When it comes to a counter credit, it's simple to become concerned by unfamiliar terminology on your bank statement. Counter credit on a bank statement is a cash deposit made inside the bank at the teller window.
Key Takeaways
Counter credit on a bank statement refers to cash or checks deposited into your account at the teller window inside the bank, as opposed to an ATM or a mobile check deposit. Counter deposits slips are conducted in person at a bank with a personal teller, where you fill out a deposit slip, hand it to the teller in person, and receive a receipt for the transaction.
It’s easy to look at this term to mean the other kind of counter, meaning “the opposite,” and wonder, "What is counter credit on a bank statement?" but the word "counter" in "counter credit" refers to the counter at a bank. In essence, it’s called counter credit because you put credit in your account with the teller in person.
A counter credit and a deposit are both ways to add funds to your bank account, but they differ in how they are processed and the availability of funds.
Counter service in a bank, often referred to as "counter credit," is a banking service that involves face-to-face transactions between customers and bank tellers. Customers visit the bank's physical branch and interact directly with bank personnel for various financial transactions. These transactions can encompass a wide range of services, such as depositing and withdrawing funds, cashing checks, making bill payments, and even seeking financial advice.
Counter service plays a vital role in providing a personal touch to banking, allowing customers to address their specific financial needs with the assistance of knowledgeable bank staff. This service offers a level of trust and reliability that some customers find reassuring, especially for significant financial transactions.
Counter deposits are conducted in person at a bank with a teller. To make a counter deposit, you’ll need to follow these steps:
Online-only banks like Ally Bank do not offer countercredit for obvious reasons. You may want to consider this factor when choosing a bank. If you don’t carry cash around, then counter credit isn’t something you’re likely to use at all. On the other hand, an online bank is ideal if you need cash for day-to-day activities.
You can also ask your employer to pay you via check if you prefer not to carry as much cash around.
Related: Ways to cash a check without ID
If you’re unfamiliar with how to fill out a deposit slip, you can always ask a teller to help you. Generally, banks have deposit slips and pens at a dedicated table.
Just be sure you fill out the slip for the correct type of account, as banks usually have slips for both checking and savings accounts. The deposit slip will include a space for the account number.
If you don’t know it, you can ask the teller, and they will provide it for you as long as you have your ID with you. When the slip is finished, you’ll just need to present it to the teller alongside the cash or checks you are depositing.
When you pull up your online banking portal or use a mobile app, you’ll notice the term “counter credit” next to the $100 deposit you made under your recent transaction. You’ll also see the term “counter credit” next to the deposit amount on your monthly bank statement.
The same is true if you deposit multiple bills at the same time. If you deposited three $50 bills and two $100 bills, for example, you wouldn’t have 5 separate counter credit marks next to your deposits. You would instead just have one deposit of $350 with “counter credit” next to it.
Denoting transactions like this helps resolve discrepancies in the statement and account and helps clarify —both for you and your bank’s peace of mind — how the transaction was made.
With the advent of new ways to deposit and withdraw money, such as through ATMs or mobile apps, counter credit may seem redundant to some people, especially given that the in-person process to do anything at a bank can be laborious. However, many still prefer the old-fashioned method of walking into a bank and depositing directly at a counter, and for good reason.
It’s a secure, simple way to make sure the money gets into the intended bank account. Moreover, customers who are depositing very large sums would not be able to use online methods or even an ATM (depending on their bank's individual limit). It also may add some peace of mind to deposit a large amount directly into a teller's hands.
This distrust may also extend to ATMs, which is a fair concern given that they are a little riskier than handing your money directly to someone. In addition, ATMs usually only accept money in $20 increments and limit the number of bills you can put in during one transaction. Counter credit circumvents this problem and the risk of using technology because it allows two people to count and accurately confirm the right amount of money.
Some people may also have trouble understanding technology or apps and prefer face-to-face communication so that they can ask questions.
It depends. Counter credit involves visiting a bank in person and waiting in line, which is usually slower than depositing a check online or using an ATM. This can be especially true during busy times, such as when people receive their paychecks or when bank staff are on lunch breaks, which can slow down service.
While an ATM or mobile deposit may be faster, counter credit provides immediate confirmation of your deposit by a teller, which can be beneficial for those needing assurance of their transaction. It's always good to be mindful of the different services banks offer to help you deposit your money promptly.
The bank refers to this deposit as a credit simply because the money is "credited" to your account. It denotes that the money came from you and belongs to you, not to the bank.
So, the "counter" part refers to the physical interaction between you and the teller, while the "credit" part indicates that it is credited to your account.
Counter Credit doesn’t mean anything good or bad on an account. As mentioned, it simply denotes how the money was put into your account and doesn’t indicate any change in the account status other than the amount of money available.
Using a counter credit deposit has no impact on the account at all, and there are no fees or penalties associated with depositing in person.
Money deposited at the counter will usually clear immediately, allowing you to use it as you need. That’s because the bank doesn’t need to do any authorization or verification other than the deposit slip you fill out at the bank.
Of course, each bank has its own set of rules, and you can always ask a teller when the money will be available. If the money is still showing as pending after 24 hours, you can consider calling or visiting the bank to ask when the money will be available.
Banks will often impose limits both on how often you can deposit and how much you can deposit at any given time. There may be additional restrictions regarding large sums of money. Each bank is different, and it’s important to be aware of your bank’s rules if you need to deposit a large sum of money.
When you need to deposit funds into your bank account but prefer not to visit a teller for a counter credit, there are several convenient alternatives available. Each method varies in terms of how the deposit is made and how quickly the funds become available.
The table below outlines some common alternatives to counter credit, along with descriptions and typical fund availability times.
Alternative Method |
Description |
Typical Availability of Funds |
ATM Deposit |
Deposit cash or checks using an ATM |
Same day to next business day |
Mobile Deposit |
Deposit checks using a banking app on your phone |
1 to 3 business days |
Direct Deposit |
Automatic electronic deposit from employers or other sources |
Immediate to same day (varies by bank) |
Mail Deposit |
Mail checks to the bank for deposit |
3 to 10 business days, depending on the location of your bank |
Online Transfer |
Transfer funds from another account electronically |
Same day to next business day |
Bank-by-Mail |
Sending deposits via mail using provided envelopes |
3 to 7 business days |
Night Deposit Box |
Deposit cash or checks in a secure drop box at the bank |
Next business day |
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) |
Transfer funds between banks electronically |
1 to 3 business days |
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If you have enough information (full name and bank account number) about someone else, you can make a counter deposit into their account; however, it’s important to not do so if you don’t have the person’s informed consent.
Usually, you will need the person’s account number to put in a counter-credit deposit on their behalf. Some branches and banks don’t allow this, so be mindful of your bank’s rules. In addition, you’ll want to be prepared with the relevant information the bank may need before you make a deposit for someone else.
The time it takes for a counter credit transaction to clear can vary depending on several factors, including the specific transaction, the bank's policies, and the banking hours. Here's a general overview of the typical processing times for common counter credit transactions:
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