Yes, most online checking accounts let you deposit checks through their mobile app

If your bank or online account offers mobile check deposit, you can photograph the front and back of a check using your phone and submit it through the app without visiting a branch or ATM. The deposit usually appears in your account within one to two business days, though some banks post it the same day.

Not every online bank offers this feature, and the ones that do have different rules about check amounts, how many you can deposit per month, and how long they hold the funds. Before you open an account, check whether mobile deposit is included—it's one of the most useful features an online bank can offer, but it's not universal.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile check deposit works by photographing both sides of the check through your bank's app, and the money usually arrives within one to two business days.
  • Online banks that offer this feature include Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, Discover, and Chime, but you should confirm it's available before opening an account.
  • Most banks set a daily limit (often $2,000 to $5,000 per check) and a monthly limit (often $10,000 to $25,000 total), and these vary by institution.
  • The app will reject blurry photos, missing information, or checks that are already deposited elsewhere, so take clear pictures of both sides and follow the app's instructions exactly.
  • If mobile deposit fails or you need to deposit a large check, you can mail it to the bank's address or use a third-party ATM network if your bank participates in one.

Which online banks offer mobile check deposit

Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Discover Bank, and Chime all offer mobile check deposit to their checking account holders. Capital One 360, Axos Bank, and LendingClub also support it. However, some online banks—including SoFi and certain accounts at Marcus—do not offer mobile deposit at all, so you would need to mail checks or use an ATM.

If you already have an account and aren't sure whether your bank supports mobile deposit, open the app and look for a "Deposit Check" or "Mobile Deposit" option in the menu. If it's not there, contact your bank's customer service to confirm whether the feature is available to you. Some banks roll out mobile deposit gradually, so it may be coming to your account even if it's not active yet.

Daily and monthly limits on check deposits

Most online banks set a per-check limit (the largest single check you can deposit) and a monthly limit (the total amount you can deposit in a calendar month). Per-check limits typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, and monthly limits usually fall between $10,000 and $25,000, though these numbers vary.

If you need to deposit a check larger than your per-check limit, you'll have to mail it to the bank or visit a branch if your bank has one. If you hit your monthly limit, you can deposit again starting the first day of the next month. Some banks let you request a higher limit if you've been a customer for a while, so it's worth asking if you regularly deposit large amounts.

How to take photos that the app will accept

The app needs a clear, full image of both the front and back of the check. Position the check on a flat, well-lit surface and photograph it straight-on—not at an angle. Make sure the entire check fits in the frame, including all four corners, and that the text and numbers are sharp enough to read.

Common reasons the app rejects a photo include glare from a light source or phone flash, shadows across the check, blurry text, a crooked angle, or missing information like the signature or routing number. If the app rejects your photo, try again with better lighting or a steadier hand. Some apps let you retake the photo when ready; others require you to wait a few minutes before trying again.

After you submit both images, the app will tell you whether the deposit was accepted or rejected. If it's rejected, the app usually explains why—read that message carefully, because it tells you exactly what to fix on your next attempt.

When the money shows up in your account

Most banks post mobile check deposits within one to two business days. Some deposit the funds the same day if you submit before a certain time (often 5 p.m. or 9 p.m. Eastern time), but this varies by bank. A few banks hold the funds for longer—up to five business days—if the check is large or if you're a new customer.

The bank's app will show you the deposit status as it moves through their system. You'll usually see it as "pending" for the first day or two, then "posted" once it's fully in your account. If a deposit doesn't post within the timeframe the bank promised, contact customer service with the date and amount—they can look up the deposit and tell you what's happening.

What to do if mobile deposit fails or isn't available

If the app keeps rejecting your photos after several tries, or if your bank doesn't offer mobile deposit, you have two other options: mail the check or use an ATM. To mail a check, write "For Mobile Deposit Only" on the back, include a deposit slip if your bank provides one, and mail it to the address on your bank's website. Mailed checks typically take five to ten business days to clear.

Some online banks participate in ATM networks—Ally, for example, partners with Allpoint and MoneyPass—so you can deposit checks at participating ATMs without visiting a branch. Look up your bank's ATM network on their website to find a location near you. ATM deposits usually post within one to two business days, similar to mobile deposit.

If you need to deposit a check larger than your bank's mobile limit and mailing or ATM deposit aren't practical, contact the bank directly. Some banks will make exceptions for large checks or let you deposit in person at a partner location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check that's made out to someone else?

No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it's made out to someone else entirely, they need to deposit it themselves or sign it over to you, and even then, many banks won't accept third-party checks through mobile deposit. Ask your bank before trying.

What happens if I deposit the same check twice by accident?

The bank's system is designed to catch duplicate deposits, and the second one will be rejected. If both deposits somehow go through, the bank will catch it during reconciliation and reverse one of them. Contact customer service when ready if you think you've deposited the same check twice.

Do I need to do anything with the physical check after I deposit it?

Yes. Write "Mobile Deposit Only" on the back of the check and keep it for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify the deposit. After 30 days, you can destroy it. Do not deposit the physical check anywhere else.

Can I deposit a check if I'm traveling or outside the country?

Yes, as long as you have internet access and the app works on your phone. The check must be drawn on a U.S. bank account. If the check is from a foreign bank, you'll need to mail it or contact the bank about other options.

What if the check is post-dated?

Most banks will let you deposit a post-dated check through mobile deposit, but they won't post the funds until the date on the check arrives. The deposit will sit in a pending state until then. Some banks have different policies, so check your bank's rules before depositing.