You can deposit a check at your bank’s branch, through your bank’s mobile app, at an ATM, or by mailing it in. Each method requires you to endorse the check by signing the back, but the exact steps and how quickly you can access your money vary depending on which option you choose.
How to Endorse the Check
Every check has a small section on the back, usually marked “Endorse Here,” where you need to sign before depositing. How you sign depends on what you’re doing with the check.
For a standard deposit at a branch or ATM, simply sign your name. This is called a blank endorsement. It’s quick, but anyone who gets their hands on the check could potentially cash it, so wait to sign until you’re ready to deposit.
A safer option is a restrictive endorsement: write “For deposit only” above your signature, then add your account number below it. This tells the bank the check can only go into your account, not be cashed by someone else. If you’re depositing through a mobile app, most banks require you to write “For Mobile Deposit Only” beneath your signature. Your deposit could be rejected if this phrase is missing.
Depositing at a Bank Branch
Walk into your bank with the endorsed check and a valid photo ID. You’ll fill out a deposit slip (available at the counter) with your name, account number, the date, and the check amount. Hand the slip and the check to a teller, and ask for a receipt.
In-person deposits give you the fastest access to your money. Cash, government checks, cashier’s checks, and checks drawn on the same bank are all available by the next business day. Personal checks from other banks are typically available by the second business day. Federal rules require at least the first $275 of any check to be available by the next business day, even if the rest is on hold.
Depositing Through Mobile App
Most banks and credit unions offer mobile deposit through their apps. Open the app, select the deposit option, choose the account, and enter the check amount. You’ll then take photos of the front and back of the check using your phone’s camera.
A few things that cause mobile deposits to fail: blurry or poorly lit photos, a missing “For Mobile Deposit Only” endorsement, or a signature that doesn’t match your account records. Lay the check on a dark, flat surface with good lighting, and make sure all four corners of the check are visible in the frame.
Mobile deposits come with daily and monthly limits that vary widely by bank and how long your account has been open. At major banks, daily limits for newer accounts can be as low as $500 to $1,000, while established accounts might allow $2,500 to $10,000 per day. Some online banks are far more generous, with daily limits reaching $30,000 or even $50,000. Your app will usually show your current limit before you confirm the deposit. If your check exceeds the mobile limit, you’ll need to visit a branch or ATM instead.
Deposits made before your bank’s cutoff time on a business day are generally processed that same day. Deposits after the cutoff, or on weekends and holidays, count as the next business day.
Depositing at an ATM
Most bank ATMs accept check deposits. Insert your debit card, select “Deposit,” choose your account, and feed the endorsed check into the machine. Many newer ATMs read the check and display the amount for you to confirm. You’ll get a receipt showing the deposit.
If you use your own bank’s ATM, funds availability is similar to a branch deposit, with most checks clearing by the second business day. If you use an ATM owned by a different bank, federal rules allow holds of up to five business days, so plan accordingly.
Depositing by Mail
Some banks, especially online-only banks, accept deposits by mail. Endorse the check with “For deposit only” and your account number, fill out a deposit slip if your bank provides one, and mail it to the address your bank specifies. This is the slowest method since you’re adding mail transit time on top of normal processing. Use a secure envelope and consider tracking.
How Long Before You Can Use the Money
Federal law (Regulation CC) sets maximum hold times that banks must follow. Here’s what to expect in most cases:
- Next business day: Cash deposited in person, electronic payments, U.S. Treasury checks, postal money orders, cashier’s checks, certified checks, and checks drawn on accounts at the same bank.
- Second business day: Personal checks deposited in person or at your bank’s ATM.
- Fifth business day: Any deposit made at an ATM you don’t own.
Banks can place longer holds in certain situations. Checks over $6,725 may have the amount above that threshold held for additional days. New accounts (open less than 30 days) face tighter rules: only cash, electronic payments, and the first $6,725 of next-day-eligible items get released on schedule, while remaining funds may be held up to nine business days.
Depositing a Check Made Out to Someone Else
If someone wants you to deposit their check into your account, that’s called a third-party check. Not all banks accept these, so call ahead before trying. The process requires the person named on the check to write “Pay to the order of [your name]” in the endorsement area on the back and sign underneath. You then sign below their endorsement. Bring the check to a branch with valid ID, as most banks won’t process third-party checks through mobile deposit or ATMs.
What to Do After You Deposit
Keep your receipt and, for mobile deposits, hold onto the physical check for at least a few days until the deposit clears and shows in your account. Writing “DEPOSITED” and the date on the check can help you avoid accidentally depositing it twice. Once the funds have fully posted and you’ve confirmed the amount, you can shred the original check.