The basic steps for depositing a check

To deposit a check, you need to endorse it (sign the back), take it to your bank or credit union, and hand it to a teller or use an ATM or mobile app. Most banks credit the funds within one to three business days, though some hold checks longer depending on the amount or your account history. The exact process depends on which method you choose — in-person, ATM, or mobile deposit — and each has different timing and requirements.

Before you deposit anything, make sure the check is made out to you or to you and someone else. A check made out to another person's name cannot be deposited into your account, even if they sign it over to you (this practice, called a third-party check, is no longer accepted by most banks). If the name on the check does not match your account, the deposit will be rejected.

Key Takeaways

  • You must sign the back of the check and write "For Deposit Only" plus your account number to protect against theft.
  • Mobile deposit through your bank's app is usually the fastest and most convenient method, often crediting funds within one business day.
  • ATM deposits and in-person deposits at a teller are also available, though ATM holds can be longer and vary by bank.
  • Checks typically clear within one to three business days, but large checks or accounts with recent overdrafts may be held longer.
  • If you deposit a check and the account it comes from does not have enough money, the check will bounce and your bank may charge you a fee.

Endorsing the check on the back

The back of the check has a blank line or box where you sign your name. This is called the endorsement. You must sign it exactly as your name appears on the front of the check — if the check says "James Rodriguez" and you sign "J. Rodriguez," the bank may reject it. Sign in pen, not pencil, and make sure your signature is legible.

Below your signature, write "For Deposit Only" and your account number. This protects you if the check is lost or stolen, because it means the check can only be deposited into your account and cannot be cashed by someone else. If you are depositing the check in person at a teller, this step is less critical but still a good habit. If you are using mobile deposit or an ATM, it is essential.

Depositing through your bank's mobile app

Most banks now offer mobile check deposit, which means you photograph the front and back of the check using your phone and submit it through the bank's app. This is the fastest and most convenient method for most people. Open your bank's app, find the deposit or check deposit option, take clear photos of both sides of the check, and follow the prompts to confirm the amount and submit.

Mobile deposits typically credit within one business day, sometimes the same day if you deposit before a certain time (often 2 p.m. or 5 p.m.). Your bank will tell you the cutoff time in the app. After you submit, the app will usually tell you when to expect the funds. Once the deposit is confirmed, you can destroy the check or keep it for your records — do not deposit it again at an ATM or teller, or the bank will catch the duplicate and reject it.

To use mobile deposit, you need a smartphone with a camera and the bank's app installed. You also need to have already opened an account with the bank — you cannot open an account and deposit a check on the same day through the app.

Depositing at an ATM

Many ATMs accept check deposits. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, select the deposit option, and follow the on-screen instructions. The ATM will ask you to insert the check into a slot. Some ATMs scan the check and show you an image to confirm the amount; others simply accept it without showing you anything. Either way, the ATM will print a receipt with the deposit amount and a confirmation number. Keep this receipt until the funds appear in your account.

ATM deposits usually take two to three business days to clear, longer than mobile deposit. Some banks hold ATM deposits for up to five business days if the check is large or your account is new. The exact hold time depends on your bank's policy and the check amount. If you need the money quickly, mobile deposit or a teller deposit is faster.

Depositing in person at a teller

Walk into your bank during business hours, take a number if there is a queue, and tell the teller you want to deposit a check. Hand over the check and your debit card or account number. The teller will examine the check, endorse it on your behalf if you have not already, and enter the deposit into the system. They will give you a receipt showing the amount deposited and your new account balance.

In-person deposits usually credit the same day if you deposit before the bank's cutoff time (often 3 p.m. or 5 p.m.), or the next business day if you deposit after hours. This is faster than ATM or mobile deposit for same-day credit, but it requires you to visit the bank during business hours. If you bank at a credit union instead of a bank, the process is the same but the cutoff times and hold policies may differ.

How long checks take to clear

A cleared check means the bank that issued the check has confirmed the account has enough money and has transferred the funds to your bank. This usually takes one to three business days. During this time, the funds show as "pending" in your account — you can see them, but you cannot spend them yet. Once the check clears, the funds move to your available balance and you can withdraw or spend them.

Large checks (typically over $5,000) may be held longer, sometimes up to seven business days. Banks do this to protect themselves against bounced checks. If your account is new or you have had overdrafts recently, the bank may hold any check longer than usual. If you need to know the exact hold time for a specific check, call your bank or ask the teller when you deposit it.

Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days. If you deposit a check on Friday, it will not clear until Monday at the earliest. If you deposit on a holiday, the clock does not start until the next business day.

What happens if the check bounces

If the account the check was written from does not have enough money, the check will bounce. Your bank will remove the funds from your account and send the check back to the person who wrote it. You will not lose money, but you also will not receive it. Your bank may charge you a fee (typically $10 to $15) for the bounced check, and the person who wrote the check will also be charged a fee by their bank.

If you spend the money before the check bounces, you could end up overdrawing your account. For this reason, it is wise to wait a day or two after depositing a check before spending the full amount, especially if it is a large check from someone you do not know well. If a check bounces and you have already spent the money, contact the person who wrote it and ask them to write a new check or pay you another way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?

No. Most banks no longer accept third-party checks (checks made out to someone other than you). The check must be made out to your name or to you and someone else. If a check is made out to another person, they must deposit it into their own account.

What if I make a mistake when endorsing the check?

If you sign the back of the check incorrectly or write something wrong, do not cross it out or use white-out. Start over with a new check if possible. If you cannot get a new check, contact the person who wrote it and explain the mistake — they may be able to stop payment and issue a replacement.

How do I know if a check has cleared?

Log into your bank account online or through the app and look at your transaction history. The deposit will show as "pending" while it is clearing, and will change to "posted" or "cleared" once the funds are available. You can also call your bank or visit a teller to ask about a specific check.

Can I deposit a check if I do not have a debit card?

Yes. You can deposit a check in person at a teller by providing your account number or ID. You cannot use an ATM without a card, and you cannot use mobile deposit without the bank's app. If you do not have a debit card, in-person deposit is your only option.

What if the check amount is written differently on the line and in numbers?

Banks are trained to use the written amount (the words) as the official amount, not the numbers. If a check says "One Hundred Dollars" but the box shows "$50," the bank will deposit $100. If you notice this mistake before depositing, contact the person who wrote the check and ask for a corrected one.