> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.chamberfi.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.chamberfi.com/deposit/deposit.md).

# Deposit

Depositing takes a minute or two. You connect a wallet, pick the vault, choose which asset to deposit, sign an approval, and sign the deposit transaction. In return you receive **vault shares**: your receipt token and proportional claim on the vault.

## Before you start

* **Wallet on the right chain.** Each vault lives on one chain only. You deposit from the same chain the vault is on.
* **Gas.** You'll pay network gas for the deposit transaction (e.g. ETH on Arbitrum, POL on Polygon). Small but non-zero.
* **Eligibility.** [Public vaults](/manage/permissions-access.md) accept anyone. Private vaults require your address to be on the manager's whitelist.

## The flow

### 1. Open the vault

From the [Chamber app](https://chamberfi.com/), click into the vault you want to deposit to.

### 2. Click Deposit

![Vault page: Deposit button](/files/psNkmwb7IAy7nyLOD2Qz)

### 3. Choose your asset

Most vaults accept a small set of deposit assets: typically USDC, and often the vault's main non-stable asset (e.g. WETH on an ETH-strategy vault). The accepted list is set by the manager via the vault's [enabled assets](/manage/permissions-access.md).

Enter the amount you want to deposit. The UI shows:

* The **deposit value in USD** (the vault's [denomination asset](/manage/denomination-asset.md)).
* Any **entry fee** (0–2% depending on the vault).
* The **estimated vault shares** you'll receive.
* A notice that your deposit will be **locked for 24 hours**.

![Deposit modal](/files/nBWUddo5XLLHLhfGR1Kr)

### 4. Approve the token

First-time deposits of a given asset require a one-off approval transaction: you're authorising the vault contract to pull that asset from your wallet. Sign from your wallet. Small gas cost.

### 5. Sign the deposit

Once approved, confirm the deposit transaction. Once mined:

* Your chosen asset moves from your wallet to the vault contract.
* You receive vault shares in return, proportional to your deposit minus the entry fee.
* The 24-hour lockup timer starts.

## After depositing

* **You now own vault shares.** They show up in your wallet as a standard ERC-20 token with the vault's symbol. They're yours; the manager cannot move, burn, or seize them.
* **Your deposit is locked for 24 hours.** You can't withdraw during that window. See [Lockup & withdrawals](/deposit/lockup-withdrawals.md) for why.
* **Your position tracks the vault.** As the manager trades and the vault's NAV moves, the value of your shares moves with it, up or down.

## Common questions

**Can I deposit to a private vault?** Only if the manager has added your address to the whitelist. If you can't deposit, the UI tells you plainly.

**Can I deposit from a different chain?** No. The vault lives on one chain; you deposit on that chain. Use a bridge first if your funds are elsewhere.

**What if I deposit the wrong amount?** You can withdraw after the 24-hour lockup (minus any exit fee). Deposit and withdrawal fees both apply if you change your mind right after the lockup.

**Is there a minimum?** Some vaults set a [minimum deposit](/manage/permissions-access.md#minimum-deposit). Most don't. The UI tells you if there is one.

## Related

* [Lockup & withdrawals](/deposit/lockup-withdrawals.md): what happens after the 24 hours.
* [Fees](/deposit/fees.md): what you pay, before and after.
* [Risks](/deposit/risks.md): what can go wrong.