The basic steps to deposit 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, at an ATM, or through your phone.

Before you deposit anything, make sure the check is made out to you, has a date that is not in the future, and includes the amount in both numbers and words. If any of those details are wrong or missing, the bank will reject it and you will need to ask the person who wrote it to issue a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must sign the back of the check in the designated endorsement area before the bank will accept it.
  • Mobile check deposit through your bank's app is usually the fastest method and requires only a photo of the front and back.
  • ATM deposits are available 24/7 at many banks, but the machine must be owned by your bank or a partner network.
  • In-person deposits at a teller are the most reliable if you have questions or the check has any unusual features.
  • Funds typically appear in your account within one to three business days, though banks can hold checks longer in certain situations.

Endorsing the check on the back

The back of the check has a white space marked "Endorse here" or similar language. Sign your name in that area — the same way your name appears on the front of the check. Do not write anything else in that space unless your bank specifically instructs you to.

If you are depositing the check into a joint account, both account holders should sign. If someone else is depositing it on your behalf, you may need to write "Pay to the order of [their name]" above your signature, then have them sign below. Ask your bank whether they require this format before you hand over the check.

Mobile deposit using your bank's app

Most banks now offer mobile check deposit through their smartphone app. Open the app, find the deposit or check option, and take a photo of the front of the check, then the back. The app will show you a preview to confirm the images are clear and readable. Submit the deposit and the funds will be held pending verification, usually posting within one business day.

Mobile deposit works best for checks under a certain amount — many banks set limits at $2,500 or $5,000 per check, though limits vary. If your check exceeds the limit, you will need to use an ATM or visit a teller. After you submit a mobile deposit, keep the physical check for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it, then destroy it by shredding or tearing it up.

Depositing at an ATM

ATM deposits are available around the clock at machines owned by your bank. Insert your debit card, select "Deposit," choose "Check," and follow the on-screen prompts. The machine will ask you to insert the check into a slot. Some ATMs scan the check immediately and show you the amount on the screen; others accept it without displaying the image. Either way, you will receive a receipt showing the deposit amount.

ATM deposits can take one to two business days to post. If you use an ATM owned by a different bank or a third-party network, your bank may not accept the deposit or may charge a fee. Stick to your own bank's machines unless you are certain they are part of a shared network your bank participates in — your bank's website or app will list which ATMs you can use.

Depositing in person at a teller

Walk into your bank during business hours with your check and debit card or account number. Hand the check to the teller and tell them you want to deposit it. They will verify your identity, confirm the amount, and process the deposit on the spot. You will receive a receipt showing the deposit and the new balance in your account.

In-person deposits are the best choice if the check is large, if it is written in an unusual way, or if you have any questions about whether the bank will accept it. Tellers can also answer questions about holds or delays. Funds from in-person deposits typically post within one business day, though the teller can tell you the exact timeline for your bank.

Understanding check holds and delays

Banks can place a hold on a check deposit, meaning the funds show in your account but you cannot withdraw them yet. A hold typically lasts one to five business days. Banks use holds to verify that the check is legitimate and that the account it is drawn from has sufficient funds.

Holds are more common on large checks, checks from out-of-state banks, or if you are a new account holder. Some banks hold the first $225 of a check immediately and the rest after a longer period. If you need the money urgently, ask the teller whether a hold will apply before you deposit — they can sometimes waive or shorten it for regular customers or smaller amounts.

What to do if the check is rejected

A bank will reject a check if it is post-dated (dated in the future), if the signature is missing or illegible, if the amount in words does not match the amount in numbers, or if the account it is drawn from is closed or has insufficient funds. If your bank rejects a check, they will notify you and return it to you.

Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to issue a new one with the correct information. Do not attempt to alter the check yourself — banks will refuse it and it may be considered fraud. Once you have a corrected check, follow the same deposit process as before.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a check to clear after I deposit it?

Most checks clear within one to three business days. Mobile deposits and in-person deposits often post faster than ATM deposits. Banks can hold checks longer — up to ten business days — if the check is large, from an out-of-state bank, or if you are a new account holder. Your bank will tell you the hold period when you deposit.

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?

Not directly. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If someone else needs to deposit a check in your name, you can endorse it to them by writing "Pay to the order of [their name]" on the back, then signing. They then sign below and deposit it into their account. Some banks refuse third-party checks, so call ahead.

What if I lose the check after I deposit it through my phone?

Keep the physical check for at least 30 days after you submit a mobile deposit. If the bank needs to verify the deposit, they will ask you for it. After 30 days, shred or destroy the check so no one else can use it. Do not deposit the same check twice — the bank will catch it and reverse one of the deposits.

Do I need to be present to deposit a check at an ATM?

Yes, you need to be physically at the ATM to insert the check and your card. You cannot mail a check to an ATM or deposit it remotely. If you cannot visit an ATM or your bank in person, mobile deposit through your bank's app is your best option.

What happens if the check bounces after I deposit it?

If the account the check is drawn from does not have enough money, the check bounces. Your bank will reverse the deposit, removing the funds from your account. You may also be charged a returned-check fee by your bank. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to resubmit it once they have sufficient funds, or ask for payment another way.