The main ways to deposit money into savings
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 fastest method is usually your bank's app or website if you have a debit card or another bank account to transfer from. ATMs work around the clock but may have daily limits. In-person deposits at a branch are immediate and let you ask questions, but require you to visit during business hours.
Some banks also accept deposits through their partners' ATMs or through third-party services. Check your bank's website or call their customer service line to see which methods your specific account supports — not all banks offer all options.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile app and online transfers are the fastest deposit methods and work any time of day, though some transfers between different banks take one to three business days.
- ATM deposits are available 24/7 but often have daily limits, and some banks charge a fee if you use an ATM outside their network.
- In-person branch deposits are immediate and let you deposit cash or checks without limits, but you must go during business hours.
- Mail deposits work for checks but take seven to ten business days and carry a small risk if the envelope is lost.
Depositing through your bank's app or website
Log into your bank's mobile app or website and look for a "Deposit" or "Transfer" button. If you are transferring from another account you own at the same bank, the money usually shows up instantly or within a few hours. If you are transferring from an account at a different bank, it typically takes one to three business days — this is called an ACH transfer.
Some banks let you deposit checks through their app by taking photos of the front and back. This is called mobile check deposit. The check clears within one to three business days, and the bank holds the original check or destroys it after scanning. You will see the deposit pending immediately, but the funds may not be available to withdraw right away — your bank will tell you the hold period when you submit the deposit.
To transfer money from another bank account, you will need the routing number and account number of that account. You can find these on a check, or call that bank to ask. Your own bank will ask you to enter these details once, and then you can make transfers whenever you want.
Using an ATM to deposit cash or checks
Find an ATM owned by your bank or a partner network. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit." The machine will guide you through the steps. For cash deposits, insert bills one at a time — most ATMs accept $20 and $100 bills, though some take smaller denominations. For check deposits, insert the check into the slot marked for checks.
The ATM will show you the amount it counted and ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the deposit is recorded in your account immediately, though the funds may have a hold period depending on the amount and your bank's policy. ATMs usually limit cash deposits to $5,000 to $10,000 per day, and some charge a fee if the ATM is not part of your bank's network.
Keep your receipt. If the ATM malfunctions or the bank later says they did not receive your deposit, the receipt is your proof of the transaction.
Depositing in person at a bank branch
Bring your debit card or account number, your ID, and the money or checks you want to deposit. A teller will count the cash or checks, enter the amount into the system, and give you a receipt. The deposit is recorded immediately, and cash is available to withdraw right away. Checks may have a hold period — ask the teller how long it will take for your specific check to clear.
In-person deposits have no daily limits, so you can deposit large amounts of cash without worrying about hitting an ATM cap. This is also the best option if you have questions about your account or need help with anything else at the same time.
Mailing a check to your bank
Write your account number on the back of the check. Put the check in an envelope with a deposit slip if your bank provided one, or write a note with your name and account number. Mail it to the address your bank lists on their website or on the back of your debit card.
The check will take seven to ten business days to arrive and clear. Your bank will send you a confirmation once the deposit is processed. Do not mail cash — it can be lost or stolen in transit, and your bank will not be able to help you recover it. Only mail checks.
Holds and when money becomes available
A hold is a temporary delay before you can withdraw deposited money. Banks place holds to protect themselves while they verify that checks are real and that transfers actually came from the account they claim to come from. The length of the hold depends on the type of deposit and your bank's policy.
Cash deposited in person or at an ATM is usually available immediately. Checks deposited in person typically have a one- to five-day hold. Checks deposited through your mobile app may have a longer hold, sometimes up to ten business days. Transfers from another bank usually clear within one to three business days. Your bank will tell you the hold period when you make the deposit, and you can see the pending deposit in your account right away — you just cannot withdraw it yet.
If you deposit a very large check, your bank may place a longer hold or ask you questions about where the money came from. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong.
What to do if a deposit does not show up
Check your account online or in your app first. The deposit may be pending and will show up within a few days. If several days have passed and the deposit still does not appear, call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch.
Have the following information ready: the date you made the deposit, the amount, the method you used (ATM, app, check, transfer), and any receipt or confirmation number. If you deposited a check, have the check number. If you transferred from another bank, have the routing and account number of that bank. Your bank can trace the deposit and tell you where it is or what went wrong.
If your bank says they never received the deposit, ask what proof they need from you. If you have an ATM receipt, a photo of the check, or a confirmation email from your transfer, provide those. Most banks will investigate and resolve the issue within a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash into someone else's savings account?
Yes, if you are at a branch and have their account number and permission. Tell the teller you want to deposit cash into another person's account and provide their account number. Some banks require the account holder to be present or to have given written permission. Call your bank first to ask what they require.
Why is there a hold on my check deposit?
Banks hold checks while they verify the check is real and that the account it came from has enough money to cover it. Holds protect you and the bank from fraud. The hold period depends on the check amount and your bank's policy — ask your teller or check your bank's website for their specific hold times.
What happens if I deposit a check that bounces?
If the check bounces, your bank will remove the deposit from your account and may charge you a fee. You will be responsible for returning the money to your bank. Contact the person who gave you the check and ask them to provide a new one or pay you another way.
Is there a limit to how much I can deposit?
ATMs usually have daily limits of $5,000 to $10,000 for cash. In-person deposits and online transfers have no set limit, but your bank may ask questions about very large deposits to prevent fraud. There is no legal limit on how much you can deposit.
How do I deposit money if I do not have a debit card yet?
Go to a branch in person with your ID and the money you want to deposit. A teller can process the deposit using just your account number. You can also mail a check if you have one. Once your debit card arrives, you will have more deposit options available.