The basic ways to deposit money into a savings account
You can deposit money into a savings account through your bank's website, mobile app, ATM, in-person at a branch, or by mail. The method you choose depends on the amount, how quickly you need it recorded, and what your bank offers. Most deposits show up in your account within one business day, though some methods are faster than others.
Each deposit method has different limits and processing times. A mobile check deposit might clear by the next morning, while a mailed check can take five to seven business days. ATM deposits are usually available immediately for withdrawal but may take a day to fully post. Understanding which method works best for your situation saves you time and prevents confusion about when your money is actually available to use.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app deposits are the fastest for most people and work from anywhere, though some banks limit the amount you can deposit this way per day.
- ATM deposits are immediate for withdrawal but may take one business day to fully post to your account balance.
- In-person deposits at a branch teller are processed the same day and give you a receipt on the spot.
- Mailed checks take five to seven business days to clear and should include a deposit slip with your account number.
- Wire transfers and ACH transfers from another bank account are the fastest ways to move larger amounts between accounts.
Depositing through your bank's website or mobile app
Online and mobile deposits are the most convenient for most people. Log into your account, select "deposit" or "mobile deposit," and follow the prompts. For checks, you photograph the front and back of the check using your phone camera or upload an image from your computer. The bank reads the check information automatically and credits your account.
Most banks limit how much you can deposit this way per day and per month. Common limits are $2,500 to $10,000 per day, though this varies by bank and your account history. The money is usually held for one business day before you can withdraw it, even though it shows as deposited. This hold protects the bank in case the check bounces. If you need the money sooner, ask your bank whether they offer next-day posting for mobile deposits.
Cash deposits cannot be made through an app or website — you must use an ATM, branch, or mail a check. If you only have cash, you will need to use one of the other methods described below.
Using an ATM to deposit cash or checks
ATMs that accept deposits are available 24/7 and let you deposit both cash and checks without waiting for a teller. Insert your debit card, select "deposit," and follow the on-screen instructions. The machine will ask you to insert bills and checks into a slot. Most ATMs count cash automatically and display the amount on screen before you confirm.
ATM deposits are available for withdrawal immediately, which means you can use the money right away. However, the deposit may not fully post to your account balance until the next business day. This distinction matters if you are checking your balance online — it may show as pending or held for one day. The actual funds are yours to withdraw, but the bank's system is still processing the transaction.
Not all ATMs accept deposits, and not all banks allow deposits at ATMs outside their network. Check your bank's website or app to find ATMs that accept deposits. Some banks charge a fee if you use an out-of-network ATM, so using your bank's own machines is usually free.
Depositing in person at a bank branch
Walking into a branch and handing cash or checks to a teller is the most straightforward method. Bring your debit card or account number, and the teller will process the deposit immediately. You receive a receipt showing the amount deposited, the date, and your new balance. This receipt is your proof of deposit.
In-person deposits are posted to your account the same business day, so the money is available immediately. There are no daily limits on how much you can deposit at a branch, unlike mobile or ATM deposits. If you have a large amount of cash or multiple checks, the branch is often the fastest and most reliable option.
Branch hours are limited to business hours, usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and sometimes Saturday mornings. If you need to deposit outside these hours, use an ATM or mobile app instead. Some banks offer extended hours or Saturday service at certain locations, so check your local branch's schedule.
Mailing a check to your bank
You can mail a check to your bank's deposit address, which is usually printed on the back of your checks or listed on the bank's website. Write your account number on the back of the check in the top left corner, and include a deposit slip if your bank provides one. Place the check in an envelope with a brief note stating your name and account number, then mail it to the address provided by your bank.
Mailed deposits take five to seven business days to clear, sometimes longer depending on the mail service and the bank's processing schedule. The check is not available for withdrawal until it has cleared. During the hold period, your account will show the deposit as pending, but you cannot withdraw the money. If you need the funds sooner, use a mobile deposit, ATM, or branch deposit instead.
Mailing checks is useful when you receive a paper check by mail and do not have immediate access to a branch or ATM. It is slower than other methods but requires no technology or in-person visit. Always keep a record of what you mailed and when, in case the check is lost in transit.
Transferring money from another bank account
If you have money in another bank account, you can move it to your savings account using an ACH transfer or wire transfer. ACH transfers are free and take one to three business days. Wire transfers are faster — usually same-day or next-day — but most banks charge a fee of $15 to $30 for outgoing wires.
To set up an ACH transfer, log into your savings account and select "transfer" or "move money." Choose the external account you want to transfer from, enter the amount, and confirm. You may need to verify the external account first by providing its routing number and account number. Some banks require you to verify a small test deposit before allowing large transfers.
Wire transfers require you to contact your bank directly or use their website. You will need the routing number and account number of the bank you are sending money from. Wire transfers are irreversible once sent, so double-check the account information before confirming. Use wire transfers only when you need the money quickly and the fee is worth it to you.
What to do if your deposit does not show up
If you deposited money and it has not appeared after the expected time, first check whether the deposit is showing as pending in your account. Pending deposits are normal and will post within the timeframe your bank stated. If the deposit is not showing at all, contact your bank's customer service with the date and method of deposit.
For mobile deposits, the bank may have rejected the image if it was blurry, cut off, or the check was already deposited. Your bank will send you a message explaining the rejection, and you can resubmit the image or deposit the check another way. For mailed checks, ask your bank to trace the deposit. For ATM deposits, check your receipt — it shows the exact amount and time. Bring the receipt to a branch if the deposit does not appear within one business day.
If money was transferred from another bank and is missing, contact both banks. The sending bank can confirm whether the transfer was sent, and the receiving bank can confirm whether it was received. Transfers sometimes fail due to incorrect account numbers or routing numbers. Your bank can help you trace the transfer and resend it if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?
Mobile deposits usually clear within one business day. ATM deposits are available for withdrawal immediately but may take one business day to fully post. Mailed checks take five to seven business days. In-person branch deposits post the same day. The exact timeline depends on your bank and the amount of the check.
Can I deposit cash through my phone or online?
No, cash deposits cannot be made through apps or websites. You must deposit cash in person at a branch, at an ATM that accepts cash deposits, or by transferring money from another account. If you only have cash and no access to a branch or ATM, you can deposit it at a branch during business hours.
Is there a limit to how much I can deposit at once?
Mobile and ATM deposits usually have daily and monthly limits, often $2,500 to $10,000 per day. In-person branch deposits have no limit. Banks may report large cash deposits to the IRS if they exceed $10,000, which is normal and legal. Ask your bank about their specific limits if you plan to deposit a large amount.
What happens if I deposit a check that bounces?
If a check bounces, your bank will reverse the deposit and remove the money from your account. You will receive a notice of the returned check. Some banks charge a fee for returned checks. Contact the person or business who gave you the check and ask them to provide a new one or pay you another way.
Can I deposit money into someone else's savings account?
Yes, you can deposit cash or checks into another person's account if you have their account number and are at a branch or ATM. Some banks require the account holder to be present or to authorize the deposit in advance. Call your bank before attempting to deposit into someone else's account to confirm their policy.