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Millions of Americans regularly use mobile banking, including the ability to deposit checks with a mobile device. Depositing checks with a smartphone, a tablet, or another mobile device is fast, easy, secure, and convenient—and eliminates the need to visit a branch or ATM. Plus, your money is normally available within a couple of business days.
Among the key steps required for making mobile check deposits are:
- Endorsing the check
- Choosing the account where you want to deposit the check
- Entering the amount of the check
Read our step-by-step guide for making mobile check deposits.
- Properly endorse a check to ensure it’s correctly deposited via a mobile device.
- Be sure images of a check are clear, to prevent delays in accessing your deposit.
- Financial institutions typically require images of both the front and the back of your check.
- Shred a check or otherwise destroy it once your mobile deposit has been confirmed.
1. Download your bank’s app
If you haven’t downloaded your financial institution’s mobile app, you’ll need to do this before you can make a mobile deposit. You typically can find your bank’s app on the App Store (Apple devices) and Google Play (Android devices) platforms.
2. Endorse the check
In the endorsement section on the back of the check, sign your name using a pen with black or blue ink. Under the signature, you may be required to write something like “For mobile deposit only.” Some checks feature a preprinted box for indicating a mobile deposit, but checking this box won’t fulfill a financial institution’s “For mobile deposit only” requirement.
3. Open the bank app on your mobile device and select the mobile deposit function
After you’ve endorsed the check, open your bank’s app on your mobile device and then choose the function for making a deposit.
4. Choose the account where you want to deposit the check
You’ll be given the option to pick which account will receive the deposit, such as your checking or savings account.
5. Enter the check amount
Make sure the dollar amount on the check is correct before you snap photos of it. For instance, if the check is made out for $375.75, don’t round up the number to $376. The number you plug in to the app should match the exact amount of the check.
6. Take clear pictures of the check with your mobile device
To ensure there are no glitches with your mobile deposit, take pictures of the check in a well-lit area and on a flat surface that’s clear and dark. Be sure that the check is fully within the frame that you see and that nothing else is visible. You’ll be directed to snap a picture of the front and back of the check.
If the images you’ve taken are blurry, retake them by slowly moving closer to or farther away from the check so it’s in better focus. Your bank might reject the check if the images are out of focus.
7. Review the deposit details, then hit submit
Review deposit details that have been captured, such as the amount of the check, and change any information that’s incorrect. Once you’re sure all the information is accurate, submit the check to your bank and wait for its confirmation of the deposit.
More Tips for Making Mobile Check Deposits
Here are additional suggestions for making mobile check deposits.
Know Your Bank’s Mobile Check Deposit Limits
Most financial institutions put daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the total amount of dollars that can be deposited with a mobile app. If you exceed those limits, you may need to visit a branch to deposit a check.
Learn When Your Money Will Be Available
Money from a mobile deposit is generally available within one or two business days, depending on the time of the deposit and the amount of the check. It might take longer, though, if your financial institution puts a hold on the check for any number of reasons.
Keep the Check Until It’s Been Processed
Safely store the check until you see the entire amount of the deposit show up in your account’s list of past or recent transactions.
Shred the Check Once It’s Cleared
Once the check has cleared, destroy it right away by shredding it or using another secure method.
How Long Does It Take to Clear a Mobile Check Deposit?
Most mobile check deposits clear within one to two business days.
Is Mobile Check Depositing Safe?
Depositing a check via a mobile app is safe. Check data is encrypted when it’s sent to your bank, and check images aren’t stored on your mobile device.
What Banks Have Mobile Check Deposit?
Among the banks that offer mobile check deposits are Bank of America, Chase Bank, Citibank, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo. Many other banks offer mobile check deposit, which is an increasingly common feature.
Can I Mobile Deposit Someone Else’s Check?
Some banks and credit unions allow a mobile deposit of someone else’s check (known as a third-party check), while others prohibit it (including Bank of America and U.S. Bank).
The Bottom Line
Mobile deposit allows you to quickly, conveniently, and safely deposit a check in your bank account without going to a branch or ATM. To make sure the process goes smoothly, follow the right steps, such as properly endorsing the check and taking clear photos of it.