6 ways to deposit cash into someone else's account

• 1. Deposit cash at the bank
• 2. Transfer money electronically
• 3. Write a check
• 4. Send a money order
• 5. Send a cashier's check
• 6. Make a wire transfer
• FAQs

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• You can transfer money electronically through websites and apps such as Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle.
• You may send a money order for amounts smaller than $1,000, or a cashier's check for larger amounts.
• A wire transfer is a tool for sending money to someone who lives far away.
• See Insider's picks for the best checking accounts.

There are plenty of times you'll need to give money to someone, but for one reason or another, you can't just hand them cash. In this case, you can deposit money into their bank account.

The best checking accounts have several ways to deposit money into someone else's bank account. The most optimal way of transferring money to someone else's account will depend on which institutions you each bank with, how much money you're sending, and how much you're willing to pay in fees.

1. Deposit cash at the bank

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. You'll need the recipient's full name and bank account number to complete the deposit.

Some banks are banning cash deposits into someone else's account, though. Handling cash can lead to fraud, so banks are steering clear. Before venturing into a bank branch to put cash in a friend's account, double check that the bank will allow you to do so.

2. Transfer money electronically

There are multiple websites and apps that allow you to transfer money to a friend. PayPal, Venmo, Zelle and Cash App are a few popular examples.

One disadvantage to this method is that both people need to have an account with certain services, including PayPal and Venmo.

See Insider's PayPal Review or Venmo Review>>

3. Write a check

You may choose to write a check and give it to the person. Or you can walk into a bank and ask the teller to deposit the check into the person's account, as long as you have their full name and account number.

Although fewer and fewer banks accept cash deposits into another person's account, many still accept check deposits.

4. Send a money order

Although you will have to pay a couple of dollars for a money order, it's a worthwhile alternative if you don't already have a paper checkbook.

When you buy a money order, you'll pay the small fee plus the amount you want to deposit. For example, you might pay the $200 you want to put into your friend's account, then a $2 fee for the money order itself. You'll get a receipt, so if the deposit never goes through for some reason, you have proof of the money order.

The downside is that there's usually a limit on how much you can send with a money order. You probably won't be able to send more than $1,000.

5. Send a cashier's check

A cashier's check is similar to a money order, but there's no limit on how much you can send. Unfortunately, cashier's checks cost a little more than money orders, usually around $10.

Whereas you can get a money order at a bank, the post office, or a convenience store, cashier's checks are only available at banks.

6. Make a wire transfer

A wire transfer is a tool for moving money electronically from one banking institution to another. It can be especially useful if you don't have access to the recipient's bank. For instance, maybe you bank with a national bank but your friend banks with a local institution across the country.

You can wire money within the US or internationally, and international transfer fees are more expensive. You can expect to spend $10 to $50 on a wire transfer.

Wire transfers are often for large sums of money, like a down payment on a house. Before attempting to send a wire transfer, make sure your account and the recipient's account are both set up for wire transfers. 

The best option for depositing money into someone else's bank account may depend on where you both bank and how much you're sending. When in doubt, ask the other person which would be the most convenient way for them to access the money.

Deposit Money in Someone Else's Account FAQs

Yes, you can deposit a check into someone else's bank account. While the process may vary depending on the financial institution, generally, the other person will sign the check and write "for deposit only" in the endorsement area on the back of the check. You'll also need the other person's account number.

Yes, you can transfer money directly from your bank account to another person's bank account. Banks refer to these transfers as ACH transfers or wire transfers. The primary difference between ACH transfers versus wire transfers is that wire transfers are processed more quickly than ACH transfers but often entail fees.

It depends on the type of transfer. ACH transfers may take a few business days, while wire transfers happen more quickly. If you're wiring money to someone in the US, it may take less than 24 hours. If you use a payment app like PayPal or Venmo, free transfers usually take a few days to process but instant transfers (which usually cost a fee) may take up to 30 minutes.

Yes, as long as you know the person's full name, bank account number, and routing number, you'll be able to initiate a bank transfer.

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