The three ways to deposit a check
You can deposit a check in person at a branch, through your bank's mobile app, or at an ATM. In-person deposits clear the same day if you go before the branch closes. Mobile deposits and ATM deposits usually clear within one business day, though some banks take two. The fastest route depends on when you need the money and whether your bank charges a fee for each method.
Most banks now offer mobile check deposit as part of their standard account, which means you photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through their app. ATM deposits work similarly but use a machine instead—you insert the check and the ATM reads it. In-person deposits at a teller are still the most reliable if the check is damaged, post-dated, or written for an unusual amount.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile deposits require you to photograph both sides of the check clearly, endorse the back, and submit through your bank's app—most take one business day to clear.
- ATM deposits work 24/7 at most banks, but the machine must be owned by your bank or a partner network, and you cannot use a competitor's ATM.
- In-person deposits at a branch teller clear the same day if you arrive before closing, but require you to visit during business hours.
- All deposits require you to endorse the check by signing the back, and most banks will reject a check if the signature is missing or illegible.
- Checks typically clear within one to two business days, but the funds may be held longer if the check is large, from an unfamiliar bank, or if your account is new.
Mobile check deposit step by step
Open your bank's mobile app and look for "Deposit a Check" or "Mobile Deposit" in the menu. You will need to sign the back of the check first—write your signature on the endorsement line at the bottom. Then photograph the front of the check in good lighting, making sure all four corners and all text are visible in the frame. Take a second photo of the back showing your signature. The app will ask you to confirm the check amount and the account you want to deposit into.
Submit the deposit and wait for a confirmation message. Most banks will tell you the expected clear date right away—usually one business day. Do not deposit the check again at an ATM or branch, and do not throw it away immediately. Keep the check for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it. Some banks require you to write "Mobile Deposit Only" on the back of the check before photographing it, so check your bank's instructions first.
If the photo is blurry, the amount is unclear, or the signature is missing, the app will reject the deposit and ask you to try again. If the deposit is rejected twice, take the check to a branch or ATM instead.
ATM check deposits and what to expect
Find an ATM owned by your bank or a partner network—using a competitor's ATM will not work for deposits. Insert your debit card and enter your PIN. Select "Deposit" from the menu, then choose "Check" as the deposit type. The machine will ask you to insert the check face-up into the slot. Make sure you have already signed the back of the check before you start.
The ATM will scan the check and display the amount on the screen. Verify that the amount is correct, then confirm the deposit. The machine will return the check to you or keep it depending on your bank's system. If it returns the check, keep it for 30 days. If it keeps the check, you will receive a receipt with a confirmation number—save this receipt.
ATM deposits usually clear within one business day, though some banks take two. If the ATM rejects the check, it will tell you why—common reasons are a missing signature, a post-dated check, or a check that is too old. If the machine keeps rejecting it, take the check to a branch instead.
In-person deposits at a bank branch
Bring your check and your debit card or account number to any branch of your bank during business hours. Sign the back of the check if you have not already. Hand the check to the teller and tell them which account you want to deposit it into. The teller will scan the check, verify the amount, and give you a receipt showing the deposit and the new account balance.
In-person deposits clear the same day if you deposit before the branch closes, which means the funds will be available in your account by the next morning. If you deposit after hours or on a weekend, the deposit will be processed the next business day. Some banks offer Saturday hours, so check your branch's schedule if you need to deposit on a weekend.
How long checks take to clear and when you can use the money
A check typically clears within one to two business days after you deposit it. This means the bank has received the funds from the check writer's bank and the money is now yours. However, the bank may place a hold on the funds, which means you cannot withdraw or spend the money even though the check has cleared. Holds are most common on large checks, checks from banks outside your bank's network, or if your account is new.
Federal law allows banks to hold checks for up to five business days, but most banks hold for one to two days. Your bank should tell you the hold period when you deposit the check. If you need the money sooner, ask the teller whether the bank will release the funds early—some banks will for customers with good account history.
If the check bounces because the check writer does not have enough money in their account, the bank will reverse the deposit and charge you a fee, usually between $10 and $35. The money will be removed from your account, and you will be responsible for collecting the check from the person who wrote it.
Endorsing the check correctly
Turn the check over to the back and look for the endorsement line—it is usually a white box at the top with text that says "Endorse here" or similar. Sign your name on this line using the same signature you use on your bank account. Do not write anything else on the endorsement line unless your bank's instructions tell you to.
If you are depositing the check through mobile app or ATM, make sure your signature is dark enough to be readable in the photograph or scan. If the signature is too light or illegible, the bank may reject the deposit. If you are depositing in person at a branch, the teller will verify your signature matches the one on your account.
Some banks require you to write "For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For ATM Deposit Only" below your signature if you are using those methods. Check your bank's mobile app or website for specific instructions before you deposit.
What to do if a check deposit is rejected
If a mobile app or ATM rejects your deposit, the most common reasons are a missing or illegible signature, a blurry or incomplete photo, a post-dated check, or a check that is older than six months. Read the rejection message carefully—it will usually tell you what went wrong. Fix the problem and try again, or take the check to a branch instead.
If a branch teller rejects a check, ask them why. Common reasons include a missing signature, a check written to someone else, a check with alterations or damage, or a check from a closed account. If the check is damaged or altered, contact the person who wrote it and ask for a new check. If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), you can still deposit it, but the bank will not clear it until that date arrives.
If you have deposited a check and it later bounces, the bank will notify you and reverse the deposit. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to provide a new check or payment method. If they refuse or cannot pay, you may need to pursue the debt through small claims court or a collection agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check written to someone else?
No. A check must be deposited into an account in the name of the person it is written to. If someone gives you a check written to them, they must endorse it to you by signing the back and writing "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. Not all banks accept third-party checks, so call your bank first to ask whether they will process it.
What if I lose the check after I deposit it through mobile app?
Keep the check for at least 30 days after you deposit it. If the bank needs to verify the deposit, they will ask you for it. After 30 days, you can safely throw it away. If you lose it before 30 days, contact your bank and let them know—they can usually retrieve the image they scanned when you deposited it.
Why is my check on hold and when will the money be available?
Banks place holds on checks to protect themselves in case the check bounces. Holds are most common on large checks, checks from out-of-state banks, or new accounts. Federal law allows holds up to five business days, but most banks hold for one to two days. Your bank should have told you the hold date when you deposited the check. If you need the money sooner, ask your bank whether they will release it early.
Can I deposit a post-dated check?
Yes, you can deposit a post-dated check immediately, but the bank will not clear it until the date on the check arrives. For example, if you deposit a check dated three weeks in the future, the bank will hold it and process it on that date. Some banks will reject post-dated checks, so call your bank first if you are unsure.
What happens if the check amount is wrong on the ATM receipt?
Contact your bank immediately with your receipt and the check. If the ATM scanned the wrong amount, the bank can correct it. If the check itself has an error—for example, the written amount does not match the number amount—the bank may reject the deposit or contact you to confirm which amount is correct.