The three ways to deposit a check
You can deposit a check into your checking account in three ways: at an ATM using your bank's mobile app, at a branch in person, or through the mail. The fastest is usually the mobile app — you photograph both sides of the check and the money appears in your account within one to two business days. At a branch, a teller deposits it when ready and it clears the same day or next day. By mail, you write your account number on the back and mail it to the address on your bank statement; this takes five to ten business days.
Which method works best depends on how soon you need the money and whether you have a branch nearby. If you need the funds quickly and have the mobile app, use that. If you're already at a branch or ATM, use those. If you're mailing bills anyway or live far from a branch, mail works fine — just know it takes longer.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile check deposit through your bank's app is the fastest method for most people, taking one to two business days from the moment you photograph the check.
- You must endorse the check by signing the back, and most banks require you to write "For mobile deposit only" above your signature when using the app.
- The check must be made out to you and in your name, and you cannot deposit a check that is post-dated (dated in the future) or more than six months old.
- ATM deposits and branch deposits clear faster than mail, but mobile deposits are more convenient if you have the app and can wait one to two days.
How to deposit a check using your mobile app
Open your bank's mobile app and look for a button or menu labeled "Deposit Check," "Mobile Deposit," or "Deposit." The app will ask you to photograph the front and back of the check. Make sure the entire check is visible in the frame, the image is in focus, and the lighting is clear enough to read all the numbers and text. Take the photo of the front first, then the back.
Before you photograph the check, you must endorse it — that is, sign the back. Write your signature on the back of the check in the white space at the bottom right. Most banks require you to also write "For mobile deposit only" above your signature. This protects you if the check is lost in the mail, because it can only be deposited through the app, not cashed in person.
After you photograph both sides, the app will show you a preview of the images. Review them to make sure both sides are clear and complete. Then enter the amount of the check (the app usually fills this in automatically) and confirm which account you want the money to go into. Tap "Submit" or "Deposit." The app will tell you the check has been received and when you can expect the money — usually one to two business days.
Once you submit the check through the app, do not deposit it anywhere else. Do not take it to a branch or ATM. Write the date and amount on a piece of paper and keep the check at home for at least two weeks in case the bank needs to contact you. After two weeks, you can destroy it.
How to deposit a check at an ATM
Not all ATMs accept check deposits, so check your bank's website or app first to see which machines near you have this feature. Walk to the ATM, insert your debit card, and enter your PIN. Look for a menu option that says "Deposit," "Check Deposit," or "Mobile Deposit." (Some ATMs only accept cash; these will not have a deposit option.)
Sign the back of the check and write your account number on the back as well. The ATM will ask you to insert the check into a slot. Do not fold it or bend it. The machine will scan it, show you an image on the screen, and ask you to confirm the amount. Once you confirm, the check is deposited. The money usually appears in your account the same day or the next business day.
Keep your receipt from the ATM. If the check does not appear in your account within two business days, you can use the receipt to contact your bank and report the issue.
How to deposit a check by mail
Sign the back of the check. On the back, write your account number below your signature. Do not write your full name or address on the check itself — only your account number.
Place the check in an envelope and mail it to the address listed on the back of your bank statement or on your bank's website. Write "Attn: Deposits" on the envelope if you want to be extra clear. Use regular mail, not a package service, because banks process mail deposits in a specific order and regular mail arrives at the right place.
Mail deposits take five to ten business days to clear, depending on how long the mail takes and how quickly your bank processes it. If you need the money sooner, use the mobile app or visit a branch instead.
What the bank checks before accepting your deposit
Your bank will reject a check if the check is not made out to you, if your name does not match the name on your account, or if the check is post-dated (dated in the future). Banks also reject checks that are more than six months old, because they are considered stale. If you have a check dated more than six months ago, contact the person or company that wrote it and ask them to write you a new one.
The bank will also reject a check if the amount written in words does not match the amount written in numbers, or if the signature on the check is missing or illegible. If any of these problems exist, the person who wrote the check will need to write you a new one.
If you try to deposit a check that has already been deposited, the bank will catch it because the check number and amount will match a previous deposit. This is called a duplicate deposit, and the bank will reject it the second time.
When the money actually becomes available
There is a difference between when the check is deposited and when the money is available to spend. When you deposit a check, the bank receives it when ready. But the money does not clear — meaning the bank that wrote the check has not yet confirmed the funds exist — for one to five business days depending on the method you used.
With mobile deposit, the money usually shows in your account within one to two business days. With an ATM deposit, it usually clears the same day or next day. With mail, it takes five to ten business days. During this time, the money is in your account but marked as "pending." You can see it, but you cannot spend it yet. Once it clears, the status changes to "available" and you can withdraw it or use your debit card.
If you try to spend money before the check clears and your account does not have enough other funds to cover it, your bank may decline the transaction or charge you an overdraft fee. Wait until the check shows as available before spending the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the check is made out to two people?
If the check says "John Smith and Jane Smith," both people must endorse it. If it says "John Smith or Jane Smith," only one person needs to sign. Contact your bank if you are unsure — they can tell you based on exactly how the names are written on the check.
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you and match the name on your account. If someone wants to give you money, they need to write a new check in your name. Third-party checks (checks made out to someone else) are no longer accepted by most banks.
What if my mobile deposit is rejected?
The app will tell you why — usually because the image was blurry, the check was upside down, or the amount did not match. Take new photos and try again. If it keeps failing, visit a branch or ATM instead, or contact your bank's customer service line.
Do I need to tell my bank I am depositing a check?
No. The bank sees the deposit when you submit it through the app, ATM, or mail. You do not need to call ahead or notify them separately.
What happens if I lose the check after I mail it?
Once the check is in the mail, you cannot stop it. If it gets lost, the bank will not receive it and the deposit will not go through. After ten business days, contact your bank and tell them the check did not arrive. They can help you contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to stop payment and write a new one.