The fastest way to deposit a check
You can deposit a check into your bank account in three ways: at an ATM, through a mobile app, or in person at a branch or teller window. Mobile deposit through your bank's app is usually fastest — you photograph the front and back of the check, and the money appears in your account within one to two business days. ATM deposit works the same way but takes slightly longer because the machine has to physically process the check. In-person deposit at a teller is the slowest but guarantees the check is read correctly on the first try.
Before you deposit anything, endorse the check by signing the back. Write your signature on the line marked "Endorse here" or in the blank space on the back. If you are depositing through an app or ATM, you can endorse it right before you take the photos or insert it. If you are going to a teller, endorse it beforehand or ask the teller to watch you sign it.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile deposit through your bank's app is the fastest method and requires only a photo of the front and back of the check.
- You must sign the back of the check before depositing it, on the line marked "Endorse here" or in the blank space provided.
- Mobile and ATM deposits usually clear within one to two business days; in-person deposits at a teller may clear the same day.
- If a check is made out to someone else or has two names on it, you may need to go to a teller instead of using an ATM or app.
- Checks older than six months are considered stale and banks may refuse to deposit them.
Mobile deposit through your bank's app
Open your bank's mobile app and look for a "Deposit" or "Mobile Deposit" button, usually in the main menu or under "Transfers." Tap it and select "Check Deposit." The app will ask you to photograph the front of the check and then the back. Make sure the entire check is visible in the frame, the lighting is clear, and you can read all the numbers and text. Some apps let you take multiple photos if the first one is blurry.
After you submit the photos, the app will show you the check amount and the account it will go into. Review this information — if the amount is wrong, the app may have misread the numbers. Once you confirm, the check is submitted. Your bank will send you a notification when the deposit clears, usually within one to two business days. After that, destroy the physical check by tearing it up or writing "DEPOSITED" across it so you do not accidentally try to cash it twice.
ATM deposit
Walk to an ATM owned by your bank and insert your debit card. Select "Deposit" from the menu. The ATM will ask whether you are depositing cash or a check. Choose "Check." Endorse the back of the check if you have not already, then insert it into the slot. The machine will read the check amount and show it on the screen. Confirm the amount is correct, then the ATM will accept the check and give you a receipt.
ATM deposits usually clear within one to two business days, sometimes longer depending on when you deposit. If you deposit after business hours or on a weekend, the bank may not process it until the next business day. Keep your receipt until the money shows up in your account, in case there is a problem and you need proof you made the deposit.
In-person deposit at a teller or branch
Go to your bank during business hours and walk up to a teller window. Hand the teller your check and your debit card or account number. The teller will endorse the check for you if you have not already signed it, or they will watch you sign it. They will run the check through a scanner to read the amount and verify it matches what is printed. If everything looks correct, they will give you a receipt and the check will be deposited into your account.
In-person deposits sometimes clear the same day if you go early in the morning, but most clear within one business day. This is the most reliable method if the check is damaged, has unusual markings, or is made out to two people or a business name that does not match your account exactly. A teller can also answer questions about whether the check can be deposited at all.
Checks made out to someone else or two names
If a check is made out to someone else entirely, you cannot deposit it into your own account — the person whose name is on the check must deposit it themselves. If a check is made out to two people (for example, "John Smith and Jane Smith"), both people usually need to endorse it, and you may need to go to a teller instead of using an ATM or app. Some banks allow one person to deposit a two-name check if both names are on the account, but this varies by bank.
If you are unsure whether you can deposit a check, call your bank's customer service line or ask a teller before you try. Attempting to deposit a check you are not authorized to cash can trigger a fraud alert on your account.
Stale checks and checks that will not clear
A stale check is one that is more than six months old. Banks are not required to accept stale checks, and many will refuse them. If you have a check dated more than six months ago, contact the person or business that issued it and ask for a new one. Do not try to deposit the old check — it will be rejected and may flag your account.
Checks can also be rejected if the account they are drawn from does not have enough money (a bounced check), if the check has been reported lost or stolen, or if the signature does not match the bank's records. If a check is rejected, your bank will notify you and the money will not be deposited. The check will be returned to you or destroyed depending on your bank's policy.
How long it takes for a check to clear
A check clears when the money actually moves from the issuer's bank account to yours. This is different from when the deposit is accepted. Mobile deposits and ATM deposits are usually accepted immediately, but the check does not clear for one to two business days. During this time, the money is not yet in your account, even though the deposit shows as "pending."
In-person deposits at a teller may clear faster — sometimes the same day if you deposit early enough. However, this depends on when the issuer's bank processes the check. Weekends and bank holidays add extra days. If you need the money urgently, ask the teller whether they can tell you when the check is likely to clear, or whether the bank offers next-day clearing for certain types of checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to my business into my personal account?
No. A check made out to a business name must be deposited into a business account. If you try to deposit it into a personal account, the bank will reject it. You will need to open a business account or ask the person who issued the check to reissue it in your personal name.
What if the check amount on the app looks wrong?
Do not submit the deposit. Take new photos with better lighting and make sure the entire check is visible. If the app still reads the amount incorrectly, cancel the mobile deposit and go to a teller instead. A teller can verify the amount by hand and make sure it is correct before processing.
Can I deposit a check that is torn or damaged?
It depends on how damaged it is. If the account number, routing number, or amount is illegible, a bank will likely reject it. Go to a teller with the damaged check and ask whether it can be deposited. If the bank refuses, contact the person who issued the check and ask for a replacement.
Do I need to wait for the check to clear before I spend the money?
Technically, no — the money shows as pending in your account as soon as the deposit is accepted. However, if you spend it before the check actually clears and the check bounces, your account will be overdrawn and you will owe overdraft fees. It is safer to wait until the check clears and the money is no longer marked as pending.
What happens if I deposit the same check twice by accident?
The second deposit will be rejected because the check has already been processed. However, if both deposits somehow go through, your bank will catch the duplicate and reverse one of them. Write "DEPOSITED" on the physical check after you deposit it to prevent this.