How To Deposit Money Into Someone Else’s Account
CS
Summary:
You can deposit money into someone else’s account through a cash deposit, personal or cashier’s check, money order, money transfer apps, or a wire transfer. Some of these are instant transfers, while others may take a few days. Note that many of these will require you to pay an additional fee to use their services.
If a friend or family member is in a financial predicament and is in need of cash fast, they may turn to you for help. One of the fastest, easiest, and safest ways to get money to them is to transfer money directly into their bank account.
There are multiple ways you can deposit money into another person’s bank account these days. So, even if you’re in a totally different location than them, you can still give them the money they need.
Compare Checking Accounts
Compare checking accounts. Discover your best option.
Can you deposit money into someone else’s bank account?
Yes, you can deposit money safely and quickly into someone else’s bank account even when they’re in need of money fast. In this article, we’ll go over six common methods people use to do this.
Whichever method you choose to go with depends on how quickly the person needs the money, where they’re located, and how much you need to send them. That being said, at least one of these should fit your needs.
6 ways to deposit cash into someone’s account
There are a few different ways you can get money into someone’s bank account, which makes it more convenient for you. Here are the six most common ways you can deposit cash into someone’s account.
1. Cashier’s check
A cashier’s check is a third-party check drawn against the bank’s funds as opposed to your own. It is written in the bank’s name and signed by the cashier: a bank teller.
The advantage of using a cashier’s check is there is no limit to the amount you can send, and they’re usually deposited very quickly. Because the issuing bank or credit union backs the check funds, there’s also no risk of a cashier’s check bouncing. That said, you may have to pay an extra fee for a cashier’s check, and they’re only available at banks and not convenience stores or the post office.
2. Depositing cash at a bank
This is arguably the most straightforward way to deposit money into another’s account. Simply take out some of your own cash, go to the bank, and deposit it into the other account. To do this, you will need the recipient’s bank account number and full name. This method can be done with both national and international bank accounts.
It’s important to note that not all financial institutions allow cash deposits into another person’s bank account due to the chance of fraud and money laundering. So be sure this is allowed at the institution you’re going to before you get there. You can easily confirm this with the credit union or bank branch over the phone.
Keep in mind that this is only an option if the recipient has a checking account to deposit into. If, for some reason, you or the recipient do not have a checking account, consider one of the options below.
3. Money order
Another secure way to transfer money is through a money order. A money order is a certificate issued by financial institutions or the government that allows the recipient to receive cash on demand. Whatever amount is written on the money order is the amount the person receives on demand. The receiver can deposit the money at the bank and, in some cases, an ATM.
Money orders are fairly easy to purchase. You can get them at convenience stores, banks, and the post office. You will, however, have to pay a small fee when purchasing a money order and generally can’t send more than $1,000. So, if you have to send more than the limited amount, you’ll have to use a different method.
Related reading: To learn more about money orders, take a look at some of our articles on them.
4. Money transfer apps
These days, it’s super easy to send money electronically through an app, and you have multiple options to choose from. Here are some commonly used cash apps:
- Cash App
- Google Pay
- PayPal
- Square Cash
- TransferWire
- Venmo
- Wise
- Zelle
Using apps like the ones listed above is a very easy and convenient way to send money to another person’s account. The money transfer often happens instantly. But there are a couple of hold-ups.
First, both the giver and the receiver have to have an account with whatever service they’re using. Second, some of the apps, such as PayPal and Venmo, may charge a fee to do an instant transfer. If you can wait a few days, then you can get the money moved into the account without a fee. But if it needs to be done instantly, you will have to pay an extra charge.
With that in mind, there are several money transfer services to choose from. To compare your options, take a look at some of the services below.
5. Wire transfers
A wire transfer is when money is electronically transferred from one bank account into another. The recipient does not need to have an account with the same financial institution as you to wire money to them, as wire transfers can be done between different institutions.
To complete a wire transfer, you’ll need the recipient’s bank account and routing number. You will also have to show a form of identification at the bank.
Many people may pick a wire transfer as it’s a straightforward and safe method that can be done both domestically and internationally. But there are a few caveats to this.
- Must be in person. Wire transfers can only be completed in person, so you’ll have to go to the bank to carry out the transfer.
- Wire transfer fee. You’ll also have to pay a wire transfer fee and, depending on where you’re transferring money to, it could be pricier than other options.
While domestic wire transfers have a fairly affordable fee, international wire transfer fees range from $10 to $50. Keep this in mind before committing to a wire transfer.
6. Write a check
While checks seem to be less common as time goes on, they’re still a reliable method for transferring money. You can simply fill out a check with the amount of money needed and give it to the recipient. From there, they can cash it into their account.
Using a check is a great alternative to banks that won’t accept cash deposits. Just be sure the check is properly and completely filled out to avoid potential theft.
Pro Tip
Do you have a friend in need of money but you don’t have a checking account to help? The good news is you can still help out. You can give a friend money through mobile wallets, money orders, credit cards, or prepaid debit cards. Read more about this here.
How long will it take to deposit money into someone else’s bank account?
How much time it takes to deposit money into another account will depend on the method and, in some cases, how much you’re willing to spend.
- Depositing cash. Cash deposits often go through immediately. In some cases, they may not go through till the next business day, but that just depends on the bank.
- Checks. With a regular check, it typically takes about two business days to clear. Cashier’s checks, on the other hand, typically go through within one business day.
- Electronic transfers. This is where it depends on how much you’re willing to pay. Electronic transfers typically take one to three days to go through. But if you’re willing to pay an extra fee, your transfer will go through within minutes.
- Money order. Money orders typically clear the same day they’re submitted.
- Wire transfer. Domestic money transfers typically only take 24 hours to 3 days. International wire transfers, however, can take up to five days. The bank you wire the money through should be able to give you an estimate of how long it will take.
Which method should you use?
Each of these methods listed here is generally a reliable way to go, but there are some definite advantages and disadvantages to each. Here are some questions you should ask yourself when deciding which method to use:
- Am I okay with paying an extra fee? If so, how much? If you’re okay with paying a low fee, then a money order, instant electronic transfer, domestic money wire, or cashier’s check is a good choice. For no fee, you can transfer money by depositing cash, writing a check, or using a delayed electronic transfer. The most expensive fee you’ll have to pay is for an international wire transfer.
- How much money do I have to transfer? Some methods, such as a money order, have a maximum amount you can send. If your preferred way has a maximum limit, you may have to use a different method.
- Where am I sending the money? If it’s an international transaction, it’s likely that you’ll only be able to deposit cash or use a wire transfer. Domestic transfers, however, can use any of the options listed above.
- When does the person need the money? If the person can wait a few days, you can wire money to them or use a check. If they need it right that second, however, you’ll have to use an app or deposit cash. Money orders and checks clear fairly quickly, but it will take some time to fill one out and get it to the recipient or bank teller.
| Payment method | How it works | Transfer time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashier’s check | • Third-party check • Can send any amount of money • No risk of check bouncing | Within 1 – 5 business days after depositing | Between $10 – $15 |
| Depositing cash | • Deposit your own cash in another account • Need the recipient’s account number and full name | Immediately or following business day | No extra fees |
| Money order | • Printed order paid in advance • Guaranteed by issuing bank • Can’t be for more than $1,000 | Immediately | Between $1 – $10 |
| Money transfer app | • Electronically transfers funds • Both giver and receiver must have accounts • Fee charged if you need the funds immediately | Instantly, or within 1 to 2 business days | • Percentage of funds charged for immediate access • Usually between 0.5% – 1.75% |
| Wire transfer | • Can transfer funds between different institutions • Can be done domestically and internationally • Fees can be steep | • Domestic: Within 1 -3 business days • International: Within 1 – 5 business days | • Domestic: $0 – $35 • International: $35 – $50 |
| Check | • Accepted by more institutions • May need to purchase checks if you don’t have any | Within 1 – 5 business days after depositing | • Cost of the check if you don’t have one • Between $0.02 and $1 per check |
FAQs
Can you deposit money into someone else’s account at an ATM?
This is possible through some banks, though often both accounts need to be with the same bank to do so.
How can I make a direct deposit into someone else’s bank account online?
The easiest way to transfer money online is through money transfer apps such as PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle. eChecks may also be an option.
How can I let someone deposit money into my account without giving them my account number?
You can receive money from someone through a money transfer app or a written check without having to give them your account.
Key Takeaways
- The six main methods of transferring money into someone’s bank account are through cash deposits, money transfer apps, personal or cashier’s checks, money orders, and wire transfers.
- Some methods, such as wire transfers or money orders, may require the sender to pay a fee.
- Depositing cash and wire transfers are good options for sending money internationally.
- While many of these methods send money instantly, some may take a couple of days to process.
CS
Camilla has a background in journalism and business communications. She specializes in writing complex information in understandable ways. She has written on a variety of topics including money, science, personal finance, politics, and more. Her work has been published in the HuffPost, KSL.com, Deseret News, and more.
Share this post: