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Whether you're splitting a dinner bill with a friend or sending money to a family member, handing over cash isn't always convenient. Payment apps, bank transfers, checks and wire transfers offer other ways to get the money to them.
Here are seven options for depositing money into someone else's account, how each of them works and what to consider before you send the money.
7 Ways to Deposit Cash Into Someone Else's Account
| Speed | Cost | Required Info | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P2P payment service | Minutes to reach the recipient's app or linked bank account; moving funds from an app to a bank may take up to three days | Often free for standard transfers; expedited transfers may cost extra | Usually the recipient's phone number, email address or app username | Sending smaller amounts to friends, family members or acquaintances |
| ACH transfer | Typically one to three business days | Often free for the recipient; some banks charge the sender a fee | Recipient's name, account number, routing number and account type | Sending money directly to a bank account when timing is flexible |
| Wire transfer | Often the same business day for domestic wires | Usually a fee; the recipient's bank may also charge | Recipient's name, address, routing number and account number | Sending a large or time-sensitive payment |
| Cash deposit | Often available the same or next business day | Usually free, if the bank accepts the deposit | Recipient's name and account number; identification may be required | Depositing physical cash when the recipient's bank allows it |
| Personal check | Delivery time, plus the bank's check hold period | Usually no transaction fee; postage if mailed | Recipient's name and mailing address if sending it by mail | Sending a payment when the recipient can wait to deposit it |
| Cashier's check | Delivery time, plus any applicable deposit hold | Bank may charge an issuance fee; postage if mailed | Recipient's name; identification and payment for the check | Larger payments when the recipient wants a bank-issued check |
| Money order | Delivery time, plus any applicable deposit hold | Purchase fee; postage if mailed | Recipient's name and payment for the money order | Sending a paper payment without using a personal check |
1. P2P Payment Service
Peer-to-peer (P2P) payment services allow you to send money to others, though the rules, features and fees vary by service. You typically start by providing the recipient's name, account details and amount you're sending. Then you'll need to follow transfer limits set by the provider and may pay a fee.
Depending on the service and chosen payment speed, the money may land in an app balance first or head straight to the recipient's bank account. It's important to exercise caution with these apps. P2P payment services are safe if you know how to avoid scams. But if you accidentally send money to the wrong person, you may not be able to recover it.
Below are some of the most common P2P payment services.
Zelle
Zelle is a P2P payment service that's embedded in many bank and credit union accounts. You can use Zelle to send money to another person if you know their email address or U.S. mobile number. Money typically reaches their bank account within minutes if they're enrolled. It's typically free to send payments, but transfer limits depend on your bank.
Venmo
The Venmo app lets you send money to other Venmo users for free using your linked bank account, debit card or Venmo balance. Paying with a credit card costs 3%. The recipient gets the money in their Venmo account and can transfer it to a bank for free in one to three business days, or pay for an instant transfer.
PayPal
PayPal lets you send money through its app or website. Sending to a person in the U.S. is free when you use your bank account or PayPal balance, while paying with a debit or credit card costs extra. The recipient can transfer the money to a linked bank account for free with a standard transfer or pay a fee for an instant transfer.
Cash App
Cash App lets you send money using the recipient's $cashtag, phone number or email address. Sending from your Cash balance, linked bank account or debit card is free; paying with a credit card costs 3%. The recipient can transfer the money to a bank account for free in one to three business days or pay a fee for an instant transfer.
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2. ACH Transfer
An automated clearing house (ACH) transfer allows you to send money to a person or business in the U.S. from your bank account. Standard ACH transfers are typically free and can take anywhere from a few hours to three business days to reach the recipient. To set up an ACH payment, you'll need the recipient's name, account number, routing number and account type (business or personal).
Your bank or credit union may charge fees to send ACH payments and set limits on how much you can transfer per transaction or day.
3. Wire Transfer
Wire transfers allow you to send money domestically or abroad in one business day or less, and there's no official transfer limit to follow. However, your bank may set its own transfer restrictions and charge fees, usually ranging from $0 to $50. Because of these features, wire transfers often make sense for large or urgent transactions.
To send a domestic wire transfer, you'll need the recipient's name, address, bank routing number and account number. International wire transfers require these details plus a SWIFT code.
4. Cash Deposit
Some banks let you deposit cash into someone else's account, while others restrict deposits from people who don't own the account. These restrictions can help banks prevent fraud and money laundering. Call the recipient's bank before visiting to confirm its policy and what you'll need, such as the recipient's name and account number and your identification.
Don't assume you can make the deposit at an ATM. ATM deposits typically require a debit or ATM card linked to the account receiving the money.
5. Personal Check
You can also write a personal check and either mail or hand it to the recipient. Depending on where they bank, the recipient will cash the check or deposit it into their account from a branch, ATM or mobile app.
Because you need to deliver the check and the bank may place a hold on some or all of the deposited funds, this option may be slower than an electronic payment. However, the recipient won't need to share their account or routing number with you.
6. Cashier's Check
A cashier's check is issued by a bank or credit union and backed by its funds. You pay the institution the check amount upfront, plus any issuance fee, and provide the recipient's name.
Cashier's checks can be useful for larger payments when the recipient wants more assurance that the funds are available than a personal check provides. You'll still need to deliver the check, and the recipient will need to cash or deposit it. A deposit hold may apply.
7. Money Order
A money order is a prepaid method of sending money. You can buy one at most banks, credit unions, retail stores or your local post office location, often for amounts up to $1,000 plus a small fee. You can mail or hand the money order to the recipient, who would either cash or deposit it.
These are usually a good fit for people without a checking account or checkbook, since you can buy them with cash. But the limit is much lower compared to other money transfer options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Info Do I Need to Deposit Cash Into Someone Else's Account?
You'll typically need to provide the recipient's name and account number along with your identification. Before visiting, check with the recipient's bank to confirm whether it accepts cash deposits from someone who doesn't own the account. The bank can also confirm the details you'll need to provide.
What's The Fastest Way to Deposit Cash Into Someone Else's Account?
If the recipient's bank accepts third-party cash deposits, depositing cash with a teller can make the funds available the same day or next business day. If the money is already in your bank account, Zelle may be faster. Payments typically arrive within minutes when the recipient is enrolled.
Can I Deposit Cash Into Someone Else's Account at an ATM?
No. You generally can't deposit cash into another person's account at an ATM using only their account number. Most ATMs require a debit card or ATM card that's linked to the checking account you're depositing money into.
The Bottom Line
Your best options for depositing cash into someone else's account depend on how much you plan to send, how fast you need it to arrive and what payment methods your recipient can accept. Payment apps and online transfers are typically the most convenient ways to send money. Other options for sending cash include a money order or cashier's check, though they're less common.
Make sure you know the person you're sending money to well, and be on the lookout for scammers. To help protect yourself from fraud and identity theft, you can sign up for an Experian's premium membership, which monitors your identity online and notifies you if there are any risks to your privacy or financial accounts.