The three ways to deposit a check into Chase

You can deposit a check into your Chase checking account in three ways: at a Chase ATM, at a Chase branch with a teller, or through the Chase mobile app from your phone. The mobile app is the fastest if you have it set up — you photograph both sides of the check and it usually clears within one business day. ATMs work any time the machine is available, and teller deposits are the most direct if you prefer to hand the check to a person.

All three methods require the same basic things: your Chase debit card or account number, the check itself, and (for mobile deposits) a smartphone with the Chase app installed. The check must be made out to you or to you and someone else, and it cannot be a third-party check — meaning it cannot be made out to someone else and then signed over to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile check deposits through the Chase app photograph both sides of the check and usually clear within one business day.
  • Chase ATMs accept check deposits 24/7 at any Chase location, and you do not need to speak to anyone.
  • Teller deposits at a Chase branch give you a receipt when ready and let you ask questions about the deposit.
  • The check must be made out to you or to you and another person — Chase will not accept third-party checks.
  • Checks deposited after 9 p.m. or on weekends are typically processed the next business day.

Depositing a check through the Chase mobile app

Open the Chase mobile app on your phone and log in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select "Deposit a Check." The app will ask you which account to deposit into — choose your checking account. You will then see instructions to photograph the front and back of the check.

Place the check on a flat, well-lit surface. Use your phone's camera to take a photo of the front side, making sure all four corners and the entire check are visible in the frame. Tap the checkmark to confirm the photo is clear, then photograph the back side the same way. The app will show you both images — review them to make sure they are readable, then tap "Submit Deposit."

Chase will send you a confirmation message, usually within minutes. The funds typically appear in your account within one business day, though it can take up to two business days depending on when you deposit and the amount. Once the deposit clears, you will see it listed in your transaction history with the check number and amount.

Using a Chase ATM to deposit a check

Find a Chase ATM at any Chase branch or in some retail locations. Insert your Chase debit card and enter your PIN. Select "Deposit" from the main menu, then choose "Check Deposit" from the options shown.

The ATM will display a slot where you insert the check. Slide the check in face-up and front-side-first, following any on-screen instructions. The machine will scan the check and display the amount it read — verify this matches the check amount. If it is correct, confirm the deposit. If the amount is wrong, the ATM will return the check and you can try again or use a different method.

The ATM will print a receipt showing the deposit amount, the date, and your account balance. Keep this receipt until the deposit appears in your online account, usually within one business day. If you do not receive a confirmation in your Chase app or online banking within 24 hours, contact Chase customer service with your receipt.

Depositing a check at a Chase branch with a teller

Walk into any Chase branch during business hours with your check and your debit card or ID. Tell the teller you want to deposit a check into your checking account. Hand them the check and your card or ID so they can verify your account.

The teller will scan the check, confirm the amount with you, and ask which account to deposit into. They will print a receipt showing the deposit amount, date, and your new account balance. This receipt is your proof of deposit — keep it for your records.

Funds from a teller deposit typically appear in your account within one business day, the same as other deposit methods. If you deposit before the branch closes, the deposit is usually processed that same day. If you deposit after hours or on a weekend, it will be processed the next business day.

What happens after you deposit the check

Once you submit your deposit through any method, Chase places a hold on the funds. A hold means the money is in your account but you cannot spend it yet while Chase verifies the check is real and the account it came from has enough money to cover it. For most personal checks, this hold lasts one business day. For larger checks or checks from out-of-state banks, the hold can last up to five business days.

You can see the deposit in your Chase app or online banking right away, but it will show as "pending" or "uncollected" until the hold lifts. Once the hold is removed, the funds are yours to spend. Chase will send you a notification when the deposit clears.

If the check bounces — meaning the account it came from does not have enough money — Chase will remove the funds from your account and charge you a returned-check fee. You will be notified by email or through your app. The person who wrote the check is responsible for making it good, but you may need to contact them directly to resolve it.

Checks that Chase will not accept

Chase will reject a check if it is made out to someone other than you, even if that person signs it over to you. These are called third-party checks, and federal banking rules prohibit most banks from accepting them. If you receive a check made out to someone else, that person must deposit it into their own account first.

Chase will also reject a check if it is damaged, illegible, or missing required information like a signature or the amount written out in words. If the check is post-dated — meaning it is dated for a future date — Chase may still accept it, but the funds will not be available until that date passes.

Checks that are very old (more than six months) may be rejected by Chase or by the bank the check came from. If you have an old check, contact the person who wrote it and ask for a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?

Most checks clear within one business day. Larger checks or checks from banks outside the United States can take up to five business days. You can see the deposit as "pending" in your account when ready, but you cannot spend the money until the hold is lifted and the status changes to "posted."

Can I deposit a check that is made out to my business?

No, not into a personal checking account. If you have a Chase business checking account, you can deposit checks made out to your business name. If you only have a personal account, the check must be made out to your personal name.

What if the ATM rejects my check?

The ATM may reject a check if it is damaged, the amount is unclear, or the image quality is poor. Try depositing it again, or use the mobile app or a teller instead. If multiple methods reject the check, contact Chase customer service — they can tell you what is wrong with it.

Do I need to sign the back of the check before depositing it?

For mobile deposits and ATM deposits, you do not need to sign the check — Chase scans it unsigned. For teller deposits, some branches ask you to sign the back in front of the teller, while others do not. Ask the teller when you arrive.

Can I deposit a check written in another country's currency?

Chase does not accept checks written in foreign currency. The check must be in U.S. dollars. If you receive a check in another currency, you will need to contact the person who wrote it and ask for a U.S. dollar check instead.