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Locating ATM Options and Using Money Orders for Deposits
USAA offers various valuable services, but their limited physical locations and ATMs require a different approach to depositing cash compared to other banks. However, you can securely deposit cash into your account using USAA ATMs, money orders, and other methods. Here's how:
Important Information You Need to Be Aware Of
Key Steps to Follow
Take Advantage of ATM Finders, Money Orders, and Other Methods To ensure your USAA account remains healthy and secure, utilize the ATM finder tool on the USAA website to locate nearby ATMs that accept cash deposits. Additionally, purchase a money order with the cash you wish to deposit, then use the USAA mobile app or mail to deposit it into your account. You can also use prepaid debit cards, bank transfers, or checks from other accounts to maintain your USAA balance.
Utilizing an ATM
Access the USAA ATM locator tool via a web browser. USAA provides numerous nationwide locations for managing your USAA accounts, primarily through ATMs. To begin, visit the ATM finder, or select “Find an ATM” under the “Banking” tab on the USAA website.
- Clicking on a location dot on the map reveals specific information about that site and the services offered.
Input your zip code to discover the closest ATM. On the USAA ATM locator page, utilize the “Service” dropdown menu to refine your search to ATMs accepting cash deposits. Then, enter your city, state, ZIP code, or a nearby landmark to narrow down the results to your area.
- Be aware that there are relatively few locations where you can deposit cash with USAA ATMs—USAA only permits cash deposits at USAA-branded ATMs or cash withdrawals from USAA partner ATMs. The ATM locator indicates which is which.
- If you frequently deposit cash, it's advisable to consult this map before opening a checking account with USAA.
Caution: Significant portions of the country lack ATMs that accept cash deposits, including the Pacific Northwest, most of the Midwest, and certain parts of the South.
Journey to the ATM and deposit your cash. If you reside near an ATM that accepts USAA cash deposits, you have a relatively straightforward method for depositing cash with USAA. Insert your USAA ATM or debit card as directed by the screen, and enter your PIN to access your account. Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize your transaction.
- Ensure that the machine accurately counts your cash, and retain your receipt.
- These ATMs can accept up to 30 bills at a time and do not require deposit slips or envelopes.
Monitor your deposit online to track its progress. Depending on the deposit location, funds may be subject to a hold. Use the USAA website, mobile app, or contact a teller to stay updated on your deposit's status. Additionally, review your receipt for information regarding fund availability.
- Verify your USAA account within 24 hours to ensure accurate reflection of your deposit.
Exchanging Cash for a Money Order
Acquire a money order. Procure a money order from a post office, Western Union, or select grocery and discount stores such as Walmart or Publix. When completing the money order, designate yourself as both the purchaser and recipient, and specify the business as the payee. Complete the required fields with your details, including full name and address.
- Single money orders typically accommodate amounts up to $1,000, so consider purchasing multiple money orders for larger sums.
- Although a fee is charged for issuing money orders, it's usually nominal—often just a couple of dollars. The US Postal Service only charges 45 cents for military money orders.
- If you encounter difficulties or confusion, seek assistance from the attendant—they are trained and knowledgeable in money order procedures.
- Retain the money order receipt for potential future reference or complications.
Install the USAA mobile app. If you haven't already, download the USAA app for free from your device's app store. Then, furnish your personal information to establish access to your USAA account. This process only takes a few minutes!
- Log in to the app using the same credentials utilized on the USAA website. Depending on your security settings, you may need to input a code (sent via text or email) to verify your identity.
Sign the back of the money order with your signature. As the payee, flip the money order over and endorse it in the designated area on the back. Add the phrase 'For mobile deposit only at USAA FSB.' for clarity.
- Optionally, include your account number in the endorsement area for added security, although this step is not mandatory.
Heads up: Refrain from endorsing the back of the money order until you're prepared to deposit it. Once endorsed, the money order essentially becomes a blank check, susceptible to cashing by anyone.
Opt for 'Transfer/Deposit' within the mobile app. Launch the app and select the 'Deposit' tab, then opt for 'Deposit Into Bank Account.' Specify that you're depositing a check or money order, and proceed according to the on-screen prompts.
- If you're a new app user or haven't deposited via mobile before, allow access to your phone's camera to finalize your transaction.
Capture images of both sides of the money order using your phone's camera. Follow the guide displayed on your phone screen. Place the money order on a flat, dark surface ensuring the corners are within the guidelines and the writing is clear. Then, take a photo. Repeat for the reverse side.
- After each photo, review its quality. If it appears blurry or skewed, retake the picture.
- Once satisfied with the images, input the money order amount. If you possess multiple accounts, select the desired deposit account.
Pro tip: Hang onto the money order until the funds are visible in your account and no longer labeled as 'pending.'
Mail the money order to USAA if you prefer traditional methods. If the mobile app isn't your preference, obtain deposit slips from the USAA website, and send the money order with a completed deposit slip via USPS to the address provided:
- USAA Federal Savings Bank / ATTN: Bank Priority Mail 9861 / 10750 McDermott Freeway / San Antonio, TX 78284-9908
Exploring Alternatives
Discover a USAA Preferred ATM. Although cash deposits aren't feasible at a Preferred ATM, you can execute withdrawals, check balances, or transfer funds between accounts sans ATM fees. Utilize the ATM finder tool on the USAA website to pinpoint a Preferred ATM nearby.
- Seek out ATMs sporting an 'Allpoint,' 'MoneyPass,' or 'PNC Bank' emblem. These denote USAA Preferred ATMs.
- If you stumble upon a Preferred ATM linked to a bank branch, contemplate opening an account at that bank. This way, you can handle cash deposits and manage your USAA account from one locale.
Obtain a prepaid debit card. Opt for a prepaid debit card, offering potential cash reload options round the clock. Upon acquiring the card, associate it with your USAA account for seamless online money transfers.
- Explore various prepaid debit cards to identify one boasting minimal fees and convenient reload locations.
Utilize an alternative bank account for cash deposits. If you possess a checking account at a traditional bank, deposit your cash there and subsequently transfer the funds to your USAA account. While not the most straightforward or efficient method, it serves as a viable alternative to ATMs and money orders.
- Although USAA imposes no fees for incoming transfers, the external bank might levy a fee for initiating the transfer. Consult with a bank representative regarding potential transfer costs, particularly if you anticipate frequent cash deposits.
- Be mindful of hold durations. This approach may result in delayed availability of funds in your USAA account.
- USAA also facilitates Zelle usage, enabling customers to execute instant transfers between accounts.
Draft a check from an alternate account. Collaborate with a friend or family member who maintains a checking account at a traditional bank. Deposit your cash into their account, then have them issue a check for the total amount.
- Upon receiving the check, utilize the USAA mobile banking app on your smartphone to deposit it.
Pro tip: Be mindful of any potential hold durations for personal checks to stay informed about when your funds will become available in your USAA account.
