How to Make Mobile Check Deposits (2024)

Millions of Americans regularly use mobile banking, including the ability to deposit checks with a mobile device. Depositing checks with a smartphone, a tablet, or another mobile device is fast, easy, secure, and convenient—and eliminates the need to visit a branch or ATM. Plus, your money is normally available within a couple of business days.

Among the key steps required for making mobile check deposits are:

  • Endorsing the check
  • Choosing the account where you want to deposit the check
  • Entering the amount of the check

Read our step-by-step guide for making mobile check deposits.

  • Properly endorse a check to ensure it’s correctly deposited via a mobile device.
  • Be sure images of a check are clear, to prevent delays in accessing your deposit.
  • Financial institutions typically require images of both the front and the back of your check.
  • Shred a check or otherwise destroy it once your mobile deposit has been confirmed.

1. Download your bank’s app

If you haven’t downloaded your financial institution’s mobile app, you’ll need to do this before you can make a mobile deposit. You typically can find your bank’s app on the App Store (Apple devices) and Google Play (Android devices) platforms.

2. Endorse the check

In the endorsement section on the back of the check, sign your name using a pen with black or blue ink. Under the signature, you may be required to write something like “For mobile deposit only.” Some checks feature a preprinted box for indicating a mobile deposit, but checking this box won’t fulfill a financial institution’s “For mobile deposit only” requirement.

3. Open the bank app on your mobile device and select the mobile deposit function

After you’ve endorsed the check, open your bank’s app on your mobile device and then choose the function for making a deposit.

4. Choose the account where you want to deposit the check

You’ll be given the option to pick which account will receive the deposit, such as your checking or savings account.

5. Enter the check amount

Make sure the dollar amount on the check is correct before you snap photos of it. For instance, if the check is made out for $375.75, don’t round up the number to $376. The number you plug in to the app should match the exact amount of the check.

6. Take clear pictures of the check with your mobile device

To ensure there are no glitches with your mobile deposit, take pictures of the check in a well-lit area and on a flat surface that’s clear and dark. Be sure that the check is fully within the frame that you see and that nothing else is visible. You’ll be directed to snap a picture of the front and back of the check.

If the images you’ve taken are blurry, retake them by slowly moving closer to or farther away from the check so it’s in better focus. Your bank might reject the check if the images are out of focus.

7. Review the deposit details, then hit submit

Review deposit details that have been captured, such as the amount of the check, and change any information that’s incorrect. Once you’re sure all the information is accurate, submit the check to your bank and wait for its confirmation of the deposit.

More Tips for Making Mobile Check Deposits

Here are additional suggestions for making mobile check deposits.

Know Your Bank’s Mobile Check Deposit Limits

Most financial institutions put daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the total amount of dollars that can be deposited with a mobile app. If you exceed those limits, you may need to visit a branch to deposit a check.

Learn When Your Money Will Be Available

Money from a mobile deposit is generally available within one or two business days, depending on the time of the deposit and the amount of the check. It might take longer, though, if your financial institution puts a hold on the check for any number of reasons.

Keep the Check Until It’s Been Processed

Safely store the check until you see the entire amount of the deposit show up in your account’s list of past or recent transactions.

Shred the Check Once It’s Cleared

Once the check has cleared, destroy it right away by shredding it or using another secure method.

How Long Does It Take to Clear a Mobile Check Deposit?

Most mobile check deposits clear within one to two business days.

Is Mobile Check Depositing Safe?

Depositing a check via a mobile app is safe. Check data is encrypted when it’s sent to your bank, and check images aren’t stored on your mobile device.

What Banks Have Mobile Check Deposit?

Among the banks that offer mobile check deposits are Bank of America, Chase Bank, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo. Many other banks offer mobile check deposit, which is an increasingly common feature.

Can I Mobile Deposit Someone Else’s Check?

Some banks and credit unions allow a mobile deposit of someone else’s check (known as a third-party check), while others prohibit it (including Bank of America and U.S. Bank).

The Bottom Line

Mobile deposit allows you to quickly, conveniently, and safely deposit a check in your bank account without going to a branch or ATM. To make sure the process goes smoothly, follow the right steps, such as properly endorsing the check and taking clear photos of it.

How to Make Mobile Check Deposits (2024)

FAQs

How to Make Mobile Check Deposits? ›

Mobile check deposits typically require a restrictive endorsement for the bank to recognize them. Banks may ask you to write out a custom restrictive endorsement that looks like the following: “For mobile deposit only.” “For deposit into checking account [Account Number] only.”

What do I write on the back of a check for mobile deposit? ›

Mobile check deposits typically require a restrictive endorsement for the bank to recognize them. Banks may ask you to write out a custom restrictive endorsement that looks like the following: “For mobile deposit only.” “For deposit into checking account [Account Number] only.”

How can I deposit a mobile check without a bank account? ›

Check-cashing apps, such as Brink's Money Prepaid, Ingo Money, and Netspend, offer convenient solutions for depositing checks using just a smartphone. Additionally, platforms like PayPal, Venmo, and Green Dot provide check-cashing features that allow you to add funds to your digital wallet or prepaid card.

What banks have instant mobile deposits? ›

Banks with immediate check deposit availability
BankMobile check deposit fund availability
PNCImmediately if deposited before 10 p.m. ET
US BankSame business day if deposited before 10 p.m. ET
KeyBankImmediately if deposited before 11 p.m. ET
GO2bank / Ingo MoneyWithin minutes, up to one hour
8 more rows
Jun 4, 2024

Can I mobile deposit a digital check? ›

Most major banks also offer an app that allows you to instantly deposit scanned checks by taking a picture of them. You can use this app to deposit your printed check or the digital version.

How to make a check for mobile deposit? ›

How To Endorse a Check for Mobile Deposit
  1. Step 1: Double-check Endorsement Details. ...
  2. Step 2: Sign the Back of the Check in the Endorsement Area. ...
  3. Step 3: Add “For Mobile Deposit Only” Under Your Signature. ...
  4. Step 4: Use the Mobile App To Take Photos of the Check's Front and Back.

What checks are not eligible for mobile deposit? ›

The following are not eligible for Mobile Deposit: international checks, U.S. savings bonds, U.S. postal money orders, remotely created checks (whether in paper form or electronically created), convenience checks (checks drawn against a line of credit), non-American Express traveler's checks, cash, checks that are ...

Are mobile check deposits available immediately? ›

Mobile deposits can take varying amounts of time to clear, depending on several factors including each party's financial institution, account histories and account types. Funds are usually available shortly after deposit but may sometimes take several business days to clear.

What is the fastest mobile check deposit app? ›

The top instant check cashing apps without verification include Ingo Money, Brink's Money, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Chime, and Flare Account. These apps allow you to quickly cash checks by taking photos with your phone for deposit into bank accounts or prepaid cards.

How do banks verify mobile deposits? ›

Bank Verification Steps:

Capturing front and back images of the check: Clear images are crucial for bank verification. Transmission to the bank via secure internet connection: Ensuring safe and encrypted transmission.

What types of checks can be mobile deposited? ›

Checks eligible for mobile check deposit include consumer, business and corporate drafts, Payable Through drafts, money orders, cashier's checks and more. There is no fee to use this feature. Select Transfer & pay, then choose Deposit a check. Select the account you'd like to deposit funds into, then enter the amount.

Can you use a picture of a check for mobile deposit? ›

Fast and simple deposits — no ATM required

Then, take a picture of the front and back of the endorsed check with your smartphone or tablet. [Visual: Mobile Check Deposit on Mobile App.

Do I write anything on the back of a check? ›

Before depositing or cashing a check, you'll typically need to endorse it. This is done by signing the back in the designated area called the endorsement box. Your signature indicates that you are the intended recipient of the funds and authorizes the bank to process the check.

What do you write on a check after electronic deposit? ›

It's good practice to write “deposited” on any check you deposit with a mobile app, and then, once it's been accepted by your bank, destroy it.

How to endorse a check to someone else for mobile deposit? ›

Typically, there will be text indicating "Endorse here". Sign your name in the indicated space exactly as it appears on the "Pay to" line on the front of the check. Directly underneath your signature, print "Pay to the order of" and the recipient's full name in clear, legible handwriting.

What to write on the back of a check for mobile deposit first tech? ›

Best practices for mobile deposit

Check the box on the back that says something like “For mobile deposit only”. If this doesn't exist, write “For mobile deposit at First Tech” on the back, under the signature line.

References

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