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 a mobile app or ATM. The teller will scan it, verify the amount matches what's written, and credit the funds to your account. Most banks make the funds available within one to two business days, though the exact timing depends on when you deposit it and your bank's processing schedule.

You have three main ways to deposit: in person at a branch, through your bank's mobile app (if it offers mobile check deposit), or at an ATM if your bank has that feature. Each method works the same way from the bank's perspective — they receive the check image or the physical check, verify it, and move the money into your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign the back of the check in the endorsement area before depositing it, or the bank will reject it.
  • Funds typically appear in your account within one to two business days, not immediately.
  • Mobile check deposit through your bank's app is often the fastest and most convenient option if your bank offers it.
  • ATM deposits work but may take longer to process than branch or mobile deposits.
  • If you deposit a check after business hours or on a weekend, it will not be processed until the next business day.

Endorsing the check on the back

The back of the check has a blank area marked "Endorse here" or similar language. Sign your name in that space — the same name that appears on the front of the check. Your signature authorizes the bank to process the check and deposit the funds into your account.

Some banks ask you to write "For deposit only" above your signature, followed by your account number. This limits how the check can be used if it's lost or stolen. It's not required, but it's a good security practice. Do not sign the front of the check — only the back.

Depositing in person at a branch

Walk into your bank during business hours with the endorsed check and your debit card or account information. Hand the check to a teller and tell them you want to deposit it. They will ask which account to deposit it into if you have more than one, scan or photograph the check, and give you a receipt showing the deposit amount and date.

The teller will verify that the amount written on the check matches the amount printed in numbers, and that the check is signed. If anything is missing or doesn't match, they'll tell you right away. Keep your receipt until the funds show up in your account, usually within one to two business days.

Using mobile check deposit through your bank's app

Most banks and credit unions now offer mobile check deposit through their smartphone app. Open the app, find the deposit or check deposit option, take a photo of the front and back of the endorsed check, enter the amount, and select which account to deposit into. The app will submit the check image to the bank for processing.

Mobile deposit is often faster than ATM deposit and just as fast as branch deposit, sometimes faster if you deposit early in the morning. The funds usually appear within one to two business days. Your bank will hold the physical check for a set period (often 30 days) before destroying it, so keep the check until you see the funds in your account and confirm the amount is correct.

Depositing at an ATM

Some banks allow check deposits at their ATMs. Insert your debit card, select "Deposit," choose "Check," and follow the on-screen prompts. The ATM will ask you to insert the endorsed check into a slot. It will scan the check and ask you to confirm the amount. Once you confirm, the ATM will accept the check and provide a receipt.

ATM deposits may take slightly longer to process than branch or mobile deposits because the check has to be transported to a processing center. Funds typically appear within one to two business days, but some banks take up to three business days for ATM deposits. Check your bank's policy before relying on an ATM deposit for time-sensitive payments.

When the funds will show up in your account

Banks are required by federal law to make at least the first $225 of a check available by the next business day. The rest of the check may take longer — often one to two additional business days depending on the check amount, the bank that issued the check, and your bank's processing schedule. A $500 check might show $225 available tomorrow and the remaining $275 available the day after.

If you deposit a check after your bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. or later, depending on the bank) or on a weekend or holiday, the deposit won't be processed until the next business day. Deposits made on Friday evening won't be processed until Monday. This delay is normal and not a sign of a problem.

What to do if the check is rejected

A check can be rejected if it's not signed, if the signature on the back doesn't match the name on the front, if the amount in words doesn't match the amount in numbers, if it's post-dated (dated in the future), or if it's stale-dated (more than six months old). If the teller or app rejects your check, ask why and correct the problem if you can.

If the check is post-dated or stale-dated, you'll need to contact the person or organization that wrote the check and ask them to issue a new one. If the signature doesn't match, you may need to contact them as well. Keep the rejected check and the receipt showing the rejection so you have a record of what happened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check that's made out to someone else?

No. A check must be deposited into an account in the name of the person it's made out to. If someone gives you a check made out to them, they need to endorse it and deposit it themselves, or they can sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" and you can deposit it — but many banks no longer accept third-party checks, so call ahead.

What if I deposit a check and then the account it came from doesn't have enough money?

The check will bounce. The bank will reverse the deposit from your account, and you'll lose the funds. Your bank may also charge you a returned check fee. If this happens, contact the person or business that wrote the check and ask them to reissue it or pay you another way.

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

You should keep it until the funds appear in your account and you've confirmed the amount is correct. After that, you can destroy it or keep it for your records. If you used mobile deposit, your bank will keep the check image on file, so you don't need to store the physical check long-term.

Can I deposit a check written in another country?

Most U.S. banks do not accept foreign checks, or they charge a high fee and take a very long time to process them. Ask your bank whether they accept checks from the country where the check was issued. If they do, expect to wait several weeks and pay a processing fee.

What's the difference between a deposit and a direct deposit?

A deposit is when you physically bring money (or a check) to the bank. Direct deposit is when an employer or government agency sends money directly into your account electronically without you having to do anything. Direct deposit is faster and more reliable than depositing checks.