The fastest way depends on whether you use your phone or visit a branch
You can deposit a check three ways: by photographing it with your phone, by mailing it to your bank, or by walking into a branch. Mobile deposit is fastest—the photo reaches your bank within minutes, and the funds usually clear within one to two business days. A branch deposit is instant if you hand it to a teller, but requires you to be there during business hours. Mailing takes the longest, typically five to seven business days from the day your bank receives it.
Which method you choose depends on how soon you need the money and whether your bank offers mobile deposit. Most banks and credit unions now support it, but some smaller institutions or older accounts may not. Check your bank's app or website to see what options are available to you.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile deposit requires two photos—the front and back of the check—and takes one to two business days to clear.
- You must endorse the check (sign the back) before photographing it, and some banks require you to write "for mobile deposit only" below your signature.
- Branch deposits are instant but only work during business hours; ATM deposits (if your bank offers them) take one to two business days like mobile deposit.
- Mailed checks take five to seven business days from receipt and carry a small risk of loss in transit.
- Once a check is deposited, do not cash it again or deposit it elsewhere—doing so is fraud and can result in overdraft fees or criminal charges.
How to use mobile deposit on your phone
Open your bank's app and look for a "deposit" or "mobile deposit" option in the menu. You will be asked to enter the check amount and the account you want to deposit into. Then take two clear photos: one of the front of the check and one of the back. The photos must show all four corners of the check and be in focus. Make sure the lighting is good enough that the bank's routing number, account number, and amount are all readable.
Before you photograph the check, sign the back of it. Write your signature on the back left side, where it says "endorse here." Some banks require you to also write "for mobile deposit only" below your signature. Check your bank's instructions to see if this is required. Once you have submitted both photos, your bank will send you a confirmation. Keep the physical check for at least 30 days in case your bank needs to verify it, then destroy it by shredding or tearing it up.
The funds will be held as "pending" for one to two business days while your bank processes the image and verifies the amount. During this time, the money is not yet available to spend. Once the hold lifts, the deposit is complete and you can use the funds.
Depositing a check at an ATM or branch
If your bank has an ATM that accepts deposits, you can insert the check directly into the machine. The ATM will scan it and ask you to confirm the amount. Once you confirm, the check is deposited and the transaction is complete on screen—but the funds still take one to two business days to clear, just like mobile deposit. You do not need to endorse the check for an ATM deposit; the machine handles that automatically.
At a branch, hand the check and your debit card or ID to a teller. Tell them which account you want to deposit into. The teller will scan the check, confirm the amount with you, and the deposit is done. The funds are available immediately—you can withdraw or spend them the same day. This is the only method that gives you instant access to the money.
Mailing a check to your bank
Write your account number on the back of the check, below your signature. Include a deposit slip if your bank provided one, or write a simple note with your name, account number, and the amount of the check. Put the check and note in an envelope and mail it to the address on your bank's website or the back of your debit card.
The check will arrive at your bank's processing center in three to five business days, depending on mail speed and distance. Once received, the bank scans it and deposits it to your account. The funds then take one to two more business days to clear. In total, expect five to seven business days from the day you mail it until the money is available.
Mailing is the slowest option and carries a small risk: the check could be lost or delayed in the mail. Use this method only when you do not need the money quickly and have no other option.
What happens if the check bounces or is rejected
If the check writer does not have enough money in their account, the check will bounce. Your bank will reverse the deposit and remove the funds from your account. If you already spent the money, you will be overdrawn. Your bank may charge you an overdraft fee, typically $25 to $35. The check writer's bank will also charge them a fee for the bounced check.
You can contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write you a new one or pay you another way. If they refuse or you cannot reach them, you have the right to take them to small claims court to recover the amount, but this is time-consuming and may not be worth it for a small check.
Some banks offer overdraft protection, which means they will cover the shortfall with a loan or transfer from another account. Check whether your account has this feature; if it does, you will avoid the overdraft fee, but you may owe interest on the borrowed amount.
Never deposit or cash the same check twice
Once you deposit a check, do not try to cash it at another bank or deposit it again. Depositing the same check twice is check fraud, even if you do it by accident. Your bank will catch it during processing and reverse one of the deposits. If you have already spent the money from both deposits, you will be overdrawn and owe your bank the full amount plus overdraft fees.
If you deposit a check by mobile and then accidentally deposit the physical check at a branch, tell your bank immediately. Explain that it was a mistake and ask them to reverse one of the deposits before the second one clears. The sooner you report it, the easier it is to fix. If your bank discovers the duplicate on their own, they may report it to law enforcement, and you could face criminal charges for fraud.
Checks that are stale or damaged
A check is considered stale if it is more than six months old. Banks are not required to accept stale checks, and many will refuse them. If you have an old check, contact the person who wrote it and ask for a new one dated within the last six months.
If a check is torn, water-damaged, or otherwise hard to read, your bank may reject it. If the routing number, account number, or amount is not clearly visible, the bank cannot process it safely. Ask the check writer for a replacement. Do not try to tape the check back together or write over damaged areas—this makes it look altered and banks will refuse it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?
Mobile deposit and ATM deposits take one to two business days. Branch deposits are instant. Mailed checks take five to seven business days total. The exact timing depends on your bank and the check writer's bank. Business days do not include weekends or federal holidays.
Can I deposit a check if I do not have the physical check with me?
No. You must have the actual check to deposit it, whether by mobile, ATM, branch, or mail. You cannot deposit a check based on a photo or description alone. If you lost the check, contact the person who wrote it and ask for a replacement.
What if my bank app says my check deposit was rejected?
Common reasons include poor photo quality, a missing or illegible signature, the check being stale or damaged, or insufficient funds in the check writer's account. Your bank will send you a message explaining why. If the photos were unclear, you can try depositing again. If the check is stale or damaged, ask the writer for a new one.
Do I need to endorse a check for mobile deposit?
Yes. Sign the back of the check before photographing it. Some banks also require you to write "for mobile deposit only" below your signature. Check your bank's app or website for their specific requirements.
What should I do with the physical check after mobile deposit?
Keep it for at least 30 days in case your bank needs to verify it. After 30 days, shred or tear it up so no one else can try to cash it. Do not throw it in the trash whole, as someone could retrieve it and attempt to deposit it again.