How to Deposit Cash at an Online Bank - NerdWallet (2024)

Key takeaways:

  • 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. (Alternatively, you could write yourself a standard check from a traditional account and deposit it into your online account.)

  • If your online bank is part of an ATM network, you can deposit cash into your online account via a linked cash machine.

  • You can also consider getting a reloadable prepaid debit card that you can deposit cash onto and link it to your online bank account.

Got cash? Great. Or not so great if you want to deposit it in an online bank account.

Although cash deposits aren't a strong suit for online banks, great rates and lack of fees may more than make up for it. Depositing cash requires a few extra steps, but it's doable. Here are four ways.

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1. Deposit locally, transfer electronically

Online banks should let you link your account electronically to another account at a traditional bank or credit union. If that linked institution has a local branch, make your cash deposit there. Then, create an electronic transfer, also known as an ACH transfer, to move the money to your online bank.

Many institutions allow free ACH transactions, though they can take up to three business days to complete.

2. Buy a money order

Transform your cash into an easy-to-deposit check by buying a money order at a local retailer or a post office, then make it payable to yourself. If your online bank has an electronic scan feature, you can snap a photo and upload the money order to your account for deposit. If your bank doesn’t have this feature, you can mail it to the bank’s headquarters for deposit.

You might have to pay a small fee for the money order — often less than $2 — for a value of up to $1,000. But you would have a safe alternative to cash, which is one of the main reasons to buy a money order. For amounts larger than $1,000, you may have to spring for a cashier’s check at a bank, which usually costs a few dollars more. Remember, you could also write yourself a standard check from a different account and deposit that into your online bank account.

Make the most of your cash

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3. Deposit cash in a linked ATM

Some — but not all — online banks are able to collect deposits through cash-accepting ATMs. Ask your institution if an ATM option is available.

4. Load cash on a reloadable prepaid debit card

To make frequent cash deposits, consider buying a reloadable prepaid debit card and linking it to your online bank account. You can then load cash to the card at certain stores and make an ACH transfer to your online bank.

But there are drawbacks: Many cards charge for deposits at other retailers, and some have extra fees, such as monthly membership charges, that will eat into your balance. Use NerdWallet's guide to compare prepaid debit card options before deciding to get one.

Online banks are optimized for online transactions, so electronic transfers and even mobile check deposits are often a snap. That’s not the case with cash, but there are ways to eventually stash your money into an online account. It may take some effort, but it will be worth it the next time a wad of bills comes your way.

How to Deposit Cash at an Online Bank - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

How do I deposit cash into an online bank only? ›

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 best way to deposit cash into your bank account? ›

Use a linked ATM

Once you've found an ATM, take your cash to the ATM, fill out a deposit slip with your account information, and put the money into the deposit envelope. Then use your ATM card to make your deposit. You'll receive a receipt when you deposit cash into an ATM.

What is the one way to deposit money into your bank account? ›

You may be able to deposit cash into your online bank account using an in-store network of retail locations, a cash-taking network ATM, bank-to-bank transfer, money order, cashier's check or prepaid card.

How to deposit cash if there is no bank nearby? ›

How to Deposit Cash to Your Bank When Out of Town
  1. Shared Branch & CO-OP Network. Members of credit unions can experience a variety of benefits, like being part of the shared branch and Co-Op network. ...
  2. Money Order. ...
  3. Zelle. ...
  4. Never Mail Cash.
May 5, 2021

How can I deposit money into my account online? ›

Through Online Banking (Netbanking)

Internet banking, also known as online banking, offers a convenient way to deposit funds from one account to another. You can choose any payment system, such as Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS), National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT), or Immediate Payment Service (IMPS).

Can I deposit cash at bank without card? ›

You can pay money into your account using a pre-printed paying-in slip if you don't have a debit card. These slips are personalised. If you don't have any, call into a branch and we'll order you some, or give us a call.

What is the easiest way to pay cash into a bank account? ›

To pay in cash at a branch, you'll need to go to a self-service machine or counter. You'll need your debit card and PIN, business deposit card or a pre-printed paying-in slip. *If you don't have any of these when you visit us, talk to us and we'll see how we can help. You can order a deposit card in Online Banking.

What happens when I deposit cash into my bank account? ›

When you deposit money into a bank, the bank doesn't keep all of it in cash reserves. Instead, they lend it to other parties to earn interest and make a profit. Banks can lend money in various ways, such as consumer or business loans, government bonds and credit cards.

What is used for depositing cash into a bank account? ›

Pay-in-slip.

What are two methods of depositing money into an account? ›

  • Direct bank deposit. The most basic way to move money into someone else's account is to walk into the bank and tell the teller you'd like to deposit cash. ...
  • Digital payment platforms. ...
  • Personal check. ...
  • Bank-issued money order. ...
  • Cashier's check. ...
  • Wire transfer. ...
  • Prepaid debit card. ...
  • Depositing money FAQs.
May 30, 2024

Can someone deposit money directly into my bank account? ›

You don't necessarily need their permission to make the deposit — but you will need their account number for the deposit to be completed. Is there a limit on how much cash I can deposit into someone else's account? The bank may impose a limit and will have to file IRS Form 8300 if the cash deposit exceeds $10,000.

How do I put money into my bank account? ›

But here's a quick look at what you might need:
  1. Cash or card to make your payment.
  2. Your PIN number (if paying by card)
  3. A paying-in slip - if required by your bank. Some banks such as Halifax require you to get a pre-printed paying slip first. ...
  4. Details of your bank account.

How to deposit cash in an online bank? ›

One of the easiest ways to deposit cash at an online bank is to use a linked ATM. If you have a traditional bank account, you can also deposit the money at a physical branch and then transfer it to your online account.

What is the best way to deposit large amounts of cash? ›

To safely deposit a large amount of cash, visit a brick-and-mortar branch operated by your financial institution. Contact your financial institution if you plan to make a sizable deposit, said Christopher Naghibi, executive vice president and chief operating officer at First Foundation Bank.

Why are banks not accepting cash deposits? ›

For instance, large brick-and-mortar bank Wells Fargo states in its deposit account agreement that non-account owners are not allowed to deposit cash into consumer accounts. From a bank's standpoint, prohibiting cash deposits can help prevent money laundering and fraud. It's also expensive for the bank to process cash.

How do you get cash from an online only bank? ›

6 Ways to Withdraw Cash From Online Banks
  1. Use Your Debit Card at an ATM. ...
  2. Take Out Cash Back While Shopping. ...
  3. Transfer Money to a Physical Bank. ...
  4. Utilize Wire Transfers. ...
  5. Write a Check. ...
  6. Talk To Your Bank.
Mar 4, 2024

How do I deposit cash into an ATM that's not my bank? ›

Can you deposit cash at an ATM that isn't your bank? Most banks don't allow you to deposit cash at an ATM that's out-of-network. The banks that do accept cash deposits through out-of-network ATMs often charge an extra fee — and, typically, require longer processing periods.

Can you deposit cash into your account without a card? ›

Yes, cardless cash deposits incorporate various security measures to protect your transactions. These measures often include encrypted codes, two-factor authentication, and secure communication channels between your mobile device and the ATM.

How to deposit cash without an ATM card? ›

Depositing money in an atm without a card

Simply select "Cash deposit 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.

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