You can deposit money at your own bank, but not at banks where you don't have an account

If you have an account at a bank, you can deposit money there in person at a teller window, at an ATM, or through mobile deposit. If you don't have an account at a particular bank, that bank will not let you walk in and deposit money into someone else's account—even if you know the account holder. Banks have fraud prevention rules that prevent this.

The way you move money to someone else's account depends on what you're trying to do and how fast it needs to get there. Direct deposit, wire transfers, ACH transfers, and peer-to-peer apps all move money between accounts without requiring you to visit a physical bank. If you need to deposit cash specifically, your options are narrower.

Key Takeaways

  • You can deposit money at your own bank through a teller, ATM, or mobile app, but not at banks where you have no account.
  • To send money to someone else's account, use ACH transfer, wire transfer, peer-to-peer apps, or direct deposit—not a cash deposit at their bank.
  • Some banks let you deposit checks from other banks through mobile deposit or ATM, but cash deposits only work at your own bank.
  • If you need to deposit cash into someone else's account, they must go to their own bank or you can use a money transfer service like Western Union.
  • ATM deposits are available 24/7 at most banks, but the money may not clear until the next business day.

Depositing cash at your own bank

Cash deposits at your own bank work three ways: at a teller window during business hours, at an ATM, or sometimes through a mobile app if your bank offers that feature. Teller deposits are instant—the money shows in your account right away. ATM deposits usually post within 24 hours, though some banks process them faster.

ATM deposits are available whenever the ATM is accessible, which is often 24/7. You insert cash into the machine, it counts it, and you get a receipt showing the amount. The bank then verifies the deposit the next business day. If the amount on your receipt doesn't match what the bank counted, the bank will contact you and correct the difference.

Mobile deposit, when your bank offers it, lets you photograph a check and submit it through the app. This does not work for cash—only for checks. The check clears within one to three business days depending on the bank and the check amount.

Sending money to someone else's account without visiting their bank

If you want to send money to another person's account, you do not need to visit their bank. You can send it from your own bank using an ACH transfer, wire transfer, or peer-to-peer payment app. The money moves electronically and lands in their account without them having to do anything.

ACH transfers are the slowest but cheapest option. They take one to three business days and usually cost nothing. You need the person's bank name, account number, and routing number. Most bill payments and payroll direct deposits use ACH.

Wire transfers move money the same day or next business day and cost $15 to $50 depending on your bank. They are harder to reverse if you make a mistake, so use them only when you are certain of the account details. You need the same information as an ACH transfer, plus sometimes the recipient's full name and address.

Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle move money in minutes to hours and are free or low-cost. Most require both people to have the app and a linked bank account or debit card. These work best for small amounts between people who know each other.

Depositing cash into someone else's account

You cannot walk into a bank and deposit cash into an account that is not yours. Banks will not accept it because they cannot verify you are authorized to put money into that account. This rule exists to prevent fraud and money laundering.

If you need to give someone cash and they need it in their bank account, they must either go to their bank themselves or you can use a money transfer service. Western Union and MoneyGram let you send cash to a person at a physical location. The recipient picks it up with ID, or it can be sent to their bank account if they provide their details. These services charge a fee based on the amount and destination.

Some banks let account holders deposit cash on behalf of someone else if both people are present and the account holder authorizes it. Call the bank first to ask if this is possible and what documents you need to bring.

Depositing checks at banks where you don't have an account

You cannot deposit a check into an account at a bank where you have no account. However, you can deposit a check made out to you at your own bank, even if it was written by someone with an account at a different bank. The check clears through the banking system regardless of which banks are involved.

If you receive a check and do not have a bank account, you can cash it at the bank that issued it (the bank name is printed on the check). You will need a government-issued ID. Some banks charge a fee to cash a check from a non-customer, usually $5 to $10. Check-cashing services and grocery stores also cash checks for a fee.

What happens if you try to deposit at the wrong bank

If you walk up to a teller at a bank where you have no account and ask to deposit cash or a check, the teller will ask for your account number. When you cannot provide one, they will tell you they cannot process the deposit. They may refer you to their customer service line to open an account, but they will not take your money.

Some banks have policies that let non-customers deposit checks at ATMs, but the check must be made out to you and deposited into your own account at a different bank. The ATM will not let you enter an account number that does not match the card you insert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check at any bank's ATM?

Only if the check is made out to you and you are depositing it into your own account at your own bank. You insert your debit card, and the ATM only lets you deposit into accounts linked to that card. You cannot use another bank's ATM to deposit into your account at a different bank.

What if I have cash and the person I'm sending it to lives far away?

Use Western Union or MoneyGram. You pay cash at a location near you, provide the recipient's name and location or bank details, and they pick it up or receive it in their account. Fees vary by amount and destination, typically $5 to $30 for domestic transfers.

Do I need the other person's permission to deposit money into their account?

Banks will not let you deposit into an account that is not yours, so the question does not come up. If you want to send money to someone, use ACH, wire transfer, or a peer-to-peer app instead. Those methods work without you needing access to their account.

Can I deposit cash at an ATM that belongs to a different bank?

No. ATMs only accept deposits into accounts at that bank. If you use an ATM from a bank where you have no account, you can only withdraw money, not deposit. Use your own bank's ATM or visit a teller at your own bank to deposit cash.

How long does it take for an ATM deposit to show up?

Most banks post ATM deposits within 24 hours, though some process them faster. You get a receipt immediately showing the amount you deposited. If there is a discrepancy between your receipt and what the bank counted, the bank will contact you within one to two business days.