Yes, you can deposit money from another bank into your account

You can move money from one bank to another through several methods, and the bank receiving the deposit does not need to be the same institution where the money currently sits. The most common routes are wire transfers, ACH transfers, mobile check deposit, and in-person cash deposit at a branch or ATM. Each method has different speed, cost, and security characteristics — some take minutes, others take several business days, and some charge fees while others do not.

The method you choose depends on how much money you are moving, how fast you need it to arrive, whether you have the other account's details, and what your bank offers. A wire transfer moves money the same day but costs $15 to $30. An ACH transfer is free but takes three to five business days. Mobile check deposit works only if you have a physical check. Cash deposit at an ATM or branch is instant but only works if you can get to a physical location.

Key Takeaways

  • Wire transfers move money the same business day but cost $15 to $30 and require the sender's bank account number and routing number.
  • ACH transfers are free and take three to five business days, and you can set them up online through your bank's website or app.
  • Mobile check deposit lets you photograph a check and deposit it through your bank's app, usually within one business day.
  • Cash deposits at an ATM or branch are instant but require you to visit a physical location and work only during business hours for branch deposits.
  • Some banks charge fees for incoming transfers or have daily deposit limits, so check your account terms before you send a large amount.

Wire transfers: fastest but most expensive

A wire transfer moves money from one bank account to another on the same business day, usually within a few hours. The sending bank pulls the money from the source account and pushes it directly to the receiving bank using the Federal Reserve's wire network or a private network like SWIFT. Once the receiving bank gets the wire, the money appears in your account immediately — you can use it right away.

To send a wire transfer, you need the receiving bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank), the account number, the account holder's name, and the amount. You can initiate a wire through your bank's website, mobile app, or by calling the bank or visiting a branch. Most banks charge $15 to $30 per outgoing wire transfer. Some banks charge a fee to receive a wire as well, though this is less common.

Wire transfers are irreversible once sent. If you send money to the wrong account, you cannot get it back through the bank — you have to contact the recipient and ask them to return it. For this reason, double-check the account number and routing number before you confirm the transfer.

ACH transfers: free and standard, but slower

An ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfer moves money between bank accounts through the Federal Reserve's ACH network. It is the most common way to move money between banks and is free at most institutions. The trade-off is speed: ACH transfers take three to five business days to complete, and the money does not appear in your account until the receiving bank processes it.

To set up an ACH transfer, log into your bank's website or app and look for "Transfer Money" or "Send Money" — the exact wording varies by bank. You will need the other bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. Enter the amount and the date you want the transfer to happen. Most banks let you schedule ACH transfers in advance, so you can set it up days or weeks before the money needs to arrive.

ACH transfers have daily and monthly limits that vary by bank. A typical limit is $10,000 per day or $25,000 per month, though some banks allow higher amounts if you request them. If you are moving a large sum, check your bank's limits before you start — you may need to split the transfer into multiple transactions or call the bank to raise your limit temporarily.

Mobile check deposit: for checks only

If you have a physical check, you can photograph it using your bank's mobile app and deposit it without visiting a branch. Open the app, find the deposit or check deposit option, take a photo of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit. The bank receives the image and processes it like a paper check.

Mobile check deposits usually post within one business day, though some banks post them the same day if you deposit before a certain time (often 2 p.m. or 5 p.m.). After you submit the deposit, most banks ask you to write "Mobile Deposit" on the back of the check and either destroy it or hold it for a set period. Do not deposit the same check twice — depositing a check both through mobile and at a branch is check fraud and can result in overdraft fees, account closure, or criminal charges.

Mobile check deposit works only if you have a physical check. If the other bank is sending you money but has not issued a check, this method will not work.

Cash deposits at branches and ATMs

If you have cash, you can deposit it at a branch of your bank or at an ATM that accepts deposits. Branch deposits are instant — the money appears in your account right away. ATM deposits are also instant, though some banks hold the funds for one business day before you can withdraw them.

Branch deposits work during business hours only, which are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and limited hours on Saturday. ATM deposits work 24/7 if your bank has a 24-hour ATM. Not all ATMs accept cash deposits — check your bank's website or app to find a deposit-enabled ATM near you.

Cash deposits have no routing number or account number requirement — you just need your debit card or account number. However, cash deposits over $10,000 trigger a federal reporting requirement called a Currency Transaction Report (CTR). This is not illegal, but the bank is required to file the report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). If you are depositing large amounts of cash regularly, the bank may ask questions about the source of the money.

Fees and limits to check before you transfer

Most banks charge nothing for incoming transfers, but some charge a fee to receive a wire transfer or an ACH transfer. Check your account agreement or call your bank to ask about incoming transfer fees. If your bank charges a fee, you may want to ask the sender to use a different method or to send a larger amount so the fee is a smaller percentage of the total.

Banks also set daily and monthly deposit limits. These limits vary widely — some banks allow unlimited deposits, while others cap deposits at $5,000 per day or $25,000 per month. If you are depositing a large amount, check your limits before you start. If you hit a limit, you can usually call the bank and ask them to raise it temporarily or split the deposit across multiple days.

Some banks also hold funds from certain types of deposits. For example, a mobile check deposit might be held for one business day, or a wire transfer from an unfamiliar bank might be held for review. These holds are temporary — the money will be available after the hold period ends.

What to do if a deposit does not arrive

If you sent money and it has not arrived by the expected date, contact your bank first. Ask them to trace the transfer — they can check whether the money left your account and where it is in the system. If the money left your account but has not arrived at the receiving bank, the sending bank can file a trace request with the receiving bank to locate it.

If you sent the money to the wrong account number, tell your bank immediately. For wire transfers, the money is likely already in the wrong account and you will need to contact that account holder to ask them to return it — the bank cannot reverse a wire. For ACH transfers, the bank may be able to stop the transfer if it has not processed yet, but this depends on timing and the receiving bank's policies.

If the receiving bank received the money but it is not showing in your account, contact that bank's customer service. They can check whether the deposit posted and whether there is a hold on the funds. Holds typically last one to five business days depending on the type of deposit and the bank's policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to deposit money from another bank?

It depends on the method. Wire transfers arrive the same business day, usually within hours. ACH transfers take three to five business days. Mobile check deposits and cash deposits at branches are instant, though some banks hold the funds for one business day. ATM deposits are instant but may have a one-day hold.

Do I need to know the other bank's routing number?

You need it for wire transfers and ACH transfers. For cash deposits, you do not need it — just your account number. For mobile check deposits, you do not need it either — the check itself contains all the routing information the bank needs.

What happens if I deposit more than $10,000 in cash?

The bank files a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the federal government. This is routine and not illegal. The bank may ask you about the source of the money, and you should be prepared to explain it — for example, a work bonus, a sale of property, or a withdrawal from another account.

Can I deposit a check from another bank at an ATM?

Yes, if the ATM belongs to your bank or a bank in your bank's network. Insert your debit card, select deposit, choose check deposit, and follow the prompts. Some ATMs accept checks 24/7, while others only accept them during certain hours. Check your bank's website to find a check-deposit-enabled ATM.

What if the money I sent was supposed to arrive today but it is not there?

Contact your bank and ask them to trace the transfer. If you sent a wire transfer, it should have arrived the same business day — if it did not, the bank can investigate. If you sent an ACH transfer, it may still be processing if you sent it late in the day or on a weekend. If more than five business days have passed, contact your bank to file a trace.