You can deposit money into your own account at another bank, but the method and timeline depend on which bank holds the account and what tools you use
If you have an account at Bank A and want to put money into it using a branch or ATM at Bank B, the answer is usually no — you cannot walk into a competitor's branch and hand them a deposit. But you have several other routes: mobile deposit (photograph a check), wire transfer, ACH transfer from another account you control, or asking the receiving bank for a deposit envelope if they offer one. The fastest methods take minutes; the slowest take three to five business days.
The key variable is whether you are depositing a check, cash, or a transfer from another account. Each has different rules and timelines, and not every bank offers every method.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check through your bank's app) works with most banks and completes within one business day.
- Wire transfers move money the same day but cost $15 to $30 and require the receiving bank's routing number and your account number.
- ACH transfers are free and take three to five business days, and work only if you are moving money from another account you own.
- Depositing cash at another bank's branch or ATM is rarely possible; you will need to use your own bank or a third-party service like MoneyGram.
- Some banks accept mobile check deposit from other banks' checks, but the receiving bank must support the feature.
Mobile deposit: photograph a check and submit it through your app
If you have a check to deposit, mobile deposit is the fastest and most convenient option. You open your bank's mobile app, select "deposit a check," photograph the front and back of the check, and submit it. The bank receives the image, verifies it, and credits your account — usually within one business day.
Mobile deposit works across banks: you can photograph a check from any issuer and deposit it into your account at any bank that offers the feature. Most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Ally, Capital One) support mobile deposit. Smaller regional banks and credit unions often do too, but not all. Check your bank's app or website to confirm the feature exists.
There are limits. Most banks cap mobile deposits at $2,000 to $10,000 per transaction and $5,000 to $25,000 per day, depending on your account type and history. Once you submit the image, do not deposit the physical check elsewhere — the bank will reject it if it has already been processed.
Wire transfers: same-day money movement at a cost
A wire transfer moves money from one bank account to another on the same business day. You initiate it through your current bank, provide the receiving bank's routing number and your account number at the other bank, specify the amount, and the money arrives within hours — often by mid-afternoon if you send it before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m.).
Wire transfers cost money: typically $15 to $30 per transfer, depending on your bank and whether it is domestic (within the US) or international. The fee comes out of the amount you send or is charged separately. Once sent, a wire transfer is difficult to reverse, so confirm the receiving account details before you initiate.
You do not need an account at the receiving bank to wire money into it. You only need the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank) and the account number. Your bank can provide a template or walk you through the process online or by phone.
ACH transfers: free but slower
ACH transfers (Automated Clearing House) are free electronic transfers between bank accounts. If you have accounts at two different banks and want to move money from one to the other, you can set up an ACH transfer through either bank's website or app. The money takes three to five business days to arrive, and there is no fee.
ACH transfers work only if you control both accounts — you cannot use ACH to send money to someone else's account at another bank. If you want to move your own money between your accounts, this is the cheapest option. Most banks allow you to set up recurring ACH transfers (for example, moving money every month) or one-time transfers.
Some banks let you initiate an ACH transfer from the receiving bank's side: you log into your account at Bank B and link your account at Bank A, then pull money from Bank A into Bank B. Others require you to initiate from the sending bank. Check your receiving bank's website to see which method it supports.
Cash deposits: limited options outside your own bank
Depositing cash is harder. Most banks do not accept cash deposits from customers who do not have an account with them. Your own bank's branches and ATMs will accept cash deposits, but a competitor's will not.
If you need to deposit cash into an account at another bank, your options are narrow: use a third-party service like MoneyGram or Western Union (both charge fees), ask the receiving bank whether it has a deposit envelope program (rare, and usually only for existing customers), or withdraw cash from your current bank and have someone with an account at the receiving bank deposit it for you.
Some credit unions participate in shared branching networks, which means you can walk into a different credit union's branch and conduct transactions as if it were your own. Check whether your credit union is part of the CO-OP or Allpoint network.
Deposit envelopes and in-person deposits at the receiving bank
A few banks offer deposit envelopes — pre-addressed envelopes you can mail to the bank with a check or cash inside. The bank receives it, processes the deposit, and credits your account. This method is slow (five to ten business days) and is offered by only some banks, usually only to existing customers. Call your bank to ask whether this option exists.
Walking into a branch of your receiving bank and handing a teller a check or cash to deposit into your account is possible only if you have an account there. If you do not, the branch will turn you away. Some banks make exceptions for customers opening a new account, but this is not standard.
Timing and what to expect at each step
| Method | Timeline | Cost | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile deposit (check) | 1 business day | Free | Check, mobile app with deposit feature |
| Wire transfer | Same day (if sent before cutoff) | $15–$30 | Receiving bank's routing number and account number |
| ACH transfer | 3–5 business days | Free | Account at both banks, account numbers |
| Deposit envelope (mail) | 5–10 business days | Free | Envelope provided by bank, check or cash |
| MoneyGram or Western Union | Minutes to 1 day | $5–$15 | Cash, receiving account details |
What happens if the deposit does not arrive
If you sent money and it has not arrived within the expected timeframe, contact your sending bank first. They can confirm whether the transfer was processed and provide a reference number. If the transfer was sent, the receiving bank can trace it using that number.
For wire transfers, delays are rare — if the money left your account, it almost always arrives the same day. For ACH transfers, delays of one or two extra business days can happen during holidays or high-volume periods. For mobile deposits, if the check was rejected (for example, because the image was unclear), your bank will notify you and the check will not be deposited.
If money disappears during transfer, report it to your sending bank immediately. They have procedures to investigate and recover funds if the receiving bank's routing number was wrong or the transfer was misdirected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check from another bank at an ATM that is not my bank?
No. ATMs accept deposits only from customers of that bank or credit union. Use mobile deposit instead — photograph the check through your bank's app and submit it. It will be processed within one business day and costs nothing.
What if I do not know the routing number of the receiving bank?
You can find it on the bank's website, by calling the bank, or by searching online for "[bank name] routing number." The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to each bank and branch. Write it down before you initiate a wire transfer or ACH transfer.
Is it safe to give my account number to someone so they can deposit money into my account?
Yes. Your account number and routing number are safe to share for deposits — they are printed on the bottom of your checks and are needed for wire transfers and ACH transfers. These numbers alone do not allow someone to withdraw money from your account; they can only receive deposits. Never share your PIN or online banking password.
Can I deposit cash into another person's account at a different bank?
Not directly. You cannot walk into a bank and deposit cash into someone else's account unless you are an authorized user on that account. You can send cash using MoneyGram or Western Union, or withdraw cash and have the other person deposit it themselves at their bank.
How long does a wire transfer actually take?
If you initiate a wire transfer before your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 or 3 p.m. on a business day), the money arrives the same day — often within hours. If you send it after the cutoff or on a weekend, it will arrive the next business day. International wire transfers take one to three business days.