposits at a Chase branch

Visit a Chase branch during business hours with your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to deposit cash or checks into your savings account. Hand over the money or checks, and the teller will count it, confirm the amount, and deposit it immediately. You'll receive a receipt showing the deposit amount and your new account balance.

Deposits made in person at a branch are posted to your account the same day, even if you deposit after the branch closes (if you use the after-hours deposit envelope). Bring a photo ID if you don't have your debit card.

Branch hours vary by location. Use the Chase branch locator on the website or app to find hours near you.

Deposit limits and holds

Chase does not set a daily limit on how much you can deposit into a savings account, but individual deposit methods have their own caps. Mobile check deposits are limited to $5,000 per check and $25,000 per day. ATM deposits vary by machine but typically max out at $5,000 for cash and $10,000 for checks per day. ACH transfers from external banks have no Chase-side limit, though your sending bank may restrict the amount.

Chase may place a hold on deposits if the amount is unusually large, the check is from an unfamiliar bank, or your account is new. A hold means the money is in your account but you cannot withdraw it until the hold lifts. Holds typically last one to five business days. The deposit receipt or app notification will show the expected release date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check written to someone else?

No. The check must be written to you or to you and another person. If the check is written to someone else, that person must deposit it into their own account or sign it over to you (third-party deposit), which many banks no longer accept.

What happens if I deposit the same check twice?

Chase's system is designed to catch duplicate deposits, but if one slips through, you'll be charged a fee and the duplicate deposit will be reversed. Destroy the check after you deposit it, or write "deposited" on the back to prevent accidental redeposit.

Why is my deposit on hold?

Chase places holds on deposits that are unusually large, from banks outside its network, or when your account is new. Holds typically last one to five business days. You can call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card to ask why a specific deposit is on hold.

Can I deposit cash at a Chase ATM?

Yes. Chase ATMs accept cash deposits 24/7. The money is usually available the next business day. Daily limits vary by ATM but typically max out at $5,000 for cash.

How do I know if my deposit went through?

Check your account in the Chase app or online banking. Deposits appear as pending first, then post to your account within one business day. You'll also receive a receipt at the ATM or branch, or a confirmation in the app for mobile check deposits.