E*TRADE's Mobile Check Deposit and In-Person Options
E*TRADE lets you deposit checks through their mobile app, at ATMs that accept check deposits, or by mailing the check to their processing center. The mobile app is the fastest route — you photograph both sides of the check and submit it through the app, and the deposit usually posts within one to two business days. If you do not have the app or prefer not to use it, you can deposit at an ATM that E*TRADE partners with, or mail the check directly to E*TRADE's address.
E*TRADE does not have physical branches where you can walk in and hand a check to a teller, so mobile deposit or ATM deposit is your main option if you need to deposit in person. The mailing option exists but takes longer — typically five to seven business days from the time E*TRADE receives it.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile check deposit through the E*TRADE app is the fastest method, with funds usually posting within one to two business days.
- You will need to photograph the front and back of the check and have a camera-equipped phone or tablet to use mobile deposit.
- E*TRADE ATM partners accept check deposits at their machines; you can find partner locations through the E*TRADE website or app.
- Mailing a check to E*TRADE's processing center works but takes five to seven business days after they receive it.
- Checks must be made payable to you and your account, and you should not deposit the same check twice or alter it in any way.
Using Mobile Check Deposit Through the App
Download the E*TRADE mobile app and log into your account. Navigate to the deposit or transfer section — the exact menu name varies slightly depending on your phone's operating system, but it is usually labeled "Deposit" or "Mobile Check Deposit." Tap that option and select the checking account where you want the funds to go.
Take a clear photograph of the front of the check, making sure all four corners are visible and the text is readable. The app will guide you through this step and may reject blurry or cut-off images. Then photograph the back of the check the same way. After both images upload, review them on screen to confirm they are clear, then submit. E*TRADE will send you a confirmation, and the check will post to your account within one to two business days in most cases.
Before you photograph the check, write your account number on the back in the endorsement area — this is not always required, but it reduces the chance of a processing error. Do not sign the check until after you have photographed it; some banks require the signature to be added after the photo is taken.
Finding an ATM That Accepts Check Deposits
E*TRADE partners with ATM networks to let you deposit checks at partner machines. Log into your E*TRADE account online or through the app and look for the ATM locator tool, usually found under "Locations" or "ATM Network." Enter your zip code or city, and the tool will show you nearby ATMs that accept deposits.
When you arrive at the ATM, insert your E*TRADE debit card and follow the on-screen prompts to select "Deposit." The machine will ask you to insert the check into a slot or envelope. Some ATMs photograph the check on the spot; others accept it and process it later. Either way, you will receive a receipt showing the deposit amount and the expected posting date, which is usually one to two business days.
ATM deposits work the same way as mobile deposits in terms of timing and posting, but they require you to be near a partner machine. If you travel or live far from an ATM, mobile deposit is more convenient.
Mailing a Check to E*TRADE
If you cannot use mobile deposit or an ATM, you can mail the check. Write your account number on the back of the check in the endorsement area. Include a deposit slip or a note with your name, account number, and the deposit amount. Mail everything to the address E*TRADE provides in your account settings or on their website — the address varies depending on your location and account type, so do not guess.
E*TRADE typically receives mail within three to five business days depending on where you mail from. After they receive it, processing takes another two to three business days, so the total time from mailing to posting is usually five to seven business days. Use a tracking method like certified mail if you want proof the check arrived.
Mailing is the slowest option and carries the small risk that the check gets lost in transit, so use it only if the other methods are not available to you.
What Happens After You Submit the Check
Once you submit a check through any method, E*TRADE processes it and the funds post to your checking account. You can see the deposit in your account history as soon as it posts, and you can use the money right away. The check itself is then sent to the bank that issued it for final clearing, which happens behind the scenes and does not affect when you can spend the money.
If the check bounces — meaning the account it was drawn from does not have enough funds — E*TRADE will reverse the deposit and charge you a returned check fee, usually between $5 and $15. The money will be removed from your account, so make sure you do not spend it until you are certain the check has fully cleared.
Rules and Limits for Check Deposits
E*TRADE has daily and monthly limits on mobile check deposits. The daily limit is typically $2,500 and the monthly limit is typically $5,000, though these amounts can change. Check your account settings or contact E*TRADE to confirm the current limits on your account.
The check must be made payable to you, or to you and another person whose name is also on the account. Do not deposit a check made out to someone else, even if they sign it over to you — E*TRADE will reject it. The check must also be a U.S. check drawn on a U.S. bank; foreign checks cannot be deposited through mobile deposit.
Do not deposit the same check twice or alter the check in any way. If you photograph a check for mobile deposit and then decide to mail it as well, E*TRADE will catch the duplicate and reverse one of the deposits. Altering the amount, payee name, or any other detail on the check is considered fraud and can result in account closure and legal action.
What to Do If Your Check Deposit Does Not Post
If you submitted a check and it has not posted within the expected timeframe, log into your account and check the deposit history. Most accounts show pending deposits with an expected posting date. If the deposit shows as pending, wait until that date passes. If it shows as rejected or failed, the app or your account history will usually explain why — common reasons include a blurry image, a check made out to the wrong name, or exceeding your daily limit.
If the deposit was rejected, you can resubmit it if the problem was a photo quality issue, or you can try a different deposit method. If you cannot figure out why it was rejected, contact E*TRADE customer service through the app, by phone, or through your online account. Have the check in front of you when you call so you can provide details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a check to show up in my E*TRADE checking account?
Mobile deposits and ATM deposits usually post within one to two business days. Mailed checks take five to seven business days from the time E*TRADE receives them. The exact timing depends on when you submit the deposit and whether it is a weekday or weekend.
Can I deposit a check made out to my business into my personal E*TRADE checking account?
No. The check must be made payable to you personally, or to you and another person on the account. If you have a business, you need a business checking account to deposit business checks. Personal and business accounts are separate.
What if the check is damaged or torn?
If the damage is minor and does not affect the readability of the check number, amount, or routing information, mobile deposit may still work. If the damage is significant, try mailing the check instead, or contact the person who issued it and ask for a replacement check.
Do I need to endorse the check before I deposit it?
For mobile deposit, you should write your account number on the back in the endorsement area, but a signature is not always required. For ATM and mailed deposits, write your account number on the back. Some banks require a signature; E*TRADE will let you know if yours does.
Can I deposit a check if I do not have the physical check in front of me?
No. You must have the actual check to photograph it for mobile deposit or to mail it. You cannot deposit a check based on the check number or amount alone.