Three ways to deposit a check at Chase
You can deposit a check at Chase through a teller at any branch, through the Chase mobile app using mobile check deposit, or at an ATM if your Chase card is enabled for deposits. The fastest route depends on when you need the money available and whether you have your phone or a Chase ATM nearby. Teller deposits clear the same business day if you deposit before the branch closes. Mobile deposits typically clear within one business day. ATM deposits may take one to two business days.
All three methods require the same thing: a check made out to you (or to you and another person), your Chase account number, and a valid ID if you are depositing at a branch. The check must have a routing number, account number, and check number printed on it—handwritten checks are not accepted.
Key Takeaways
- Teller deposits at a Chase branch clear the same business day if you deposit before the branch closes, making this the fastest option for urgent funds.
- Mobile check deposits through the Chase app clear within one business day and require only your phone, the check, and your account access.
- ATM deposits work at any Chase ATM with a compatible card, but take one to two business days to clear and have daily and monthly limits.
- Checks made out to two people require both names on the account, or one person must endorse the check to the other before deposit.
- The back of the check must be signed and may require additional information depending on the deposit method.
Depositing at a Chase branch with a teller
Walk into any Chase branch during business hours with your check, your Chase debit card or account number, and a valid ID. Hand the check and your ID to the teller. The teller will ask which account to deposit into if you have more than one. Sign the back of the check if you have not already. The teller will process the deposit and give you a receipt showing the amount and the account it went into.
The funds are typically available in your account the same business day, usually within a few hours. If you deposit after the branch closes or on a weekend, the deposit posts the next business day. Chase branch hours vary by location—most open at 9 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m. on weekdays, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. You can find your nearest branch and its hours on the Chase website or by calling 1-800-935-9935.
Using mobile check deposit through the Chase app
Open the Chase mobile app on your phone and log in. Tap "Deposit a Check" or look for the deposit option in the menu (the exact location varies slightly depending on your phone type). Select the account you want to deposit into. Take a photo of the front of the check, then take a photo of the back. The app will show you a preview of both images—make sure they are clear and the entire check is visible in the frame.
Sign the back of the check before you photograph it. Write "For Mobile Deposit Only" below your signature. Review the check amount shown in the app to make sure it matches the actual check. Confirm the deposit. The app will tell you when the funds are expected to be available—usually within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number. Keep the physical check for at least 30 days in case Chase needs to verify it, then destroy it by shredding or tearing it up.
Mobile check deposits have limits. Most Chase accounts allow up to $2,500 per check and $5,000 per day, though these limits vary by account type and how long you have held the account. New accounts may have lower limits. If your check exceeds the limit, you will need to deposit it at a branch or ATM instead.
Depositing at a Chase ATM
Not all Chase ATMs accept check deposits—only those with an envelope slot or a check deposit slot. Look for the deposit option on the ATM screen. Insert your Chase debit card and enter your PIN. Select "Deposit" and then "Check." The ATM will guide you through the process. You may need to insert the check into a slot or place it in an envelope that the ATM provides. Follow the on-screen instructions. The ATM will show you the amount it read from the check—verify this matches the actual check amount. Confirm the deposit and take your receipt.
ATM check deposits typically clear within one to two business days. Like mobile deposits, ATM deposits have limits—usually $2,500 per check and $5,000 per day, though this varies by account. If the ATM rejects your check, try a different ATM or use a branch or mobile deposit instead. Some reasons for rejection include a check that is too old (more than 180 days), a check with a post-dated date (a future date), or a check that is damaged or illegible.
What to do if the check is made out to two people
If the check says "John Smith and Jane Doe," both people must be on the Chase account, or one person must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of" followed by the other person's name. This is called a third-party endorsement. The person whose name appears first on the check should sign first, then write the endorsement. The second person then signs below that.
Some Chase branches will not accept third-party checks, so call ahead to confirm. If the check says "John Smith or Jane Doe" (with "or" instead of "and"), either person can deposit it alone without the other's signature. If you are unsure how the check is written, look at the line after "Pay to the order of" at the top of the check.
When a check deposit is rejected or delayed
A check may be rejected at an ATM or during mobile deposit for several reasons: the check is post-dated (has a future date), the check is stale-dated (more than 180 days old), the signature is missing or illegible, the amount in words does not match the amount in numbers, or the check is damaged. If this happens, deposit the check at a branch with a teller instead. The teller can often process checks that machines reject, or they can tell you why the check cannot be deposited and what to do next.
If a check does not appear in your account within the expected timeframe, log into your Chase account online or through the app and check the recent deposits section. If the deposit shows as pending, wait the full number of business days. If the deposit does not appear at all, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and have your receipt or confirmation number ready. Chase can trace the deposit and tell you whether it was processed or if there was an error.
Holds on check deposits
Chase may place a hold on a check deposit, meaning the funds are not available immediately even though the check has been deposited. A hold typically lasts one to five business days depending on the check amount, your account history, and the bank the check is drawn from. Holds are more common on large checks, checks from out-of-state banks, or if you are a new customer.
You can see if a hold is in place by logging into your Chase account online or through the app. Look at the account details—it will show the deposit as pending and tell you when it is expected to clear. If you need the money sooner, ask the teller at the branch whether the hold can be shortened. Chase does not always shorten holds, but it is worth asking, especially if you have a long account history with no problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?
Only if that person signs the back of the check and writes "Pay to the order of" followed by your name, then you sign below. This is a third-party endorsement. Some Chase branches do not accept third-party checks, so call your branch first to confirm they will take it.
What if I deposit a check and then the check bounces?
Chase will reverse the deposit and remove the funds from your account. You will be notified by email or through your account. If you have already spent the money, your account may go negative and you may be charged an overdraft fee. Contact the person who gave you the check to ask them to resubmit a valid check or pay you another way.
How long does a check deposit take to clear?
Teller deposits clear the same business day. Mobile and ATM deposits clear within one to two business days. Holds can extend this to five business days or longer depending on the check amount and your account history. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
Is there a limit to how many checks I can deposit?
There is no limit on the number of checks, but there are limits on the total amount per day. Most accounts allow up to $5,000 per day in check deposits through mobile or ATM, though limits vary by account type. Teller deposits at a branch have higher limits and may have no cap depending on your account.
What should I do with the check after I deposit it?
Keep the physical check for at least 30 days after deposit in case Chase needs to verify it. After 30 days, shred or tear it up to prevent someone else from using it. Do not throw it in the trash whole—always destroy it.