Yes, you can deposit a personal check into your bank account
A personal check is a written payment from one person to another, signed by the person whose name appears on the check. You can deposit it into your own bank account at most banks and credit unions. The check must be made out to you (or to you and someone else), and you will need to endorse it—sign the back—before the deposit goes through.
The deposit process is straightforward, but the money does not arrive instantly. Banks place a hold on checks, meaning the funds are not available right away while the bank verifies the check is real and the account it is drawn from has enough money. How long the hold lasts depends on the bank and the check amount.
Key Takeaways
- Personal checks must be made out to you by name; you cannot deposit a check made out to someone else without their signature on the back.
- You must sign the back of the check (endorse it) before depositing; many banks also require you to write your account number on the back.
- Banks place holds on checks, typically one to five business days, during which the money is not available to withdraw.
- You can deposit checks in person at a branch, through a mobile app (mobile deposit), or at an ATM, depending on your bank.
- If the check bounces because the account it came from has no funds, the bank will reverse the deposit and may charge you a fee.
How to endorse a check before depositing
Endorsement means signing the back of the check to authorize the deposit. Turn the check over to the blank side. On the line marked "Endorse here," sign your name exactly as it appears on the front of the check. This is your legal authorization to deposit it.
Many banks also ask you to write your account number below your signature. Some banks require you to write "For deposit only" above your signature as a security measure—this prevents someone else from cashing the check if it is lost. Check your bank's requirements before you deposit; the teller or app will tell you what is needed.
Deposit methods: branch, mobile app, or ATM
Most banks offer at least two ways to deposit a check. In-person deposit at a branch is the most direct: hand the endorsed check to a teller, and they process it immediately. You will receive a receipt showing the deposit amount and when funds will be available.
Mobile deposit (also called remote deposit) lets you photograph the front and back of the check using your bank's app on your phone. You take two photos, submit them, and the bank processes the deposit without you visiting a branch. This is the fastest and most common method for most people. The app will tell you when the funds are expected to arrive.
ATM deposit is available at some banks. You insert the endorsed check into the ATM's deposit slot, and it scans and deposits the check. Not all ATMs accept checks, so check your bank's website or app to find one that does.
How long the bank holds a check
A hold is a temporary delay before the money becomes available in your account. During the hold, the bank is verifying that the check is legitimate and that the account it is drawn from has sufficient funds. The hold period varies by bank and check amount.
For most personal checks under $5,000, the hold is typically one to three business days. Larger checks or checks from banks outside your bank's network may have longer holds—up to five business days. Some banks offer next-business-day availability for checks deposited before a certain time (usually 2 p.m.). Check your bank's hold policy in the deposit receipt or on its website.
The hold does not mean the deposit failed. The money will arrive automatically once the hold expires, provided the check clears. You can usually see the pending deposit in your account immediately, but you cannot withdraw it until the hold lifts.
What happens if the check bounces
A bounced check (also called a returned check) occurs when the account the check is drawn from does not have enough money to cover it. The bank that issued the check returns it unpaid, and your bank reverses the deposit—the money disappears from your account.
When a check bounces, your bank may charge you a returned-check fee, typically $10 to $35, depending on your bank and account type. The person who wrote the check is also responsible for the bounce and may face fees from their own bank. If you deposited a check and it bounced, contact the person who wrote it and ask them to provide a new check or payment method.
You will be notified of the bounce by email, text, or account notification, usually within one to three business days after the hold period ends. Check your bank's notification settings to make sure you receive alerts.
Checks made out to multiple people
If a check is made out to you and another person (for example, "Pay to the order of John Smith and Jane Doe"), both people must endorse it. Each person signs the back of the check. The check can then be deposited into either person's account, but both signatures are required.
If the check says "and/or" instead of "and," either person can deposit it alone. If you are unsure whether both signatures are needed, ask your bank before attempting the deposit.
Checks made out to the wrong name or a business
You cannot deposit a check made out to someone else, even if they give you permission. The check must be made out to you by name. If someone writes a check to the wrong person by mistake, they need to contact their bank and stop payment on that check, then write a new one with the correct name.
If you have a business and receive a check made out to your business name, you will need a business bank account to deposit it. Personal checks made out to a business name cannot be deposited into a personal account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else if they sign the back?
No. The check must be made out to you by name on the front. A signature from the original payee on the back does not change this. If someone wants to give you money via check, they must write a new check with your name on it.
What if I deposit a check and then the account it came from closes?
If the account closes before the check clears, the check will bounce. Your bank will reverse the deposit and charge a returned-check fee. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask for a replacement payment method.
Can I deposit a check that is dated in the future?
Legally, you should not deposit a check dated in the future (called a post-dated check) before that date. Many banks will reject it or hold it until the date arrives. Ask the person who wrote the check if they meant to date it for today instead.
How do I know if my mobile deposit went through?
Your bank's app will show a confirmation screen immediately after you submit the photos. You will also receive an email or in-app notification confirming the deposit. The app will display the expected availability date for the funds. If you do not see a confirmation within a few minutes, contact your bank.
What if the check is torn or damaged?
A slightly damaged check can usually still be deposited, but a severely torn or water-damaged check may be rejected. If the check is unreadable or the signature is damaged, ask the person who wrote it for a replacement. For mobile deposit, make sure both the front and back are clearly visible in your photos.