The fastest way depends on whether you can visit a branch
You can deposit a check in person at a branch, through an ATM, by mail, or using your bank's mobile app. In-person deposits clear the same day or next business day. Mobile app deposits (called mobile check deposit) usually clear within one to three business days. ATM deposits and mail deposits take longer — typically two to five business days — because the bank has to physically process the check after you drop it off.
The method you choose depends on your bank's rules, whether you have a smartphone, and how quickly you need the money. Some banks let you do all four; others limit you to one or two. Check your bank's website or call the number on the back of your debit card to confirm what your account supports.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile app deposit is the fastest remote option and works on most smartphones if your bank offers it — you photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through the app.
- In-person deposits at a branch or ATM require you to endorse the check (sign the back) and may require a deposit slip, which you can get from the teller or print yourself.
- Mail deposits take five to ten business days total and require you to endorse the check, include a deposit slip, and send it to the address your bank provides.
- The check must be made out to you or to you and another person — if it is made out to someone else, that person must endorse it first.
- Large checks or checks from out-of-state banks may be subject to a hold, which delays when you can withdraw the money even though the deposit has posted.
How to deposit a check at a branch or ATM
Bring the check and your debit card or account number. On the back of the check, sign your name in the area marked "Endorse here." This signature tells the bank you are the person who is depositing it. Do not write anything else on the back unless the bank asks you to.
At a branch, hand the check and your card to the teller. They will ask which account to deposit it into and may ask for your ID. The deposit posts immediately, though the funds may not be available to withdraw until the next business day. At an ATM, insert your card, select "Deposit," choose the account, and follow the on-screen instructions to insert the check. The machine will scan it and give you a receipt. The deposit usually posts within 24 hours.
If you do not have a deposit slip, ask the teller for one or print one from your bank's website. Most banks no longer require a slip for branch deposits, but some ATMs still do. Check your bank's website before you go.
How to deposit a check using your phone
Open your bank's mobile app and look for "Mobile Deposit," "Deposit a Check," or "Remote Deposit Capture." Not all banks offer this, and some limit it to certain account types. If you do not see it in the app, call your bank to ask whether it is available.
Endorse the check by signing the back. Take a clear photo of the front of the check, then a photo of the back. The app will show you a preview of both images. Make sure the entire check is visible, the text is readable, and there are no shadows or glare. Submit the images through the app. You will get a confirmation number.
The bank will send you a message when the deposit posts, usually within one to three business days. Some banks hold the funds for a few days longer before you can withdraw them, especially if the check is large or from an out-of-state bank. After the deposit posts, write "Deposited via mobile app" on the front of the check and keep it for your records for at least 30 days, then destroy it.
How to mail a check to your bank
Call your bank or log into your online account to find the mailing address for check deposits. Do not mail a check to a branch address unless the bank specifically tells you to — most banks have a separate processing center.
Endorse the check by signing the back. On the back, below your signature, write "For deposit only" and your account number. This limits what someone can do with the check if it gets lost in the mail. Include a deposit slip if your bank requires one; you can print it from your online account or call to request one by mail.
Put the check and deposit slip in an envelope and mail it to the address your bank provided. Do not send cash by mail. The deposit usually posts five to ten business days after the bank receives it, depending on how long mail takes and how busy the processing center is. Keep a copy of the deposit slip or take a photo of the check before you mail it, so you have proof of what you sent.
What happens if the check is made out to someone else
If the check is made out to another person, that person must endorse it first by signing the back. Then you can add your signature below theirs and deposit it into your account. Some banks will not accept checks with two endorsements, so call ahead to ask.
If the check is made out to "John Smith" and you are "John Smith Jr." or a similar variation, the bank may reject it or ask for ID to confirm you are the person named. Bring your ID to the branch or call customer service before you try to deposit it.
Understanding holds and when you can use the money
A hold is a delay the bank places on the funds after you deposit a check. The deposit posts to your account right away, but you cannot withdraw or transfer the money until the hold lifts. Holds typically last one to five business days for checks from banks in your area and up to ten business days for out-of-state checks.
Large checks — the threshold varies by bank but is often $5,000 or more — are more likely to be held. Checks from banks that are not well-known or that have had fraud problems may also be held longer. If you need the money sooner, ask the teller whether the bank can lift the hold early; some banks will do this if you have a good account history.
If you try to withdraw money that is still on hold and your account does not have enough other funds to cover it, the withdrawal will be rejected. If you write a check or set up a transfer before the hold lifts and the funds are not there, you may face overdraft fees.
What to do if the check bounces or the deposit fails
If the check bounces — meaning the person who wrote it does not have enough money in their account — the bank will remove the deposit from your account and charge you a fee, usually $10 to $15. You will see this as a debit to your account. The bank will notify you by email, text, or letter, depending on your preferences.
Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write you a new one or pay you another way. If they refuse or you cannot reach them, you can take them to small claims court, but that costs time and money. If the check was a payment for something you sold or a service you provided, ask for payment by a different method going forward.
If your mobile deposit fails, the app will tell you why — usually because the image was not clear, the check was already deposited, or the check amount did not match what you entered. Fix the problem and try again. If you get an error message you do not understand, call your bank's customer service line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to cash?
No. A check made out to "Cash" can be cashed at a bank, but it cannot be deposited into an account. Take it to a branch and ask to cash it instead. You will need to sign the back and show your ID.
What if I lose the check after I deposit it by mobile app?
Once the deposit posts, the check is no longer needed. Write "Deposited via mobile app" on the front and destroy it after 30 days. If you lose it before the deposit posts, contact your bank right away to cancel the deposit and resubmit it.
Do I need to tell my bank I am depositing a large check?
No, but large checks are often held longer. If you need the money quickly, call your bank before you deposit it and ask whether they can expedite the hold. Some banks will lift a hold early if you have a good account history.
Can I deposit a check into someone else's account?
Only if the check is made out to that person. They must endorse it, and you can then deposit it into their account if you have access to it. If the check is made out to you, you cannot deposit it into someone else's account — the names must match.
How long does a check stay valid?
A check is valid for six months from the date written. After six months, the bank may refuse to cash or deposit it. If you have an old check, contact the person who wrote it and ask for a new one.