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.

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).

How to deposit cash at Ally bank? ›

No, we don't accept cash. But you can make a deposit into your account using one of these methods: Remote check deposit with Ally eCheck Deposit℠ Online transfers and direct deposit.

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

If you'd prefer not to go inside a local branch, many financial institutions allow you to deposit cash directly into your bank account using an ATM. However, this feature isn't available at all banks and credit unions, and using a fully digital bank can complicate the process.

How do I put cash into a bank account? ›

There are several options for paying money into your account in branch using cash or cheque.
  1. In person - Deposit a cash amount into your bank account at the desk.
  2. Self-service machine - Many banks now have self-service machines that will deposit money into your account for you.

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.

What are three ways you can deposit money into your account? ›

Deposits are typically made to checking or savings accounts, including certificates of deposit (CDs) and money market accounts. You can make bank deposits in numerous ways: with cash as well as checks, direct deposits, money transfers and ATM deposits.

How to deposit cash without getting flagged? ›

Simply deposit and answer any questions concerning the source of funds truthfully. Done and done. You just deposit it. The bank will be required to file a Currency Transaction Report with the IRS since the amount is over $10,000.

Can you make bank deposits online? ›

Customers can deposit checks online using a mobile device. To be eligible for a mobile deposit, you typically must have a checking or savings account with the associated bank.

How to deposit cash in another bank account? ›

4. Deposit cash at the bank. You can put cash into someone else's account by going to a bank where the person holds an account and giving the teller the person's name and account number. However, some banks don't allow you to deposit cash into an account that's not in your name.

Does SoFi accept cash deposits? ›

Simply log into your SoFi Money account. Select More on the Money homepage. Then on the 'Manage Account' screen select Deposit Cash.

Can I deposit $50,000 cash in a bank? ›

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 cash in an online bank? ›

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.

Why are banks not accepting cash deposits? ›

Key Takeaways

Some financial institutions have limits for cash deposits. Banks must report cash deposits of more than $10,000 to the federal government. The deposit-reporting requirement is designed to combat money laundering and terrorism.

How do you deposit cash if you don't have a local bank? ›

Buy a money order

Money orders can be purchased from the post office or retail stores. There's a small fee for buying a money order. The fee depends on the amount of the money order. Once you've purchased the money order, you can mail it to the address that your online bank provides for deposits.

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

Can I deposit cash in bank without card? ›

If you don't have a debit card, you can pay money into your account using a pre-printed paying-in slip. These slips are personalised, so you must use your own slip when you pay in your cash.

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.

What is the best way to deposit a large amount 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.

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