PayPal lets you deposit checks through your phone, but only if you have a PayPal Cash or Cash Plus account

PayPal's mobile check deposit feature works like a bank app: you photograph the front and back of a check, submit it through the PayPal app, and the money lands in your PayPal balance within one to three business days. You do not mail the check or visit a location. The feature is built into the PayPal app itself, not a separate tool.

Not every PayPal account type can deposit checks. You need either a PayPal Cash account or a PayPal Cash Plus account. If you have a standard PayPal account linked to a credit card or bank account, you cannot use this feature. You can open a Cash or Cash Plus account for free through the PayPal app.

There are limits on how much you can deposit. PayPal typically allows up to $5,000 per check and $20,000 per month in total mobile check deposits, though these limits can vary based on your account history and age. The first time you use the feature, your limit may be lower.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a PayPal Cash or Cash Plus account to deposit checks through the app; a standard PayPal account does not have this feature.
  • The deposit process takes photos of both sides of the check and typically completes within one to three business days.
  • PayPal usually caps deposits at $5,000 per check and $20,000 per month, though limits vary by account.
  • Once deposited, money sits in your PayPal balance and can be transferred to a linked bank account or used to pay other PayPal users.
  • You must write "For Mobile Deposit Only" on the back of the check before photographing it, or the check may not process.

What you need before you start

Have the physical check in hand. The check must be drawn on a U.S. bank and made out to you or to you and another person. PayPal cannot deposit checks made out to a business, a deceased person, or someone other than the account holder.

Write "For Mobile Deposit Only" on the back of the check in the endorsement area (the blank space on the back where you would normally sign). This tells the bank the check is being deposited electronically. If you skip this step, the check may be rejected.

Make sure your PayPal account is verified. This means PayPal has confirmed your identity through your Social Security number and address. You can check your verification status in the app under Account Settings. If you are not verified, you will need to complete that process first.

Have your phone camera ready and in good condition. The photos need to be clear enough that all text on the check is readable. Poor lighting or blurry images are the most common reason deposits get rejected.

How to deposit a check step by step

Open the PayPal app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right. Select "Wallet" or "Money," then look for "Deposit a Check" or "Mobile Check Deposit." The exact wording varies depending on your app version.

Tap the option to deposit a check. The app will walk you through taking two photos: one of the front of the check and one of the back. Hold the check flat under good lighting and make sure all four corners and all text are visible in the frame. The app will tell you if the image is too blurry or cut off.

Review the check details that appear on your screen. PayPal will read the check amount, the routing number, and the account number automatically. Verify these are correct before you proceed. If any number is wrong, delete the deposit and try again with clearer photos.

Confirm the deposit amount and tap submit. PayPal will give you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. The check is now in PayPal's system and you should see it listed as "pending" in your transaction history.

Do not spend the check or deposit it anywhere else while it is pending. Once PayPal confirms receipt, the status will change to "completed" and the money will be available in your PayPal balance. This usually takes one to three business days but can take longer if PayPal needs to verify the check.

What happens after the check is deposited

The money lands in your PayPal balance, not directly in a linked bank account. From there, you can transfer it to your bank account (which usually takes one to two business days), send it to another PayPal user, or use it to make purchases through PayPal.

If you have a PayPal Cash Plus account, you can also request a PayPal debit card and withdraw the money at ATMs. PayPal Cash Plus accounts have a monthly fee but offer more withdrawal options than the free Cash account.

Keep the original check until the deposit is fully completed and cleared. Do not destroy it immediately after photographing it. If PayPal rejects the deposit or if there is a dispute later, you may need to show the original check to your bank.

Reasons a check deposit might be rejected

The most common reason is poor image quality. If the photos are blurry, cut off at the edges, or taken in dim lighting, PayPal cannot read the check details and will reject it. Retake the photos with better lighting and make sure all corners are visible.

A missing or incorrect endorsement causes rejections. You must write "For Mobile Deposit Only" on the back of the check. If you forgot or wrote something else, PayPal will decline it. You can try again with the same check if you add the correct endorsement.

The check amount may exceed your account limit. If you are new to PayPal or have a limited history, your first deposits may be capped at less than $5,000. If a check is too large, wait until your limit increases or split the deposit across multiple checks if the payer can issue them.

The check is post-dated (dated in the future) or stale-dated (more than 180 days old). PayPal will not accept either. A post-dated check must be deposited on or after the date written on it. A stale check is too old and the bank may refuse to honor it.

PayPal Cash versus PayPal Cash Plus

Both account types allow mobile check deposits, but they differ in cost and features. PayPal Cash is free and lets you deposit checks, receive money from other PayPal users, and transfer funds to a linked bank account. You cannot withdraw cash at ATMs or request a debit card with a Cash account.

PayPal Cash Plus charges a monthly fee (the amount varies by region) but includes a debit card, ATM withdrawals, and direct deposit of paychecks. If you only need to deposit checks occasionally and do not need a debit card, the free Cash account is sufficient. If you want to use PayPal as your primary account and withdraw cash frequently, Cash Plus may be worth the fee.

You can switch between the two account types at any time through the app settings. If you start with Cash and later decide you want the debit card, you can upgrade to Cash Plus without losing your transaction history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check made out to two people?

Yes, if both names are on the check and you are one of them. PayPal will deposit it to your account. If the check is made out to two people and only one of you is the PayPal account holder, the other person will need to endorse it on the back, and you will still need to write "For Mobile Deposit Only."

What if PayPal rejects my check and I need the money quickly?

You can take the check to your own bank and deposit it there, either through their mobile app or in person at a branch. Bank deposits often clear faster than PayPal, sometimes within one business day. You can also ask the check writer to issue a new check or send the money another way.

Do I have to keep the original check after it deposits?

Yes, keep it for at least 30 days after the deposit clears. If there is a dispute or if PayPal needs to verify the check, you may need to show the original. After 30 days, you can safely destroy it by shredding or tearing it up.

Can I deposit a check from a business or government agency?

Yes, as long as the check is made out to you personally. Checks from employers, the IRS, Social Security, or other government agencies can be deposited through PayPal if your name is on them. Business checks made out to a company name cannot be deposited to a personal PayPal account.

How long does it take for the money to be available?

PayPal typically shows the deposit as pending immediately after you submit the photos. The money becomes available in your PayPal balance within one to three business days. Weekends and holidays may delay the process. Once it shows as completed, you can transfer it to your bank account or use it right away.