Learn How and Where To Deposit Cash to Get Your Money Into the Bank (2024)

When you have extra cash, it’s best to deposit that money into a bank account. That way the funds are safe from loss, theft, or damage.

But what’s the best way to deposit cash, and what are your options if you want to use an online bank account or ATM?

Your Local Bank

If you have an account at a brick-and-mortar bank or credit union, you can bring cash to a branch and make a deposit right there. You’ll startearning interestquickly if you deposit to savings, and you should not pay any feesfor making the deposit.

When you make a deposit with a teller in person, the funds should be availablemore or less immediately, so you’ll be able topay bills, transfer the money to another account, or make purchases with your debit card. However, banks and credit unions have until at least the next business day to make your cash deposit available to withdraw or to use these funds to cover your checks and debits.

Credit Union Benefits

Hopefully, you’ve got plenty of branches nearby. If you bankat a credit unionthat’s part of theshared branching network, you can deposit cash at any member branch—not just at yourhome credit union. That might make life easier if you're traveling or you've moved sinceopening an account.

ATM Deposits

Nowadays, you can deposit cashat ATMswith a reasonable degree of confidence (which means no more banker's hours).

How To Make ATM Deposits

The process fordepositing cash at an ATMvaries from bank to bank. First, confirm that your ATM accepts deposits. Generally, you'll useyour debit cardand PIN to access your account, then select which account to deposit to. Some ATMs read and count the bills as you insert them, while others require you to enclose cash in an envelope (a bank employee will count the amount later).The ATM should indicate which method you'll use. If the ATM requires an envelope, they're generally provided next to the machine. Fill out the envelope as indicated, insert your cash, then seal it and feed it into the machine. Before you leave the ATM, confirm that the machine deposited the correct amount to the right account.

Funds Availability

ATM deposits are convenient, but the funds might not be available in your account immediately after making a deposit—even though you’re depositing cash. Most policies (and federal law) allow banks to hold funds for an extra day, and the hold can last longer, depending on who owns the ATM. If you need money quickly, in-person deposits are best.

Online-Only Banks

If you’re trying to deposit cash to an online bank account, the process may be harder—but it’s not impossible. Getting your cash into an online bank lets you take advantage of some of the best savings rates in the nation. There are a few methods that will work:

  • ACH transfer:The simplest way is to deposit cash into an account at a brick-and-mortar bank or credit union and then transfer the funds to your online bank account. This technique is one of several reasons why it’s worthkeeping a brick-and-mortar account open. Wire transfers are even faster, but you may need to pay a fee (averaging $15.50 to $27.50 for domestic transfers depending on the bank) to send a wire.
  • ATM deposits:Some online banks accept deposits at ATMs. Check with your bank to see if you can use a particular ATM network, and look for network logos on ATMs near you. Your bank’s app likely has an ATM locator tool as well.
  • Prepaid cards: If your bank doesn’t accept cash at ATMs, a prepaid debit card may offer a workaround. Some prepaid debit cards provide options for cash deposits, and you may be able to link your prepaid account to your online bank account. This allows you to make electronic transfers, just like if you used a brick-and-mortar bank. Look for a prepaid card that allows you to "cash load," or make deposits, at retail locations such as Walmart or national pharmacy chains. Another approach is to use a debit card that can be reloaded by buying reload cards. You’ll pay cash for the reload card, and then add those funds to your prepaid account. Before going that route, find out how much it costs to load cash onto your card; the fees to add money may discourage you from using this option.
  • Money orders:If your bank accepts deposits by mail, you canbuy a money order with cashand send the money order to your bank. That’s a slow and cumbersome process, but it may be your only option. You’ll have to pay a fee for each money order (often around $1 at grocery and convenience stores; or $1.25 through USPS) plus postage, so small deposits might not be worth it.
  • Mobile deposit: Another approach is to deposit a money order with your bank’s mobile deposit app. This saves on mail time, but you’ll still need to physically get the money order, and some banks don’t allow money order deposits.

Ask your bank how they handle money orders (or read your deposit agreement) before you go out and buy one.

The Deposit Slip

When you deposit cash at a bank or credit union, you typically need to use a deposit slip. That’s simply a slip of paperthat tells the teller where to put the money. Write your name and account number on the deposit slip (deposit slips are usually available at the lobby or drive-through). The first line on the right side of the deposit slip is generally labeled “CASH,” and that is where you would write the amount of your deposit.

Don’t Mail Cash

Whatever you do, do not ever mail cash. The U.S. mail system is quite safe, but it’s not worth the risk. If your letter gets lost or stolen, you’re out of luck. Unfortunately, when cash goes missing, there’s no way to track the money or get it back.

If you are unable to deposit cash into a bank account and you’re tempted to use the mail, try using a money order instead.

Unlike cash, a money order can be used only by a specific person or company. Take yourcash to any money order issuerand thenmail the money orderto your bank (along with a deposit slip, or whatever your bank requires for mail deposits). You’ll be able to track the money order and cancel it if the document is lost or stolen. Money orders and stamps can cost a few bucks, but that’s better than losing 100 percent of your cash.

Use Cash Alternatives

If it’s a nuisance to deposit cash, try to use it less often. Ask people to pay you another way: Online payments, checks, or money orders are all common ways of getting paid.

  • PayPal is a well-established service that provides free peer-to-peer, or P2P, payments. If you don't already have a PayPal account, you can open one fairly easily.
  • Popmoney and Zelle may already be part of your bank account. Zelle transfers may be virtually instant, and both companies might allow you to move money at no cost. To receive money or pay a request at Popmoney, it is free. It costs $.95 to send money.
  • Venmo makes it easy tosend money online, sometimes for free. When paying by Venmo instead of using cash, remember that Venmo payments often cannot be reversed (similar to cash payments).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you deposit large amounts of cash?

You can deposit a large amount of cash via ATM, in person, or by adding or loading funds to a prepaid card. In other words, the methods are the same regardless of the amount of cash. Depositing a large amount of funds in person may be best, though, so you can confirm that the amount is correct and address any errors with the teller.

Businesses that need to deposit large amounts of cash should consider using a secure bag and using their overnight deposit box if they need to drop off cash after business hours.

How do you deposit cash into someone else's bank account?

You may be able to deposit cash by visiting a bank or credit union in person, letting the teller know that you'd like to deposit cash into someone else's account, and providing that person's name and account number. Some banks won't allow you to deposit cash into someone else's account, though. In that case, you may want to use Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or another service to deposit funds.

Learn How and Where To Deposit Cash to Get Your Money Into the Bank (2024)

FAQs

How do I deposit money into my bank step by step? ›

You can find a deposit slip yourself or ask a representative at the bank for one. Fill in the necessary information on the slip, such as amount, phone number, email, account number, and name. Enter the correct denominations. For instance, if you wish to deposit INR 10,000, then mention the denominations of cash.

What is the easiest way to deposit cash? ›

If you have an account at a brick-and-mortar bank or credit union, you can bring cash to a branch and make a deposit right there. You'll start earning interest quickly if you deposit to savings, and you should not pay any fees for making the deposit.

How can I deposit cash without going to the bank? ›

How To Deposit Cash at an ATM
  1. Check your bank's website or app ahead of time to find an ATM that allows deposits. ...
  2. At the ATM, insert your debit or ATM card and enter your PIN. ...
  3. Select the option for making a deposit.
  4. Choose the account that will receive the deposit.
  5. Insert bills and checks. ...
  6. Confirm the deposit amount.
Apr 11, 2023

What are 3 ways to deposit money? ›

Fortunately, there are several options available, whether you're looking to deposit the funds electronically or in person at a bank branch.
  • Deposit cash at the bank. ...
  • 2. Make an electronic transfer. ...
  • 3. Make a wire transfer. ...
  • Write a check. ...
  • Use a cashier's check. ...
  • Use a money order. ...
  • See what other banks offer. ...
  • Bottom line.
Apr 26, 2023

Where do you deposit the money in the money bank? ›

If you need to deposit cash into your bank account, you have several options, including your local bank branch or an ATM that accepts deposits. While it isn't possible to make deposits directly to most online banks, there are often workarounds, like using a money order or an in-network ATM.

Where do I deposit money into my bank account? ›

To deposit money at a bank branch, provide your cash and endorsed checks and a deposit slip to the teller. Both checks and cash can be deposited in-person at any of your bank's locations.

What is the safest way to deposit cash? ›

Savings accounts are a safe place to keep your money because all deposits made by consumers are guaranteed by the FDIC for bank accounts or the NCUA for credit union accounts. Certificates of deposit (CDs) issued by banks and credit unions also carry deposit insurance.

How much cash can you deposit in the bank without being questioned? ›

Depositing a big amount of cash that is $10,000 or more means your bank or credit union will report it to the federal government. The $10,000 threshold was created as part of the Bank Secrecy Act, passed by Congress in 1970, and adjusted with the Patriot Act in 2002.

How to deposit over $10,000 cash? ›

By law, individuals, businesses and trades must file Form 8300 to the IRS within 15 days of receiving a cash sum of $10,000 or more. This form is meant to help prevent money laundering. Everyone involved in the transaction will also need to provide a written statement to be filed along with Form 8300.

Can you deposit cash without a teller? ›

Sign into the ATM: Follow the prompts by inserting your card, choose the cash deposit option and specify the bank account you'd like to deposit your funds into. Insert your cash into the deposit slot: Many ATM machines these days take deposits without envelopes.

How much cash can I deposit at once? ›

A cash deposit of more than $10,000 into your bank account requires special handling. The IRS requires banks and businesses to file Form 8300, the Currency Transaction Report, if they receive cash payments over $10,000. Depositing more than $10,000 will not result in immediate questioning from authorities, however.

How much cash can be deposited in bank per day? ›

The cash deposit limit for a savings account is INR 1 lakh per day. However, you can safely deposit up to INR 2,50,000 in a day in a savings account if it's done once in a while. The annual limit of depositing cash in a savings account is not more than INR 10 lakhs in a financial year.

How do I deposit a large amount of cash without getting in trouble? ›

As mentioned, you can deposit large amounts of cash without raising suspicion as long as you have nothing to hide. The teller will take down your identification details and will use this information to file a Currency Transaction Report that will be sent to the IRS.

What are the two methods of depositing? ›

There are two main types of deposits: demand and time.
  • Demand deposit: A demand deposit is a conventional bank and savings account. ...
  • Time deposits: Time deposits are those with a fixed time and usually pay a fixed interest rate, like a certificate of deposit (CD).

What is the most common type of deposit? ›

Demand deposits are the more common type of deposit. There's generally no limit on the amount of times you can make demand deposits, and you can withdraw money at any point from a demand deposit account. Time deposits must be held for a fixed amount of time before funds can be removed from a time deposit account.

Can you deposit money without a card? ›

You can deposit money using a card, an ATM Deposit Code or using your account details.

Can I deposit my Social Security check in someone else's account? ›

Unless the check specifically says, “For Deposit Only,” the person who receives it can cash it.

When you deposit money into the bank what happens to it? ›

Only a small portion of your deposits at a bank are actually held as cash at the bank. The rest of your money (the majority of the bank's assets) is invested by the bank into vehicles such as consumer or business loans, government bonds and credit cards. Borrowers have to pay the bank back with interest.

Can you deposit money at an ATM that isn't your bank? ›

Typically no, you can't make deposits at ATMs that aren't associated with your bank. This is different from ATM cash withdrawals, where you usually can take money out from an ATM even if you don't have an account with its bank (usually for a fee). Some credit unions use shared ATMs through the Co-op ATM network.

Can I deposit money into my bank account from ATM? ›

If you're wondering if you can deposit cash at an ATM, the answer is yes, you can, but not all ATMs accept cash.

Where is the safest place to keep large amounts of cash? ›

Certificate of deposit (CD)

Like a savings account, a certificate of deposit (CD) is often a safe place to keep your money. One big difference between a savings account and a CD is that a CD locks up your money for a set term. If you withdraw the cash early, you'll be charged a penalty.

Is it better to keep cash or put it in the bank? ›

But putting your money into a savings account is a much better bet for a few reasons. First, when you keep physical cash around, you never know when it might get lost or stolen. You might, for example, take some bills out of your cash jar to count them, only to accidentally drop a $20 behind your dresser.

What's the most cash you can deposit without being flagged? ›

Banks must report cash deposits totaling $10,000 or more

When banks receive cash deposits of more than $10,000, they're required to report it by electronically filing a Currency Transaction Report (CTR). This federal requirement is outlined in the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).

What is the $3000 rule? ›

Rule. The requirement that financial institutions verify and record the identity of each cash purchaser of money orders and bank, cashier's, and traveler's checks in excess of $3,000.

How often can I deposit cash without being flagged? ›

When a cash deposit of $10,000 or more is made, the bank or financial institution is required to file a form reporting this. This form reports any transaction or series of related transactions in which the total sum is $10,000 or more. So, two related cash deposits of $5,000 or more also have to be reported.

Can the government see how much money is in your bank account? ›

The federal government has no business monitoring small cash deposits and how Americans pay their bills and has no right to snoop around in private checking accounts without a warrant.

Where can I cash a $20000 check without a bank account? ›

Cash it at the issuing bank (this is the bank name that is pre-printed on the check) Cash a check at a retailer that cashes checks (discount department store, grocery stores, etc.) Cash the check at a check-cashing store. Deposit at an ATM onto a pre-paid card account or checkless debit card account.

Can a bank ask where you got money? ›

Yes, banks can question your deposits. In fact, it is the responsibility of each bank to understand the origin of funds being deposited by customers. Additionally, various bank regulations and laws require banks to report suspicious activity to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

What happens if I deposit 5000 cash in bank? ›

Depending on the situation, deposits smaller than $10,000 can also get the attention of the IRS. For example, if you usually have less than $1,000 in a checking account or savings account, and all of a sudden, you make bank deposits worth $5,000, the bank will likely file a suspicious activity report on your deposit.

Can I deposit $4000 at ATM? ›

Can I deposit $4000 at ATM? In most cases, there is no cap on the dollar amount you can deposit through an ATM. However, there may be a maximum number of items you can deposit. Wells Fargo, for instance, limits the number of bills and checks you can deposit to 30 per transaction.

How do you explain large cash deposits? ›

A large deposit is defined as a single deposit that exceeds 50% of the total monthly qualifying income for the loan. When bank statements (typically covering the most recent two months) are used, the lender must evaluate large deposits.

Do banks report deposits to the IRS? ›

Banks will report you to the IRS once deposits reach the $10,000 mark, whether via commercial or personal banking. If you conduct a lot of your business in cash, you will want to pay extra attention to the amounts and frequency of your deposits to ensure you are complying with the law.

How much cash is considered a large deposit? ›

A good rule of thumb is to consider any deposit that is more than 25% of your usual monthly income a “large deposit.”

Do banks report check deposits to the IRS? ›

Cash or Check Deposits of $10,000 or More: It doesn't matter if you're depositing cash or cashing a check. If you make a deposit of $10,000 or more in a single transaction, your bank must report the transaction to the IRS.

How much cash is too much to keep in the bank? ›

How much is too much cash in savings? An amount exceeding $250,000 could be considered too much cash to have in a savings account. That's because $250,000 is the limit for standard deposit insurance coverage per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, per ownership category.

Can I deposit $1000 cash? ›

Banks report cash deposits totaling $10,000 or more

If you're headed to the bank to deposit $50, $800, or even $1,000 in cash, you can go about your affairs as usual. But the deposit may be reported if you're depositing a large chunk of cash.

How much can a bank hold in cash? ›

Banks tend to keep only enough cash in the vault to meet their anticipated transaction needs. Very small banks may only keep $50,000 or less on hand, while larger banks might keep as much as $200,000 or more available for transactions.

Can I deposit $3000 cash in my bank account? ›

No bank has any limit on what you deposit.

Can you deposit cash instantly? ›

If you make a cash deposit with the teller at your bank, the money will often be available in your account immediately, or the next business day, depending on your bank's policy.

Can a bank refuse to give you large amounts of cash? ›

For a standard depository account, there are no laws or legal limits to how much cash you can withdraw. Withdrawal limits are set by the banks themselves and differ across institutions. That said, cash withdrawals are subject to the same reporting limits as all transactions.

How can I deposit money without going to the bank? ›

Look for a prepaid card that allows you to "cash load," or make deposits, at retail locations such as Walmart or national pharmacy chains. Another approach is to use a debit card that can be reloaded by buying reload cards. You'll pay cash for the reload card, and then add those funds to your prepaid account.

What are the three 3 types of bank deposits? ›

On the basis of purpose they serve, bank deposit accounts may be classified as follows: Savings Bank Account. Current Deposit Account. Fixed Deposit Account.

How do I deposit cash into my bank account? ›

You can find a deposit slip yourself or ask a representative at the bank for one. Fill in the necessary information on the slip, such as amount, phone number, email, account number, and name. Enter the correct denominations. For instance, if you wish to deposit INR 10,000, then mention the denominations of cash.

Which deposit is best? ›

A Fixed Deposit is one of the Term Deposits offered by the banks. This is the safest and most popular investment option.

Which type of deposit is best? ›

Fixed deposits (FD) are among the most popular types of savings and investments. They allow you to earn interest on the amount you deposit for a fixed period.

Can I put money in my account at an ATM? ›

To answer the question “Can you deposit cash at an ATM?”, the answer is yes, you can – but not without some important caveats. For example, some ATMs don't accept cash deposits, or you may have to find an ATM that's part of your bank or in a participating network.

How do I deposit money into my new bank account online? ›

To fund your online bank account, you can deposit cash into a separate bank account that has ATMs or branches and then transfer that money to your online bank electronically. You can also buy a money order and make it payable to yourself before making a mobile check deposit into your online bank account.

What is the maximum amount of cash you can deposit in a bank? ›

If you plan to deposit a large amount of cash, it may need to be reported to the government. Banks must report cash deposits totaling more than $10,000. Business owners are also responsible for reporting large cash payments of more than $10,000 to the IRS.

How can I deposit money into an ATM without ATM card? ›

Depositing Money in an ATM Without a Card

Enter the account number you want to deposit money into. The account holder's name will appear on the machine. Click "Enter" if the displayed name is accurate. Click "Continue" after placing the cash in the cash deposit slot.

Why won't the ATM accept my cash? ›

If a banknote is damaged, wrinkled or dirty, an ATM may reject it and return it to you.

Can you deposit cash at an ATM that isn't your bank? ›

It's rather rare for an out-of-network ATM to accept your cash deposits. If you find an ATM that allows out-of-network deposits keep in mind that your bank may charge you a fee on top of the ATM operator's fee. The processing time may take longer too, according to Purnell.

Do banks charge for cash deposits? ›

Most banks do not charge customers a fee for depositing cash into their accounts at the bank's ATMs. While some banks also allow account holders to deposit cash at out-of-network ATMs, they may charge customers a fee for these transactions.

How much money can you put in a bank without questions? ›

Banks and credit unions are required to report when a customer deposits cash over $10k. Maximum deposit limits vary by bank, but in this case, anything above $10,000 (even a penny more) is the amount to know.

How much time does it take to deposit money into bank account? ›

If you make a cash deposit with the teller at your bank, the money will often be available in your account immediately, or the next business day, depending on your bank's policy.

Who fills money in ATM machines? ›

Who loads the cash in the machine? As the owner of the ATM machine you are responsible for loading cash in the machine or having a 3rd party load cash into the machine. This cash is also paid back on a daily basis as customers pull cash from the ATM and deposited back into a bank account of your choosing.

Can I deposit money to my credit card at ATM? ›

You can pay your credit card in cash by visiting the card issuer's branch to pay in person, find an ATM belonging to the issuer to deposit your payment or purchase a money order with cash to mail to your card issuer.

Do banks get suspicious of cash deposits? ›

Specifically, under the Bank Secrecy Act, banks and other financial institutions must report cash deposits greater than $10,000. Since some people try to avoid triggering the CTR report, banks are also supposed to report suspicious transactions, including deposit patterns below $10,000.

How much cash deposit is suspicious? ›

The $10,000 Rule

Ever wondered how much cash deposit is suspicious? The Rule, as created by the Bank Secrecy Act, declares that any individual or business receiving more than $10 000 in a single or multiple cash transactions is legally obligated to report this to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

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