Mobile check deposit is a service that most financial institutions offer, allowing you to deposit a paper check using your mobile device or tablet. It can take just a few moments and save you a trip to a branch or ATM.
» Don't have mobile check deposit? See our list of best checking accounts to find a new account that does
1. Get your bank’s mobile app
Download or open your bank’s app and log in using your credentials.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Can you mobile deposit a check for a large amount? Depends on your bank. For security reasons, many banks restrict the amount you can deposit remotely. See what your bank’s daily mobile deposit limits are and check for any monthly restriction as well. If you’re outside the limit, you’ll need to go to an ATM or bank or credit union branch, or by mailing the check in.2. Endorse the check
Endorse your check by signing the back of it. If the check is made out to you and someone else, you may need to have both the other person’s and your signature on the check to endorse it.
You may need to write “for remote deposit only."
3. Take clear pictures of the check with your mobile device
First, give your app permission to use your device's camera. The app will likely give you directions about how to take a quality photo but generally you’ll:
- Lay your check on a flat surface in a well-lit area on a dark background.
- Follow the rectangle on the screen, which will guide you to align the check properly for the picture.
- Steady your hands and keep the check in focus on the camera viewfinder.
- Let the app automatically capture the photo once everything is aligned (if your app does that) or use the button on the screen to take the capture. You'll need photos of both the front and back of the check.
If the check images aren’t coming out clearly, you can try a few things.
- Place the camera a few inches further above the check before taking the picture, leaving some space on all sides of the check within the camera viewfinder.
- Use a darker background for your check (like a book with a black cover).
- Clean your camera lens by wiping it with a soft cloth.
- Make sure your app is updated.
- Uninstall the app, restart your mobile device and then reinstall the app.
» Looking for more options? Check out the best online banks
4. Confirm the check details and complete the deposit
Review the check details in the app and verify the check is going to the right account and that all other information, including the amount to be deposited, is correct. Once you’re ready, tap through to complete the mobile deposit process.
5. Keep the check until it is processed
Your bank may notify you when a check is accepted for processing either through its mobile app or a follow-up email. Once you get this confirmation, consider writing “void” across the front of the check or “deposited by mobile” and holding on to the check until the deposit shows up in your account.
🤓Nerdy Tip
It may take from a day to several days for mobile checks to be processed, depending on the bank, when you made the deposit and how much you deposited. If the check is for a large amount, it may take even longer for all the funds to be available. If the money doesn’t show up in your account after a week or two, visit a bank branch and present the paper check as proof of the deposit.Are mobile check deposits safe?
Yes. Your bank app encrypts the photos you take of the check, and securely sends the images to your bank. For best practices, use a secured wifi network when you’re doing your mobile banking.
» Need an alternative? There are ways you can cash a check without a bank account
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mobile deposit any check?
Personal, business and government checks are generally accepted for mobile deposit. Other payment forms, such as international checks or money orders, might not be accepted for mobile deposit from your bank.
Can I mobile deposit an old check?
Your bank may have limits on how old a check can be before you won’t be allowed to deposit it. Generally, you shouldn’t wait longer than six months to deposit a check.
