The basic steps to deposit a check

You can deposit a check in four main ways: at an ATM, through your bank's mobile app, at a bank branch in person, or by mail. The fastest route is usually your bank's mobile app if you have one — you photograph both sides of the check and the money typically appears in your account within one business day. ATM deposits work similarly but may take longer. In-person deposits at a branch are instant but require you to visit during business hours. Mail deposits are slowest, taking five to ten business days, and carry a small risk that the check gets lost.

Before you deposit anything, endorse the back of the check by signing your name on the line marked "Endorse here" or similar. Some banks ask you to write "For deposit only" and your account number below your signature, which adds a layer of protection if the check is lost. Do not deposit a check that is post-dated (written for a future date) unless your bank says it is okay — many will reject it or deposit it early anyway.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile app deposits are the fastest method for most people and require only a photo of both sides of the check.
  • You must sign the back of the check before depositing it, and writing "For deposit only" below your signature adds security.
  • ATM and mobile deposits usually clear within one business day, while mail deposits take five to ten business days.
  • Checks older than six months may be rejected by your bank, so deposit checks promptly after you receive them.

Depositing through your bank's mobile app

Most banks offer mobile check deposit through their smartphone app. Open the app, find the deposit or mobile check option, and follow the prompts. You will be asked to photograph the front and back of the check — make sure the entire check is visible, the image is in focus, and the lighting is clear enough to read all the numbers and text. The app will show you a preview of both images before you submit.

After you submit, the app tells you when the funds will appear — usually the next business day. Some banks make a portion of the money available immediately and the rest the next day. Once the deposit is confirmed, write the check number and amount in your register or budgeting app so you do not forget about it. Do not spend the money until it actually shows up in your available balance, because the deposit can still fail if the check bounces or if the image quality was too poor for the bank to read.

Using an ATM to deposit a check

ATM deposits work at machines owned by your bank or at shared networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass if your bank participates. Insert your debit card, select "Deposit" or "Make a deposit," and choose "Check" as the deposit type. The machine will guide you to insert the check into a slot — it scans the check and shows you an image to confirm it read the amount correctly. If the image is unclear, the machine will reject it and return the check so you can try again or use a different method.

ATM deposits typically clear within one business day, though some banks hold them longer. The machine gives you a receipt with a confirmation number — keep it until the deposit shows up in your account. If something goes wrong, you will need that number to contact the bank. ATM deposits are less convenient than mobile deposits if you have a smartphone, but they work if you prefer not to use an app or if your bank does not offer mobile deposit yet.

Depositing in person at a bank branch

Walk into your bank during business hours with your check and debit card or account information. Tell the teller you want to deposit a check. Hand over the endorsed check and your card, and the teller will process it on the spot. The money is usually available immediately or within a few hours, depending on the bank's internal procedures. You will receive a receipt showing the deposit amount and your new balance.

In-person deposits are useful if you have questions about the check, if the check is large or unusual in some way, or if you need the money right away. They are also the only option if you do not have a smartphone or do not trust mobile deposit. The downside is that you have to go to the bank during its hours, which may not fit your schedule.

Mailing a check to your bank

Some banks accept check deposits by mail. Call your bank or check its website for the mailing address and any special instructions — some banks require you to include a deposit slip or a form with your account number. Endorse the check, place it in an envelope with any required paperwork, and mail it to the address provided. Do not send cash by mail.

Mail deposits are the slowest method, typically taking five to ten business days from the time the bank receives the envelope. There is also a small risk that the check gets lost in transit. Use this method only if you cannot deposit the check any other way, or if you are depositing multiple checks at once and the delay does not matter to you. Always keep a record of what you mailed — write down the check number, amount, and date you mailed it — so you can follow up if it does not show up in your account within two weeks.

What to do if a check deposit fails

A check deposit can fail for several reasons: the check is post-dated, the check is older than six months, the image quality is too poor for the bank to read, the check amount does not match what you entered, or the check itself is fraudulent or has already been deposited elsewhere. If a mobile or ATM deposit fails, the machine or app will tell you why and return the check. Try again with a clearer image, or take the check to a branch in person.

If a check you deposited later bounces — meaning the account it was drawn on does not have enough money — your bank will reverse the deposit and charge you a fee, usually $10 to $15. The check is returned to you or to the person who wrote it. Contact the person who gave you the check and ask them to provide a new one or repay you in another way. Do not deposit a check a second time if it bounced the first time unless the person who wrote it confirms the account now has sufficient funds.

Checks that are too old or unusual to deposit

Banks will not accept checks that are more than six months old, so deposit checks promptly after you receive them. A check dated more than 180 days in the past is considered stale and your bank will reject it. If you have an old check, contact the person or business that issued it and ask for a replacement.

Checks written for unusual amounts — such as a check for $0.01 or a check for $50,000 — may trigger extra scrutiny or require you to deposit in person. Large checks sometimes require verification that the funds are legitimate. If you are depositing a check from a government agency, a lawsuit settlement, or an inheritance, your bank may ask you to provide documentation. This is normal and protects both you and the bank from fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?

Mobile app and ATM deposits usually clear within one business day. In-person deposits at a branch are often available immediately. Mail deposits take five to ten business days. Some banks hold large checks longer — up to five business days — even after they are deposited. Check your bank's policy or ask the teller when you deposit.

Can I deposit a check that is written to someone else?

No, not without the other person's involvement. A check must be deposited into an account in the name of the person it is written to. If you need to deposit a check written to someone else, that person must endorse it to you by signing the back and writing "Pay to the order of [your name]," then you both sign it. Some banks will not accept third-party checks at all, so call ahead.

What if I lose a check before I deposit it?

Contact the person or business that issued the check and ask them to stop payment on the original and issue a replacement. They may charge a small fee for this service. Provide them with the check number, amount, and date it was issued. Once you have the replacement check, deposit it using any of the methods described above.

Do I need to keep the physical check after I deposit it?

No. Once your bank confirms the deposit, the physical check is no longer needed. Your bank keeps a digital record. You can throw the check away or shred it. Keep your deposit receipt or a screenshot of the mobile app confirmation for your records until the deposit shows up in your account.

Can I deposit a check written in another country?

Most U.S. banks do not accept foreign checks, or they charge high fees and take a very long time to process them. Contact your bank first to ask if they accept checks from the country where it was issued. If they do, expect to wait two to four weeks and pay $15 to $50 in fees. A wire transfer or other international payment method is usually faster and cheaper.