Discover does not accept checks by mail, so you must use mobile deposit or transfer the money from another bank
Discover Bank does not have physical branches or a mail deposit service. If you have a paper check, your options are: deposit it through the Discover mobile app using your phone's camera, transfer money from a checking account at another bank, or cash the check elsewhere and transfer the cash electronically. Mobile deposit is the fastest and most direct route if you have the Discover app installed.
The Discover mobile app's check deposit feature works by photographing the front and back of the check. You take two photos (one of each side), the app reads the check information, and the funds appear in your account within one to two business days. You do not need to visit a branch or mail anything.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile deposit through the Discover app is the only way to deposit a check directly into a Discover savings account.
- You photograph both sides of the check with your phone, and funds typically post within one to two business days.
- The check must be made payable to you, and you must endorse (sign) the back before taking the photos.
- If you do not have the Discover app or a smartphone, you can cash the check at your current bank and transfer the funds electronically to Discover.
- Discover limits the dollar amount you can deposit per day and per month through mobile deposit; these limits vary and you can view yours in the app.
Steps to deposit a check using the Discover mobile app
Open the Discover Bank app and log in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) and look for "Deposit Check" or "Mobile Check Deposit." The exact wording varies slightly depending on your app version, but it will be clearly labeled in the main menu.
Before you photograph the check, sign the back of it in the endorsement area (the blank space on the back, usually near the top). Write your name exactly as it appears on the front. This signature is required for the deposit to process.
Take a photo of the front of the check in good lighting. Make sure the entire check is visible in the frame, all four corners are in the photo, and the text is clear and readable. The app will guide you through this step and may ask you to retake the photo if the image is too dark or blurry.
Take a photo of the back of the check showing your signature. Again, the entire back must be visible and readable. Once both photos are uploaded, the app will display the check amount and routing information for you to verify before you submit.
Review the information the app extracted from the check—the amount, the check number, and the bank routing number. If anything looks wrong, cancel and retake the photos. Once you confirm, submit the deposit. The app will show a confirmation number and an estimated posting date (usually one to two business days).
Daily and monthly deposit limits for mobile check deposits
Discover sets limits on how much you can deposit through mobile check in a single day and over a rolling 30-day period. These limits are set by Discover and vary by account; you can view your specific limits by opening the mobile deposit feature in the app.
If you try to deposit a check that exceeds your daily limit, the app will reject it and tell you the maximum amount you can deposit that day. You can attempt the deposit again the next day. If you regularly need to deposit checks larger than your limit, contact Discover customer service to ask whether your limits can be adjusted.
What to do if you do not have the Discover app or a smartphone
If you cannot use mobile deposit, cash the check at your current bank or at a check-cashing service. Once you have the cash, you can transfer it to your Discover savings account using an electronic transfer (ACH transfer) from another bank account you own, or by using a third-party money transfer service like PayPal or Venmo if you have those accounts linked to Discover.
To transfer money from another bank to Discover, log into your Discover account online, go to the transfer or move money section, and select "Transfer from another bank." You will need to provide your routing number and account number at the other bank. Discover will ask you to verify two small deposits (usually under $1 each) that the other bank will send to your Discover account; once you confirm those amounts, the transfer link is active and you can move money between the accounts.
Why the check must be made payable to you
Discover will only accept checks that are made payable to you or to you and another person (such as "John Smith and Jane Smith"). If a check is made payable to someone else, you cannot deposit it into your account, even if that person signs it over to you. Third-party checks are not accepted by Discover's mobile deposit system.
If you receive a check made out to someone else, that person must deposit it into their own account, or they can cash it at their bank and give you the cash to deposit or transfer.
What happens after you submit a mobile check deposit
Once you submit the deposit, Discover processes it and the funds typically post to your savings account within one to two business days. You will receive a confirmation number immediately after submission; save this number in case you need to reference the deposit later.
The check itself should be destroyed or marked "deposited" once the funds post. Do not deposit the same check twice. If the deposit fails (for example, if the check bounces or if there is a problem with the image quality), Discover will notify you and you can resubmit or contact customer service for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to my business into my personal Discover savings account?
No. Discover will only accept checks made payable to your personal name. If you have a business check, you need a business bank account to deposit it. Personal and business accounts are separate, and Discover does not allow cross-deposit between them.
What if the mobile deposit photo is blurry or the app rejects it?
Retake the photo in better lighting and make sure all four corners of the check are visible and the text is sharp. Hold your phone steady and avoid shadows. If the app continues to reject it, the check image may be damaged or the check itself may be unreadable. Contact Discover customer service with your confirmation number and they can help troubleshoot or process the deposit manually.
How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?
Discover typically posts mobile check deposits within one to two business days. However, the check itself may take longer to clear at the issuing bank (the bank that issued the check). Until the check fully clears, Discover may place a hold on the funds or reverse the deposit if the check bounces. You can use the money once it posts to your account, but be aware that a hold or reversal is still possible during the clearing period.
Can I deposit a check to a Discover savings account if I do not have a Discover checking account?
Yes. Mobile deposit works with Discover savings accounts regardless of whether you have a checking account with Discover. You only need the Discover mobile app and a savings account in good standing.
What if I reach my daily deposit limit but need to deposit a larger check?
Wait until the next day and deposit the check then, or contact Discover customer service to ask if your limits can be temporarily or permanently increased. Discover may be able to raise your daily or monthly limit depending on your account history and the reason for the request.