The main ways to put money into your checking account

You can add money to a checking account through a bank teller, ATM, mobile app deposit, wire transfer, direct deposit, or by mailing a check. The fastest method depends on whether you have the money in hand, whether it's already with another bank, or whether it's coming from an employer or government agency. Each route has different timing and requirements.

The method you choose also depends on your bank's location and whether you need the money available the same day. Some banks offer multiple options; others limit which methods work for your account type. Your bank's website or app will show you which methods are available to you right now.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person deposits at a teller or ATM are available immediately during business hours, though ATM deposits may take one business day to show in your account.
  • Mobile check deposit through your bank's app usually clears within one to two business days and works from anywhere you have a phone and the check.
  • Direct deposit from an employer or government agency takes one to three business days after the money is sent and requires you to provide your account and routing number once.
  • Wire transfers move money between banks the same day but cost $15 to $50 and require the sender to have your full account and routing information.
  • Mailing a check is free but takes five to seven business days and requires your bank to receive and process it.

Depositing cash or a check in person at your bank

Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with cash or a check and hand it to a teller. You'll need your account number or debit card. The teller will count the cash or take the check, give you a receipt, and the money will be available in your account immediately for cash deposits. For checks, the funds typically show up the next business day, though some banks make a portion available the same day.

If your bank has an ATM in the lobby or outside, you can deposit cash or checks there without waiting for a teller. Insert your debit card, select "deposit," and follow the prompts. The ATM will scan the check or count the cash. Cash deposits at ATMs are usually available immediately; check deposits typically post within one business day. Keep your receipt in case there's a question about what you deposited.

Not all ATMs accept check deposits—only those owned by your bank or a partner network. ATMs at other banks or in stores may only allow cash withdrawal, not deposits. Your bank's app or website will show you which ATMs near you accept deposits.

Using mobile check deposit through your bank's app

Most banks let you photograph a check using their mobile app and deposit it without visiting a branch. Open your bank's app, find the deposit or mobile check option, take clear photos of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit. The app will tell you when the deposit was received and when the funds will be available.

Mobile check deposits usually clear within one to two business days. Some banks make a portion of the deposit available sooner—for example, $200 the same day and the rest the next business day. The check itself is not mailed; the bank uses the photos you took. After the bank confirms the deposit, you should write "deposited" on the check and keep it for your records for at least 30 days in case there's a problem.

Your bank may limit how many checks you can deposit this way per day or per month, or cap the total dollar amount. These limits vary by bank and account type. Check your app or call your bank to find out what your limit is.

Setting up direct deposit from your employer or a government agency

Direct deposit moves money from an employer's or government agency's bank account into yours automatically on a set schedule—usually every two weeks for paychecks or monthly for benefits. You don't have to do anything after the first setup except wait for the money to arrive.

To set up direct deposit, you need to provide your bank account number and your bank's routing number. Your employer or the agency will give you a form to fill out, or you may enter this information online through their portal. Once submitted, the first deposit usually arrives within one to three business days. After that, deposits come on the same day each pay period.

If you change banks or accounts, you'll need to update your direct deposit information with your employer or the agency. Don't cancel the old account until you've confirmed at least one deposit has arrived in the new account. If a deposit goes to the wrong account by mistake, contact your employer or the agency immediately—they can sometimes recall it, but the sooner you report it, the better.

Transferring money from another bank account

If you have money in another bank's account, you can move it to your checking account through an electronic transfer. The two most common methods are ACH transfers (which are free and take one to three business days) and wire transfers (which cost money but move the same day).

For an ACH transfer, log into your checking account's app or website, select "transfer money," choose "from another bank," and enter the other bank's account and routing number. The receiving bank will verify the account, and the money will arrive within one to three business days. This method is free and works well if you're not in a hurry.

A wire transfer is faster but costs $15 to $50, depending on your bank. You'll need to provide the sending bank with your full account number, routing number, and the name on your checking account. The money usually arrives the same business day if you submit the request before your bank's cutoff time (often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.). Wire transfers are harder to reverse if you make a mistake, so double-check all the information before you confirm.

Mailing a check to your bank

You can mail a check to your bank's processing center, though this is the slowest method. Write the check to yourself or to your bank, sign it on the back, and include a deposit slip if your bank provided one. Mail it to the address your bank lists for check deposits—this is usually different from the branch address and is found on your bank's website.

Mailed checks take five to seven business days to arrive and be processed. The money won't show in your account until the bank receives and scans the check. If you need the money sooner, use a different method. Keep a copy of the check or a photo of it for your records.

Some banks no longer accept mailed deposits, so check your bank's website first. If your bank does accept them, the website will have the exact mailing address and any special instructions.

What to do if your deposit doesn't show up

If you deposited money and it hasn't appeared in your account by the expected date, contact your bank first. Have your receipt or the confirmation number from the deposit ready. The bank can look up the transaction and tell you whether it's still processing, if there was an error, or if the deposit was rejected.

Common reasons a deposit doesn't post include a check being returned for insufficient funds in the sender's account, a mobile photo being too blurry to read, or a typo in an account number during a transfer. Your bank will explain what happened and what you need to do next—which might be resubmitting the deposit, asking the sender to issue a new check, or correcting the account information.

If the bank made an error and lost your deposit, report it in writing and ask for a written explanation. Keep all receipts and confirmations until the money appears in your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check that's made out to someone else?

No. A check must be made out to you or to your bank. If someone gives you a check made out to them, they can sign it over to you by writing "Pay to the order of [your name]" on the back and signing below that, but many banks no longer accept third-party checks. Ask your bank first before trying this method.

How long does a wire transfer actually take?

If you submit a wire transfer request before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. on a business day), the money arrives the same day. If you submit it after the cutoff or on a weekend or holiday, it will arrive the next business day. The receiving bank processes it immediately once it arrives.

What's the difference between my account number and my routing number?

Your routing number identifies your bank (it's the same for all customers at that bank), while your account number identifies your specific account. Both are printed on the bottom left of your checks. You need both to set up direct deposit or to receive a wire transfer.

Can I deposit cash at an ATM that's not my bank's?

Some ATMs owned by other banks or networks will accept cash deposits if your bank has a partnership with them. Most won't. Your bank's app or website shows which ATMs accept deposits. Using an ATM that doesn't belong to your bank may also charge you a fee.

Is there a limit to how much I can deposit?

Banks don't usually limit how much you can deposit in total, but they may limit individual transactions. For example, mobile check deposits might be capped at $5,000 per check or $10,000 per day. ATM deposits may have lower limits. Check your bank's terms or app to find your limits.