How to Deposit Money in a Checking Account

Depositing money into a checking account is a very simple, quick process. Today, there are many deposit options available to suit anyone’s schedule and lifestyle. Banks offer the traditional method of on-site branch deposits, for those who prefer to deal with a “live person”, and ATM deposit for 24-hour banking consumers. Most recently, a few banks are giving customers the option of making deposits (checks only) via a smartphone banking application.

Items Needed: (depending on method):

• Check or cash for deposit


• Deposit slip


• PIN (Personal Identification Number)


• Bank card


• Smartphone

Conventional Method

1. Fill out a deposit slip. On the slip, write your account number and amount of deposit, separately listing the amount of cash to be deposited from the check's deposit amount. If you are depositing a check, you will need to endorse (sign your name), on the back of the check. 


2. Take your deposit slip, your cash and/or check to the next available teller.


3. Wait for your receipt verifying that funds have been credited to your account.

ATM (Automated Teller Machine)

1. Insert your card into the ATM and enter your PIN. The ATM will ask the type of transaction to proceed with. Choose Deposit and select Checking.


2. Deposit the funds. If your bank requires a deposit slip and envelope, fill out a slip and put the cash and/or check into the envelope. If not, slide the cash directly into the designated slot and repeat the same for any check(s).  


3. Confirm that the proper amount has been deposited and that you are finished with your transaction.


4. Retrieve your receipt and also your bank card if you have not already done so.

Via Smartphone

1. Take a picture of the front and back of your check in a well-lit area with your smart phone. Currently the phones with this capability are iPhones or ones with the Android operating system. Called a remote deposit, some of the banks that offer this particular service are Chase Bank, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, Charles Schwab and USAA Bank. The app, or application, reads the signed check amount and all routing information from your images. 


2. Enter the routing number and check information manually if your app cannot read all of the information.


3. Confirm that all information is correct.


4. Once all information has been verified, the funds will instantly appear as a credit to your account and a portion of this will be immediately available.


5. Verify that an email has been sent to you as a receipt for your transaction.