The three ways to deposit a check
You can deposit a check in person at a branch, through a mobile app, or at an ATM. In-person deposits are processed the same day if you go before the branch closes. Mobile deposits (taking a photo of the check through your bank's app) and ATM deposits typically post within one business day, though some banks take two. The fastest route depends on when you need the money and which method your bank supports.
All three methods require the same basic information: your account number, the check amount, and the check itself. The main difference is how the bank receives and processes it. In-person and ATM deposits are immediate from the bank's perspective—the teller or machine scans it right away. Mobile deposits are processed later, usually overnight, which is why they take longer to show up in your account.
Key Takeaways
- In-person deposits at a branch teller are processed the same day if you arrive before closing time.
- Mobile app deposits require you to photograph both sides of the check and typically post within one business day.
- ATM deposits work 24/7 but may take one to two business days to process, depending on your bank.
- You must endorse the back of the check (sign it) before depositing it, and some banks require you to write your account number there as well.
- Checks deposited on weekends or after business hours post on the next business day at earliest.
Depositing a check in person at a branch
Walk into your bank during business hours with your check and your debit card or ID. Tell the teller you want to deposit the check. They will ask which account to deposit it into if you have more than one. Hand them the check—it must be signed on the back by you (the person receiving the money). If you have not signed it yet, the teller will ask you to do so before they process it.
The teller scans the check, enters the amount into the system, and gives you a receipt with the deposit amount and the new account balance. The money posts to your account immediately, though it may take one to two business days to clear (meaning the check is fully processed and the money is may provide yours). Until it clears, the bank can still reverse the deposit if the check bounces. Most checks clear within one business day.
If you do not have your debit card or ID, some banks will still take the deposit if you have an account with them and the teller recognizes you. Others require ID. Call your branch ahead of time if you are unsure.
Depositing a check through your bank's mobile app
Open your bank's mobile app and look for "Mobile Deposit," "Deposit Check," or a camera icon. The app will walk you through the steps. You will need to photograph the front and back of the check. Make sure the entire check is visible in the photo—all four corners and all text must be clear. The app will show you a preview of both images before you submit.
Enter the check amount and select which account to deposit it into. Review the information one more time, then submit. The app will confirm the deposit and give you a confirmation number. The check typically posts within one business day, though some banks take two. Until it posts, you will not see the money in your account balance.
Before you take the photo, sign the back of the check. Some banks require you to write "For Mobile Deposit Only" and your account number on the back as well—check your app or your bank's website to see if yours does. After you submit the deposit through the app, do not deposit the physical check anywhere else. Keep it for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it, then destroy it by shredding or tearing it up.
Depositing a check at an ATM
Insert your debit card into an ATM that belongs to your bank. Select "Deposit" from the menu. The ATM will ask you which account to deposit into and how much money you are depositing. Endorse the check (sign the back) before you insert it into the machine. Some ATMs also ask you to write your account number on the back.
Insert the check into the slot. The machine will scan it, show you an image of both sides to confirm it read the check correctly, and ask you to verify the amount. If everything looks right, confirm the deposit. The ATM will print a receipt with the deposit amount and a confirmation number. The check typically posts within one to two business days.
ATM deposits work 24/7, which makes them useful if you need to deposit a check outside of branch hours. However, they are slower than in-person deposits because the bank processes them in batches overnight. If you need the money the same day, go to a branch teller instead.
What happens if you forget to sign the check
If you deposit an unsigned check, the bank will reject it and return it to you. For in-person deposits, the teller will catch this immediately and ask you to sign it before they process it. For mobile and ATM deposits, the check will be rejected during processing, usually within one business day. The bank will send you a notice (by mail or through your app, depending on the bank) saying the deposit failed.
Once you receive the rejection notice, sign the check and deposit it again using any of the three methods. There is no penalty for a rejected deposit—it simply means the bank did not process it. If you need the money urgently, go to a branch in person so the teller can verify your signature immediately.
When the money posts versus when the check clears
The money posting to your account and the check clearing are two different things. When you deposit a check, the bank credits your account (the money shows up in your balance) within hours to one business day, depending on the method. This is the posting date. However, the check does not fully clear until the bank receives confirmation from the check writer's bank that the account has enough money and the check is legitimate. This usually takes one to two business days.
Until the check clears, the bank can reverse the deposit if the check bounces (the account it was written from does not have enough money) or if the check is fraudulent. If you spend money before the check clears and it bounces, you will owe the bank that money. Most banks will charge you a returned-check fee, usually between $25 and $35. To be safe, wait until the check clears before spending the money, especially if it is a large amount or from someone you do not know well.
Checks deposited on weekends and holidays
If you deposit a check on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, it will not post until the next business day. For example, a check deposited on Friday evening at an ATM posts on Monday (assuming Monday is not a holiday). A check deposited on Saturday does not post until Monday. In-person deposits made after your branch closes also post the next business day.
This delay is because banks do not process deposits on weekends or holidays. The processing happens during business hours on weekdays only. If you need money urgently, deposit the check on a weekday before your branch closes for the fastest posting time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?
No. A check must be deposited into an account in the name of the person it is made out to. If someone writes you a check and you want to deposit it into your account, they must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]," then you sign below that. This is called a third-party check, and many banks no longer accept them due to fraud risk. Call your bank first to ask if they allow it.
What if the check is damaged or torn?
A slightly damaged check can usually be deposited, but the bank may reject it if the damage makes it hard to read the routing number, account number, or amount. If the check is severely torn or water-damaged, contact the person who wrote it and ask them to issue a new check. Do not try to tape the check together—banks will not accept taped checks.
How long do I need to keep the physical check after I deposit it?
Keep it for at least 30 days after you deposit it. If the bank needs to verify the deposit or if there is a dispute, they may ask you to provide the original check. After 30 days, you can destroy it by shredding or tearing it up. For mobile deposits, do not deposit the physical check anywhere else after you submit it through the app.
Can I deposit a check to someone else's account?
No. You can only deposit a check into an account that is in your name. If you want to give someone money from a check, deposit it into your account first, then transfer the money to them or give them cash. Some banks allow you to add an authorized user to your account, but that person still cannot deposit checks made out to you into their own separate account.
What if the check amount is blank or illegible?
The bank will reject the check because they cannot verify the amount. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to issue a new one with the amount clearly filled in. Do not try to fill in the amount yourself—that is considered check fraud.