The main ways to deposit funds into Santander
You can deposit money into your Santander checking account through an ATM, at a branch, by mobile deposit, or by having someone transfer money directly to your account number. The fastest method depends on whether you have cash or a check, how soon you need the funds available, and whether you are at a Santander location or depositing remotely.
Santander operates thousands of ATMs and branches across the United States. If you have a check, you can photograph it using the Santander mobile app instead of visiting a location. If someone is sending you money, you can provide your account and routing number for a direct transfer through ACH or wire transfer.
Key Takeaways
- ATM deposits are available 24/7 at Santander ATMs and many partner networks, though funds typically post within one business day.
- Mobile check deposit through the Santander app lets you photograph the front and back of a check and submit it without visiting a branch.
- Branch deposits are processed immediately during business hours, and tellers can accept cash, checks, and answer questions about your account.
- Direct deposits and transfers require you to share your Santander account number and routing number with the person or employer sending the money.
- Santander's routing number is 011000015, but confirm this with your bank before providing it to an employer or payment service.
Depositing cash or checks at an ATM
Santander ATMs accept both cash and check deposits. Insert your debit card, select the deposit option, and follow the on-screen prompts. For cash, the ATM will count the bills and confirm the amount before accepting the deposit. For checks, insert the check into the slot and the machine will scan it.
Cash deposits post to your account immediately or within the same business day. Check deposits typically post within one business day, though some checks may take longer depending on the amount and the bank that issued the check. You will receive a receipt showing the deposit amount and a confirmation number.
If you use a Santander ATM at a non-Santander location (such as a grocery store or convenience store), the deposit process is the same, but confirm that the ATM accepts deposits before you approach it—not all ATMs in partner networks do.
Mobile check deposit through the Santander app
Download the Santander mobile app and log in with your online banking username and password. Select "Mobile Deposit" or "Deposit a Check" from the menu. Photograph the front and back of the check in good lighting, making sure all four corners and the entire check are visible in the image.
The app will display the check amount and ask you to confirm the deposit. Once you submit, the check image is sent to Santander for processing. The funds typically post within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number and can view the deposit in your transaction history.
Keep the physical check for at least 30 days after the deposit posts. Do not deposit the same check twice—mobile deposit and in-person deposit of the same check can trigger fraud holds or account restrictions.
Depositing at a Santander branch
Visit any Santander branch during business hours with your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to make a deposit and hand over your cash or checks. The teller will count the money, verify the amounts, and provide you with a deposit receipt showing the total.
Cash and check deposits made at a branch post immediately to your account. You do not have to wait for processing time. If you have questions about your account, holds, or deposit limits, the teller can answer them on the spot.
Santander branch hours vary by location. Use the branch locator on Santander's website or call ahead to confirm hours before you visit, especially on weekends or holidays.
Direct deposit and transfers from another account
To receive a direct deposit from an employer or government agency, provide them with your Santander account number and routing number. Santander's routing number is 011000015. Your account number appears on the bottom left of your checks or in your online banking portal under account details.
Direct deposits are typically processed on a set schedule—weekly for paychecks, monthly for benefits, or on the date specified by the sending organization. The funds post automatically on the scheduled date and are immediately available in your account.
If someone wants to send you money from their own bank account, they can initiate an ACH transfer (which takes one to three business days) or a wire transfer (which typically arrives the same day or next business day). Provide them with your account number and Santander's routing number. Some banks charge a fee for outgoing wire transfers, but receiving transfers is free.
Deposit limits and holds
Santander does not publish a single deposit limit that applies to all accounts and all methods. ATM deposits may have daily or per-transaction limits that vary by account type. Mobile deposits often have lower limits than branch deposits. Contact Santander directly or check your account terms to learn your specific limits.
Most deposits post without a hold. However, if you deposit a large check, a check from an unfamiliar bank, or multiple checks at once, Santander may place a temporary hold on part or all of the deposit. The hold typically lasts one to five business days. You will see the deposit in your account balance but the funds may not be available to withdraw until the hold lifts.
If a hold is placed, you will receive notice in your account or by mail. You can contact Santander to ask why the hold was placed and when it will be removed.
What to do if a deposit does not post
If you made a deposit and it does not appear in your account within the expected timeframe, log into your online banking account and check your recent transactions. The deposit may be pending and will post within a few hours or the next business day.
If the deposit is not showing as pending and the timeframe has passed, contact Santander customer service. Have your receipt or confirmation number ready. Explain when and how you made the deposit (ATM, mobile, branch, or transfer). Santander can trace the deposit and tell you whether it was received, if it is on hold, or if there was an error.
For ATM deposits, Santander may ask you to return to the ATM to confirm the transaction was completed. For mobile deposits, the app will show whether the image was received and processed. For branch deposits, the teller's receipt is your proof of deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a check deposit to show up in my account?
Check deposits made at a branch or ATM typically post within one business day. Mobile check deposits also usually post within one business day. Large checks or checks from unfamiliar banks may be subject to a hold that delays availability of funds for up to five business days, even though the deposit itself posts to your account.
Can I deposit cash at any ATM or only Santander ATMs?
You can deposit cash at Santander ATMs and at ATMs in partner networks, though not all partner ATMs accept deposits. Confirm the ATM accepts deposits before you use it. Deposits made at non-Santander ATMs may take longer to post than deposits at Santander ATMs.
What is my Santander routing number?
Santander's routing number is 011000015. This is the number you provide to employers, government agencies, or other banks when setting up direct deposits or transfers to your account. Confirm this number with Santander before providing it to a third party, as routing numbers can vary by account type or region.
Do I need to keep the physical check after I use mobile deposit?
Yes, keep the physical check for at least 30 days after the deposit posts. Do not deposit the check again in person or at an ATM. Depositing the same check twice can trigger fraud holds or account restrictions.
What happens if I deposit a check and it bounces?
If the check bounces (the account it was drawn on has insufficient funds), Santander will reverse the deposit from your account. You will be notified by mail or in your online account. Santander may charge a returned-item fee. Contact the person who gave you the check to ask them to provide a new check or payment method.