Bank transaction deposits are monetary deposits made into transaction accounts, also known as checking accounts. Transaction deposits allow a person to have ready access to their money held at a depository financial institution, such as a bank or credit union, without delay or advance notice. They differ from non-transaction deposits, which are deposits made into non-transaction accounts. Non-transaction accounts come with restrictions on when or how often you can access your money.
What Are Transaction Deposits?
A transaction deposit (sometimes also called a demand deposit) is a banking term that refers to a deposit made into a transaction account that is readily available for use — meaning you can use the money any time for other transactions.
The most common example of a transaction account is a checking account. This type of account allows account holders to make unlimited deposits, withdrawals, payments, and transfers. In other words, you can use the account as often as you want to get cash, make purchases, pay bills, and/or deposit cash at an ATM.
Savings accounts that allow account holders unlimited access are also considered transaction accounts. Typically, however, savings accounts come with withdrawal and transfer limits (such as a certain number per month). As a result, they are generally considered non-transaction accounts.
Understanding Transaction Deposits
Transaction deposits can be made at a branch of the bank, at an ATM, and by transferring funds from another account. If you set up direct deposit with your employer (such as SoFi direct deposit), these deposits also qualify as transaction deposits.
If you want to access a transaction deposit, you can so for in a number of different ways, including:
• Withdrawing money at a branch or ATM
• Transferring the money to another account
• Writing a check
• Using auto-pay
• Making a wire payment
Transaction Deposits vs Non-Transaction Deposits
To better understand transaction deposits, it helps to know the difference between the two main types of deposit accounts: transaction accounts and non-transaction accounts.
Transaction accounts allow account holders easy access to their money. These accounts may earn interest, but typically they do not.
Non-transaction accounts, such as most savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs) typically earn interest, providing a return on the account holder’s investment. However, deposits made into a non-transaction account (called non-transaction deposits) are not as fully accessible as transaction deposits. Account holders may be limited or restricted from accessing all or some of the money, or they may need to make a request for a withdrawal.
For example, if you open a CD, your money is locked up for a certain period of time. If you want to access the money before the CD matures, you will typically pay a penalty. With many savings and money market accounts, the bank will impose limitations on the number of transactions you can make each month. If you exceed that limit, you may be charged a withdrawal fee.
Here’s a look at transaction accounts vs non-transaction accounts:
| Transaction Accounts | Non-Transaction Accounts |
|---|---|
| Unlimited number of transfers or payments to third parties | There may be a limit on the number of withdrawals and transfers of money that are allowed per statement period |
| Typically not interest-bearing | Typically interest-bearing |
| Can make an unlimited number of transfers between your own accounts at the same institution | May have penalties for withdrawing too much money or too many times |
| Payable on demand | May require seven days notice to withdraw funds |
| No maturity period | May be subject to a maturity period |
| Examples include checking accounts | Examples include money market deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, and savings accounts |
Real Life Examples of Transaction Deposits
A checking account is an example of a transaction account where transaction deposits are made. The key feature of a transaction account, and the deposits made into it, is that the money is liquid, or readily available. There are no requirements for leaving the money for a set amount of time like there are with a time (or term) deposit account, such as a CD.
Here are some common examples of transaction deposits:
• Direct deposits from your employer into your account
• Check or cash deposits made at your bank
• An electronic funds transfer (EFT) made into your account
• Payments from third parties
• Refunds from vendors
Restrictions of Transaction Deposits
There are some instances, however, where a bank may impose some restrictions or a waiting period on certain deposits made to transaction accounts. This could happen if you deposit a large check that requires verification, or if the account is new and the account holder doesn’t yet have an established history. Once the holding period ends, the funds are fully accessible.
Non-transaction deposits, however, come with far more restrictions. In the past,
The Federal Reserve’s Regulation D restricted withdrawals from money market accounts and savings accounts to six per month. If you went over this limit, the bank would charge you a fee. If you consistently went over this limit, they could convert the account to a regular (non-interest-bearing) account. However, the Federal Reserve suspended Regulation D in April 2020. Banks can now set their own restrictions on savings account transactions, and they can vary from one bank to another.
Recommended: How Long Does the Direct Deposit Transaction Take?
Advantages of Transaction Deposits
There are a number of advantages that come with transaction deposits. These include:
• Money is readily available
• No maturity period
• No eligibility restrictions
• No limit on the number of deposits, withdrawals, or transfers the account holder can make
• No early withdrawal penalties
• Sometimes interest-bearing
Disadvantages of Transaction Deposits
The main disadvantage of transaction deposits is that the money being deposited will generally earn no, or only a small amount of, interest.
The Takeaway
A transaction deposit is a deposit made to a transaction account, such as a checking account. This type of account is ideal for everyday banking, since you can generally put money in and take money out whenever you like.
Non-transaction deposits are the opposite — these are deposits made to non-transaction accounts, which include savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs. With a non-transaction account, you will face some restrictions in when and how often you can access your money. However, the advantage of non-transaction deposits is that this money will typically earn more interest than a transaction deposit will
If you’re interested in getting the benefits of both types of accounts in one, consider opening a high interest bank account. You’ll be able to easily access your money with mobile banking and through the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs, while also earning a competitive APY if you set up direct deposit. Plus, you won’t pay any monthly fees or other common account fees.
FAQ
What is a bank deposit transaction?
A bank deposit transaction is a deposit into a transactional bank account, such as a checking account. It includes direct deposits, transfers, and deposits made at a bank or ATM,
Is a deposit considered a transaction?
Yes, a deposit is considered a transaction. Any money moving into and out of your account is considered a transaction.
What banks offer transaction deposits?
Any bank that offers a checking account is a bank that offers transaction deposits.
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