Ask Difference

Deposit vs. Withdraw — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 23, 2024
A deposit involves placing money into a bank account, while a withdraw (withdrawal) entails taking money out of one's bank account.
Deposit vs. Withdraw — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Deposit and Withdraw

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Key Differences

Deposits are transactions where funds are added to an account, increasing the account balance. These can include direct deposits from employers, transfers from other accounts, or depositing cash and checks at a bank. Conversely, withdrawals reduce the account balance and can be performed via ATM machines, writing checks, or using online banking services to transfer money out.
When considering interest accrual in savings accounts, deposits can enhance the earning potential by increasing the principal amount that accrues interest. On the other hand, withdrawals might decrease the interest earned by reducing the principal amount.
From a financial management perspective, regular deposits are a key part of building savings and improving financial health. In contrast, frequent withdrawals may indicate spending habits that could undermine savings goals and financial stability.
Deposit transactions are often encouraged by banks through rewards or bonuses for maintaining certain balances, reflecting a strategy to keep funds within the bank. Withdrawals, while necessary for liquidity and access to funds, are typically not incentivized and may even be restricted with fees or limits depending on the account type.
The process of depositing often requires verification of the funds and source, especially for large amounts, to ensure legality and prevent fraud. Withdrawals, particularly large ones, might also require verification or advance notice to ensure security and availability of funds.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Adding money to a bank account
Taking money out of a bank account

Impact on Account

Increases account balance
Decreases account balance

Common Methods

Cash, check, transfer, direct deposit
ATM, check, transfer

Financial Implication

Can increase interest accrual
Can decrease interest accrual

Usage Strategy

Builds savings, enhances financial health
Provides liquidity, manages spending

Compare with Definitions

Deposit

To place for later retrieval.
She deposited her valuables in a safe deposit box.

Withdraw

To remove funds for spending or payments.
They withdrew enough cash for their vacation expenses.

Deposit

To put money into a bank account.
He made a deposit of $500 into his checking account.

Withdraw

To take money out of a bank account.
She went to the ATM to withdraw $200.

Deposit

The act of placing money for safekeeping or savings.
Regular monthly deposits help in accumulating savings over time.

Withdraw

The act of removing funds from an account.
He made a large withdrawal to pay for the car.

Deposit

Money held in a bank account.
His account showed a substantial increase after the latest deposit.

Withdraw

Funds taken out of a banking account.
His withdrawal left the account nearly empty.

Deposit

Funds that are added to an account.
The deposit was reflected in her account balance immediately.

Withdraw

Reducing the balance by taking out money.
Withdrawals over $500 require notifying the bank in advance.

Deposit

A sum of money paid into a bank or building society account
Cash funds which are an alternative to bank or building society deposits

Withdraw

Remove or take away (something) from a particular place or position
She prised open the lid and withdrew a slim diamond ring
Ruth withdrew her hand from his

Deposit

A sum payable as a first instalment on the purchase of something or as a pledge for a contract, the balance being payable later
We've saved enough for a deposit on a house

Withdraw

Leave or cause to leave a place or situation
UN forces withdrew from the province
Both countries agreed to withdraw their troops

Deposit

A layer or mass of accumulated matter
The deposits of salt on the paintwork

Withdraw

Cease to take an addictive drug
For the cocaine user, it is possible to withdraw without medication

Deposit

The action of placing something in a specified place
I'd like to make a deposit
The deposit of a thesis in a library gives no guarantee of copyright protection

Withdraw

To take back or away; remove
Withdrew his hand from the cookie jar.

Deposit

Put or set down (something or someone) in a specific place
He deposited a pile of school books on the kitchen table

Withdraw

To cause to leave or return
The government withdrew its diplomats from the capital.

Deposit

Place (something) somewhere for safekeeping
A vault in which guests may deposit valuable property

Withdraw

To remove (money) from an account.

Deposit

To put or set down; place.

Withdraw

To turn away (one's gaze, for example).

Deposit

To lay down or leave behind by a natural process
Layers of sediment that were deposited on the ocean floor.
Glaciers that deposited their debris as they melted.

Withdraw

To draw aside
Withdrew the curtain.

Deposit

To give over or entrust for safekeeping.

Withdraw

To remove from consideration or participation
Withdrew her application.
Withdrew his son from the race.

Deposit

To put (money) in a bank or financial account.

Withdraw

To recall or retract
Withdrew the accusation.

Deposit

To give as partial payment or security.

Withdraw

To move or draw back; retire
The lawyers withdrew to the judge's chambers.

Deposit

To become deposited; settle.

Withdraw

To leave or return, as from a military position.

Deposit

Something, such as money, that is entrusted for safekeeping, as in a bank.

Withdraw

To remove oneself from active participation
Withdrew from the competition.

Deposit

The condition of being deposited
Funds on deposit with a broker.

Withdraw

To become detached from social or emotional involvement
After the snubbing, he withdrew into a shell.

Deposit

A partial or initial payment of a cost or debt
Left a $100 deposit toward the purchase of a stereo system.

Withdraw

To recall or remove a motion from consideration in parliamentary procedure.

Deposit

A sum of money given as security for an item acquired for temporary use.

Withdraw

To discontinue the use of a drug or other substance, especially one that is addictive.

Deposit

A depository.

Withdraw

To react physiologically and mentally to this discontinuance, often while experiencing distressing symptoms.

Deposit

(Geology) A concentration of mineral matter or sediment in a layer, vein, or pocket
Iron ore deposits.
Rich deposits of oil and natural gas.

Withdraw

(transitive)

Deposit

(Physiology) An accumulation of organic or inorganic material, such as a lipid or mineral, in a body tissue, structure, or fluid.

Withdraw

To draw or pull (something) away or back from its original position or situation.

Deposit

A sediment or precipitate that has settled out of a solution.

Withdraw

To take away or take back (something previously given or permitted); to remove, to retract.

Deposit

A coating or crust left on a surface, as by evaporation or electrolysis.

Withdraw

To cause or help (someone) to stop taking an addictive drug or substance; to dry out.

Deposit

(geology) Sediment or rock that is not native to its present location or is different from the surrounding material. Sometimes refers to ore or gems.

Withdraw

To take (one's eyes) off something; to look away.

Deposit

That which is placed anywhere, or in anyone's hands, for safekeeping; something entrusted to the care of another.

Withdraw

(figuratively)

Deposit

(banking) Money placed in an account.

Withdraw

To distract or divert (someone) from a course of action, a goal, etc.

Deposit

Anything left behind on a surface.
A mineral deposit
A deposit of seaweed on the shore
A deposit of jam on my countertop

Withdraw

To extract (money) from a bank account or other financial deposit.

Deposit

(finance) A sum of money or other asset given as an initial payment, to show good faith, or to reserve something for purchase.
They put down a deposit on the apartment.

Withdraw

(intransitive)

Deposit

A sum of money given as a security for a borrowed item, which will be given back when the item is returned, e.g. a bottle deposit or can deposit

Withdraw

Chiefly followed by from: to leave a place, someone's presence, etc., to go to another room or place.

Deposit

A place of deposit; a depository.

Withdraw

Chiefly followed by from: to stop taking part in some activity; also, to remove oneself from the company of others, from publicity, etc.

Deposit

(transitive) To lay down; to place; to put.
A crocodile deposits her eggs in the sand.
The waters deposited a rich alluvium.

Withdraw

To stop talking to or interacting with other people and start thinking thoughts not related to what is happening.

Deposit

To lay up or away for safekeeping; to put up; to store.
To deposit goods in a warehouse

Withdraw

To stop taking an addictive drug or substance; to undergo withdrawal.

Deposit

To entrust one's assets to the care of another. Sometimes done as collateral.

Withdraw

Of a man: to remove the penis from a partner's body orifice before ejaculation; to engage in coitus interruptus.

Deposit

(transitive) To put money or funds into an account.
I had to deposit two months' rent into my landlord's account before he gave me the keys.

Withdraw

An act of drawing back or removing; a removal, a withdrawal or withdrawing.

Deposit

To lay aside; to rid oneself of.

Withdraw

(law) withdraught

Deposit

To lay down; to place; to put; to let fall or throw down (as sediment); as, a crocodile deposits her eggs in the sand; the waters deposited a rich alluvium.
The fear is deposited in conscience.

Withdraw

To take back or away, as what has been bestowed or enjoyed; to draw back; to cause to move away or retire; as, to withdraw aid, favor, capital, or the like.
Impossible it is that God should withdraw his presence from anything.

Deposit

To lay up or away for safe keeping; to put up; to store; as, to deposit goods in a warehouse.

Withdraw

To take back; to recall or retract; as, to withdraw false charges.

Deposit

To lodge in some one's hands for safe keeping; to commit to the custody of another; to intrust; esp., to place in a bank, as a sum of money subject to order.

Withdraw

To retire; to retreat; to quit a company or place; to go away; as, he withdrew from the company.

Deposit

To lay aside; to rid one's self of.
If what is written prove useful to you, to the depositing that which I can not but deem an error.

Withdraw

Pull back or move away or backward;
The enemy withdrew
The limo pulled away from the curb

Deposit

That which is deposited, or laid or thrown down; as, a deposit in a flue; especially, matter precipitated from a solution (as the siliceous deposits of hot springs), or that which is mechanically deposited (as the mud, gravel, etc., deposits of a river).
The deposit already formed affording to the succeeding portion of the charged fluid a basis.

Withdraw

Withdraw from active participation;
He retired from chess

Deposit

A natural occurrence of a useful mineral under the conditions to invite exploitation.

Withdraw

Release from something that holds fast, connects, or entangles;
I want to disengage myself from his influence
Disengage the gears

Deposit

That which is placed anywhere, or in any one's hands, for safe keeping; something intrusted to the care of another; esp., money lodged with a bank or banker, subject to order; anything given as pledge or security.

Withdraw

Cause to be returned;
Recall the defective auto tires
The manufacturer tried to call back the spoilt yoghurt

Deposit

A bailment of money or goods to be kept gratuitously for the bailor.

Withdraw

Take back what one has said;
He swallowed his words

Deposit

A place of deposit; a depository.

Withdraw

Keep away from others;
He sequestered himself in his study to write a book

Deposit

The phenomenon of sediment or gravel accumulating

Withdraw

Break from a meeting or gathering;
We adjourned for lunch
The men retired to the library

Deposit

Matter deposited by some natural process

Withdraw

Retire gracefully;
He bowed out when he realized he could no longer handle the demands of the chairmanship

Deposit

The natural process of laying down a deposit of something

Withdraw

Remove (a commodity) from (a supply source);
She drew $2,000 from the account
The doctors drew medical supplies from the hospital's emergency bank

Deposit

Money deposited in a bank

Withdraw

Lose interest;
He retired from life when his wife died

Deposit

A partial payment made at the time of purchase; the balance to be paid later

Withdraw

Make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity;
We'll have to crawfish out from meeting with him
He backed out of his earlier promise
The aggressive investment company pulled in its horns

Deposit

Money given as security for an article acquired for temporary use;
His deposit was refunded when he returned the car

Deposit

A payment given as a guarantee that an obligation will be met

Deposit

A facility where things can be deposited for storage or safekeeping

Deposit

The act of putting something somewhere

Deposit

Fix, force, or implant;
Lodge a bullet in the table

Deposit

Put into a bank account;
She deposites her paycheck every month

Deposit

Put (something somewhere) firmly;
She posited her hand on his shoulder
Deposit the suitcase on the bench
Fix your eyes on this spot

Common Curiosities

Are there limits to how much I can deposit or withdraw?

Banks may set limits on both deposits and withdrawals for security reasons, and these limits can vary by account type and bank policies.

Is there a best practice for balancing deposits and withdrawals?

Balancing deposits and withdrawals involves maintaining enough liquidity for everyday needs while ensuring that savings and investment goals are not compromised.

What is the primary difference between a deposit and a withdrawal?

The primary difference is that a deposit increases your bank account balance, whereas a withdrawal decreases it.

Why are deposits crucial for financial health?

Deposits are crucial because they help build savings, accrue interest, and ensure funds are available for future needs or investments.

What should I consider before making a large withdrawal?

Before making a large withdrawal, consider the impact on your account balance, potential fees, and whether advanced notice is required by the bank.

Can I withdraw money from any bank?

You can generally withdraw money from any bank, but fees may apply if it's not your bank or if specific account limitations are in place.

What are the benefits of making regular deposits?

Regular deposits can help in accumulating savings, earning interest, and maintaining a buffer for emergencies.

How can frequent withdrawals affect my financial situation?

Frequent withdrawals can deplete savings, reduce the money available for emergencies, and may lead to potential financial instability.

How does interest work with deposits and withdrawals?

Interest on savings accounts is calculated on the principal amount in the account; more deposits increase the principal and potential interest, while withdrawals decrease it.

Can I deposit or withdraw money using mobile banking?

Yes, mobile banking often allows for both deposits (via check images) and withdrawals (through transfers or bill payments).

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

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