Even though people are reducing their visits to banks, it remains necessary to understand the process of depositing cash, especially when traveling. Despite a decrease in cash usage, likely influenced by the pandemic, there is still a significant amount of currency in circulation. Thus, you need to be able to deposit cash if your bank is far away.
Studies indicate that there is approximately $2 trillion worth of currency in circulation across the United States of America.¹ So, if you happen to be away from your hometown and need to deposit money into your bank account, you still have options.
How to deposit cash if your bank is far away
Here are the ways to deposit cash if your bank is far away:
1. Zelle deposit
When traveling with friends, family, or coworkers, rather than dealing with the hassle of splitting costs using physical money and the subsequent concerns of depositing it, an easier option is to use Zelle to deposit cash if your bank is far away.
Zelle provides a convenient method for sending and receiving money. As an HRCCU member, you can access Zelle either through the online platform or via the mobile banking app. This allows for seamless transactions and eliminates the need for cash transactions and associated inconveniences.
Upon completing the transfer, the funds are usually available within minutes. This aspect significantly simplifies the process compared to the alternative of seeking a bank that permits cash deposits when you are away from your hometown.
2. Use shared branch and CO-OP network
Being a member of a credit union offers numerous advantages, including participation in shared branch and Co-Op networks. These benefits can be particularly beneficial for members of aHRCCU (name of a specific credit union), especially when they are traveling. So, participate as an HRCCU member to gain access to an extensive network of nearly 6,000 credit union branch locations and 30,000 ATM locations across the US and 10 other countries. This exceptional coverage enables our members to conveniently deposit money when they visit other credit unions that are part of the network.
This network will also grant you the advantage of accessing the banking services offered by your local credit union even when you are away from your immediate area. Make sure that your money is deposited into the correct account either by filling out a deposit slip or providing your membership information. Before going far away, take a moment to locate a shared branch or ATM in the area you will be visiting.
3. Pay a money order to yourself
You can deposit cash if your bank is far away using a money order made payable to yourself. Money orders can be obtained from various establishments such as Western Union and the U.S. Post Office. If your bank provides a scanning feature in its mobile app, similar to the one found in the HRCCU mobile banking app, you can simply capture an image of the money order and upload it to your bank account. In case your bank doesn’t offer this feature, you can contact the home office to inquire whether they accept money orders for deposit through mail.
A money order may include a nominal fee, usually around $1 to $5, which can vary based on the cash amount involved.² However, this fee is a worthwhile investment considering the security it provides, especially when compared to carrying a significant sum of cash around.
While it’s true that you cannot stop payment on a money order, the advantage lies in the fact that you can have a lost or stolen money order replaced. This feature enhances the safety of your funds, making it a preferable alternative to carrying cash.
Don’t mail cash
While it may seem convenient, it is strongly discouraged to mail a cash deposit to your bank or credit union. Although the chances are slim, there is a possibility that the envelope containing the cash could get lost, damaged, or stolen during transit. If the envelope fails to reach your bank, the funds cannot be replaced, resulting in a potential loss.
While insurance can be obtained, it can be expensive, and you are also required to provide proof of value before mailing the package.
In the end, a money order is a superior choice when compared to sending cash through the mail to deposit it if your bank is far away.
Resources
- USD Definition: The Currency Abbreviation for the U.S. Dollar. Investopedia
- What is a money order and how does it work? CapitalOne
Read also: you can fake direct deposit on Chase
