Deposit checks using Fidelity's mobile app or by mail
Fidelity's checking account accepts check deposits through two main routes: the mobile app (which uses your phone's camera) or by mailing a physical check to Fidelity's processing center. The mobile app is faster—deposits typically post within one to two business days—while mail deposits take five to seven business days. Both methods are free and require no trip to a branch.
You do not need a separate scanner or special equipment. The mobile app works with any smartphone camera. If you prefer not to use the app, you can mail checks with a deposit slip, though this adds processing time.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile check deposits through the Fidelity app post in one to two business days and require only your phone's camera.
- You must endorse the back of the check and write "For Fidelity Mobile Deposit Only" below your signature before photographing it.
- The app captures both the front and back of the check in separate photos; blurry images or missing information will cause the deposit to fail.
- Mail deposits take five to seven business days and require a deposit slip, which you can print from your Fidelity account or request by phone.
- Fidelity sets daily and monthly deposit limits that vary by account age and history; check your account settings or call customer service to confirm your limit.
How to deposit a check using the mobile app
Open the Fidelity mobile app and log in to your checking account. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Deposit a Check" or look for a deposit option in the main navigation. The app will walk you through the process step by step.
Endorse the back of the check by signing your name. Below your signature, write "For Fidelity Mobile Deposit Only." This notation protects you if the check is lost or mishandled during processing. Do not write anything else on the back of the check.
Position the check on a flat surface with good lighting. Take a photo of the front of the check, making sure all four corners and all text are visible and in focus. The app will show you a preview; if any part is cut off or blurry, retake the photo. Then photograph the back of the check the same way. Both images must be clear and complete, or the deposit will be rejected.
Review the check amount that the app displays—it reads the amount from the image. If the amount is wrong, the deposit will fail. Confirm the amount is correct, then submit. You will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to track the deposit or contact Fidelity.
Mailing a check to Fidelity
If you do not use the mobile app, you can mail a check directly to Fidelity's processing center. Log into your Fidelity account online and navigate to the deposit section, or call Fidelity customer service at the number on the back of your debit card to request a deposit slip and mailing address.
Endorse the back of the check with your signature. On the deposit slip, write your account number, the check amount, and the date. Place the check and deposit slip in an envelope and mail to the address Fidelity provides. Do not send cash by mail.
Processing takes five to seven business days from the date Fidelity receives the envelope. Mail delivery itself adds two to three days, so plan for a total of seven to ten business days from the time you drop the envelope in the mail. There is no tracking for mailed deposits, so keep a record of what you sent and when.
Deposit limits and holds
Fidelity sets a daily limit on mobile check deposits (the amount you can deposit in a single day) and a monthly limit (the total across all deposits in a calendar month). These limits vary based on your account age, account history, and deposit history. A new account might have a lower daily limit than an established account.
To find your current limits, log into the Fidelity app, go to the deposit section, and look for "Deposit Limits" or similar language. If you do not see this information, call Fidelity customer service. They can tell you your exact limits and explain whether they will increase over time.
Once a check deposit posts to your account, the funds are available for withdrawal immediately in most cases. Fidelity does not typically place holds on mobile check deposits, but if a check is returned unpaid (bounces), Fidelity will reverse the deposit and may charge a fee. You are responsible for any overdraft that results.
What to do if a mobile deposit fails
The app will reject a deposit if the images are blurry, incomplete, or if the amount cannot be read. Common reasons include poor lighting, a tilted camera angle, or a check that is folded or damaged. If this happens, the app will show an error message explaining why.
Retake the photos in better lighting and make sure all edges of the check are visible. If the check itself is damaged or the amount is illegible, you will need to mail it instead or contact the check issuer for a replacement check.
If a deposit is rejected multiple times, call Fidelity customer service. They can manually process the deposit or troubleshoot why the app is failing. Have the check and your account number ready when you call.
Protecting yourself during deposit
After you submit a mobile deposit, do not deposit the same check again by mail or at another bank. Depositing the same check twice is considered check fraud, even if it is accidental. Once the mobile deposit posts (one to two business days), destroy the physical check by shredding it or writing "VOID" across the front and back.
Keep your confirmation number and the photos the app took until the deposit has posted and you have verified the amount in your account. If there is a dispute later, these records prove you submitted the deposit and when.
If you lose a check before depositing it, contact the issuer and ask them to stop payment on that check and issue a replacement. Do not attempt to deposit a check that has been lost or stolen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a check to show up in my account?
Mobile deposits typically post within one to two business days. Mail deposits take five to seven business days from the date Fidelity receives the envelope, plus two to three days for mail delivery. Business days do not include weekends or federal holidays.
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If a check is made out to someone else, that person must endorse it to you, and you must endorse it as well. Fidelity may still reject it. Contact Fidelity before attempting this type of deposit.
What happens if the check bounces after I deposit it?
Fidelity will reverse the deposit, removing the funds from your account. If you have already spent the money, your account may go negative and you could face an overdraft fee. The check issuer is responsible for the bounced check, but you must recover the money from them directly.
Can I deposit a check that is post-dated?
Technically, a post-dated check should not be deposited before the date written on it. However, many banks, including Fidelity, process post-dated checks immediately. To be safe, wait until the date on the check before depositing it, or contact Fidelity to ask about their specific policy.
What if I accidentally deposited the same check twice?
Contact Fidelity immediately. Explain that you submitted the check twice by mistake. Fidelity can reverse one of the deposits and may waive any fees. The sooner you report it, the easier it is to fix. Do not wait for the second deposit to post.