The fastest way to deposit a check depends on whether you go in person or use your phone
You can deposit a check in three ways: walk into a branch with the check and your ID, use an ATM if your bank has one, or photograph it with your phone using mobile deposit. In-person deposits clear the same day or next business day. ATM deposits usually clear by the next business day. Mobile deposits typically take one to two business days, though some banks offer next-day clearing for certain account types.
The check must be signed on the back by the person whose name is on the front. If you are depositing it into a joint account, both account holders should sign, though some banks allow one signature. Write your account number below your signature on the back of the check.
Your bank will not accept a check that is post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), torn, or illegible. If the amount written in words does not match the amount in numbers, the bank will reject it.
Key Takeaways
- In-person deposits at a teller or ATM clear fastest, usually by the next business day or same day.
- Mobile deposit through your bank's app takes photos of the front and back of the check and typically clears in one to two business days.
- You must sign the back of the check and write your account number below your signature before depositing.
- Checks older than six months, post-dated checks, and checks with mismatched amounts will be rejected by the bank.
Depositing in person at a branch or ATM
Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with the signed check and a valid ID. Hand the check and your ID to a teller and tell them which account you want to deposit it into. The teller will scan the check, confirm the amount, and give you a receipt. The funds will be available by the next business day in most cases, sometimes the same day if you deposit before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. local time).
If you prefer not to wait in line, use your bank's ATM. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit" or "Check Deposit." Follow the on-screen prompts to insert the check into the slot. The ATM will scan it and confirm the amount. You will receive a receipt showing the deposit. The check will clear by the next business day.
Not all ATMs accept check deposits. Call your bank or check their website to find an ATM near you that has this feature. Some banks limit the number of checks you can deposit at an ATM in one day or the total dollar amount.
Using mobile deposit on your phone
Open your bank's mobile app and look for "Mobile Deposit," "Deposit Check," or a camera icon. Select that option and choose which account to deposit into. The app will ask you to photograph the front of the check, then the back. Make sure the entire check is visible in the frame, the image is in focus, and the lighting is clear enough to read all text and numbers.
After you submit both images, the app will display the check amount for you to confirm. Review it carefully—if the amount shown is wrong, cancel and retake the photos. Once you confirm, the deposit is submitted. You will receive a confirmation number and a receipt in the app.
Most banks hold mobile deposits for one to two business days before the funds are available. Some banks offer next-day clearing for accounts with direct deposit or a minimum balance. Check your bank's policy in the app or on their website. After the deposit clears, destroy the physical check by shredding it or writing "DEPOSITED" across the front and back.
What happens after you deposit the check
Once the bank receives your deposit, it sends the check to a clearing house, which routes it to the bank that issued the check. That bank verifies the account number and signature, confirms the account has enough money to cover it, and transfers the funds. This process typically takes one to two business days for standard deposits.
During this time, the funds show as "pending" in your account. You can usually see the pending deposit in your app or online banking right away, but you cannot withdraw or spend the money until the bank marks it as cleared. The exact timing depends on when the check was issued, which bank issued it, and your bank's processing schedule.
Weekends and bank holidays add time to the clearing process. A check deposited on Friday will not clear until Monday at the earliest, and if Monday is a holiday, it may not clear until Tuesday.
Why a check might be rejected or returned
The most common reason a check is rejected at deposit is that it is unsigned or not signed on the back. The second most common reason is that the signature on the back does not match the name on the front of the check. If you are depositing a check made out to someone else, that person must sign it first.
A check can also be returned after it clears if the account it was drawn from does not have enough money to cover it. This is called a bounced check or non-sufficient funds (NSF) return. When this happens, the bank removes the funds from your account and charges you a returned-check fee, typically $25 to $35. The person who wrote the check may also face a fee from their bank.
If a check bounces, contact the person who wrote it immediately and ask them to provide a replacement check or payment by another method. Do not deposit the bounced check again—it will bounce a second time and you will be charged another fee.
Depositing checks made out to multiple people
If a check is made out to two names connected by "and" (such as "John Smith and Jane Doe"), both people must sign the back and both must be present to deposit it, or one person must have written permission from the other. Some banks require both account holders to be on the account receiving the deposit.
If a check is made out to two names connected by "or" (such as "John Smith or Jane Doe"), either person can sign and deposit it alone. The "or" means either signature is sufficient.
If you are unsure whether the check can be deposited with only one signature, call your bank before you try. Attempting to deposit a check you are not authorized to deposit can result in the deposit being rejected or reversed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a check to clear after I deposit it?
Most checks clear within one to two business days. In-person deposits at a teller may clear the same day if deposited before the bank's cutoff time. Mobile deposits typically take one to two business days. Checks from out-of-state banks or very large checks may take longer.
Can I use the money from a deposited check before it clears?
Your bank may let you withdraw a small amount before the check clears, but the full amount is not available until the check has cleared. If you withdraw money and the check bounces, you will owe the bank the full amount plus a returned-check fee. It is safer to wait until the check shows as cleared in your account.
What should I do with the check after I deposit it?
After the check clears (usually one to two business days), destroy it by shredding or writing "DEPOSITED" across the front and back. Do not throw it away intact, as it contains your account number and the check number. If you deposited it by mobile, you can destroy the physical check right away.
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
Only if that person signs the back of the check first. The person whose name is on the front must endorse it by signing the back. Some banks also require that person to write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. Call your bank before attempting this deposit.
What if my bank does not offer mobile deposit?
Use an ATM that accepts check deposits, or visit a branch in person. If your bank has neither option, consider switching to a bank that offers mobile deposit, as it is now standard at most banks. You can also ask your employer or the person paying you to send payment by direct deposit or wire transfer instead.