When you switch from a traditional bank to an online bank, there can be a bit of a learning curve.
Online banks don’t usually have physical locations, and they don’t deal with physical money, so you’ll have to do some searching to find out how you can conduct certain transactions — like depositing cash to your bank account. Your options for making a cash deposit depend on the financial institution, but in most cases, it’s as easy as visiting a nearby ATM.
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How to deposit cash at an online bank
There are several ways to deposit cash to an online bank account, with some much more convenient than others. Before you choose one of your bank’s options, look into their deposit limits for each method, the amount of time it takes to gain access to your funds, and the fees involved with the transaction.
Use an in-network ATM
Like traditional banks, most online banks have ATM networks you can use to withdraw and deposit cash. However, when you search for an ATM for your online bank, you might have to narrow your search to ATMs that specifically accept deposits.
To avoid ATM fees, look for an in-network ATM. If you do have to go out of network, check to see if your online bank reimburses the fee. For example, Alliant reimburses ATM fees up to $20 a month.
Once you complete a cash deposit at an ATM, don’t expect the funds to be available right away. There may be a cap on how much of the money you can access on the same day, and then a waiting period of one or more business days before the rest is available. With Axos Bank, for example, you’ll have to wait up to five business days to withdraw funds if you deposit them at an out-of-network ATM.
Visit a retail partner
Several online banks partner with retail locations that you can visit to deposit cash. For example, Axos and Varo Bank allow you to deposit cash at Green Dot Retailers, which include Walmart, 7-Eleven, CVS, Dollar General, Kroger, and a handful of other chain stores. To make a deposit, you simply visit the retail location and ask a cashier to conduct the transaction.
Just note that you may be charged a fee at certain locations. With Chime, you can make fee-free deposits at Walgreens and Duane Reade, but could pay a fee if you go elsewhere. Axos and SoFi’s retail partners charge up to $4.95 per transaction.
Transfer from a linked account
Another option is to transfer the money through a linked account. To go this route, you’ll first have to link your online account to one of your outside accounts at a traditional bank. Then, you deposit the cash to your linked account and transfer the money between banks.
While the transfer process itself can take just a few seconds, it might take a few business days to set up a linked account, since you’ll likely have to complete an account verification process, which includes making a trial deposit. So instead of waiting until you need to deposit cash, consider setting up a linked account as soon as you open your online account.
Send a wire transfer
Perhaps the least convenient way to get cash into your online account is to send money via wire transfer. This is another option that requires you to visit a bank branch as your first step since online banks typically accept wires via bank only (and not through wire transfer services). Once you deposit the funds, you’ll have to provide your bank with the following:
Photo ID
Your name and contact information
The bank account number for your online account
Your online bank’s ABA or RTN routing number
Adding to the inconvenience of this option is the fact that it can take up to three business days for the funds to be available after a wire transfer, and your bank may charge a transfer fee of around $25 to $50.
Online banks that accept cash deposits
Before choosing an online-only bank, check to see if and how they accept cash deposits. While many online banks issue debit cards that you can use to deposit cash at ATMs, some don’t. For example, Marcus by Goldman Sachs does not issue debit cards or allow ATM use, and Ally and Discover only allow you to withdraw money at ATMs.
Here’s an example of a few online-only banks and credit unions that do accept cash deposits:
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