The basic steps for depositing a check
To deposit a check, you need to sign the back of it, take it to your bank or credit union, and hand it to a teller or use an ATM or mobile app if your bank offers those options. The teller or machine scans the check, you confirm the amount, and the money appears in your account — usually within one to three business days, though sometimes longer depending on the check's origin.
The reason banks hold checks for a few days is that they need to contact the bank where the check was written to confirm the money is actually there. This is called check clearing. Until the check clears, the money is not yet yours to spend, even though your account balance may show it.
Most banks let you deposit checks in three ways: in person at a branch, at an ATM, or through a mobile app on your phone. Which option you use depends on what your bank offers and what is most convenient for you.
Key Takeaways
- You must sign the back of the check before depositing it, in the white space at the bottom of the back side.
- Checks usually take one to three business days to clear, meaning the money is not available to spend until then, even if your balance shows it.
- You can deposit checks in person at a branch, at an ATM, or through your bank's mobile app, depending on what your bank offers.
- If you deposit a check and withdraw the money before it clears, your bank may charge you a fee and the check may bounce.
Signing the back of the check
The back of the check has a white space at the bottom with lines for your signature. This space is called the endorsement area. You must sign your name here before the bank will accept the check. Use the same name that appears on your bank account.
Some banks ask you to write your account number below your signature. Check with your bank first — some require it, some do not. If you are unsure, ask the teller or check your bank's website.
Never sign a check that is made out to someone else and try to deposit it into your own account. Banks will reject it. If someone gives you a check made out to them and wants you to deposit it, they must sign it and add "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature, then you sign below. This is called a third-party check, and many banks no longer accept them because of fraud risk.
Depositing in person at a branch
Walk into your bank during business hours with your check and your debit card or ID. Tell the teller you want to deposit the check. Hand them the signed check and your card. They will scan it, show you the amount on their screen, and ask which account to deposit it into if you have more than one.
The teller will give you a receipt showing the check amount and the date. Keep this receipt until the check clears and appears in your account. If something goes wrong — the check bounces, for example — you will have proof of when you deposited it.
If you do not have time to visit during business hours, many banks have ATMs that accept check deposits, even at night and on weekends.
Using an ATM to deposit a check
Not all ATMs accept checks, so check your bank's website or app first to find an ATM that does. When you arrive at the machine, insert your debit card and enter your PIN. Select "Deposit" from the menu, then "Check" or "Checks."
The machine will ask you to insert the check into a slot, usually face-up or face-down depending on the machine. Follow the on-screen instructions. The ATM will scan the check, show you the amount, and ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the check goes into a find box inside the machine and your receipt prints out.
ATM deposits usually take the same one to three business days to clear as in-person deposits. Some banks process ATM deposits more slowly, so check your bank's policy. The receipt will tell you when to expect the money.
Depositing through your bank's mobile app
Many banks now let you deposit checks using your phone. Open your bank's app, look for "Deposit" or "Mobile Check Deposit," and follow the prompts. You will need to take a photo of the front and back of the check using your phone's camera.
Make sure the photos are clear and show the entire check — all four corners should be visible. The app will show you what it read from the check and ask you to confirm the amount and which account to deposit into. Once you confirm, the check is submitted.
Mobile deposits usually take one to three business days to clear, the same as other methods. Some banks process them faster. After you submit the check through the app, write "Deposited via mobile" on the back of the physical check and keep it for at least 30 days in case your bank needs to verify it. Do not deposit the same check twice.
What happens while the check clears
After you deposit a check, your bank sends it to the bank where the check was written. That bank checks whether the account has enough money and whether the account is still open. This process is called clearing and usually takes one to three business days.
During this time, your bank may show the money in your account as "pending" or "available" — the language varies by bank. Pending means the money is not yet yours to spend. If you withdraw it before the check clears and the check bounces (meaning there is not enough money in the other account), your bank will remove the money from your account and charge you a fee, usually between $25 and $35.
To be safe, do not spend money from a deposited check until your bank confirms it has cleared. Your app or online banking will show the status. When the check clears, the money moves from "pending" to "available" or the pending label disappears.
What to do if a check bounces
A check bounces when the account it was written from does not have enough money, the account is closed, or the signature does not match bank records. If this happens, your bank will remove the deposit from your account and charge you a fee.
Your bank will notify you by email, text, or letter. Contact the person or business that gave you the check and ask them to provide a new check or repay you another way. If they refuse, you may need to take them to small claims court, though this is expensive and time-consuming.
To avoid bounced checks, ask the person giving you the check whether they are sure the money is in their account. For large amounts, ask them to get a cashier's check instead — that is a check the bank itself guarantees, so it cannot bounce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?
Only if that person signs it first and writes "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. Many banks no longer accept these third-party checks because of fraud. Call your bank before you try — they may refuse it even with proper signatures.
How long does a check take to clear?
Usually one to three business days. Checks from other banks or out of state may take longer. Your bank's website or app will show you the expected date. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.
What if I need the money right away?
Some banks let you withdraw part of a deposited check before it clears, but you risk a fee if it bounces. Ask your bank what their policy is. The safest option is to ask the person who wrote the check to give you cash or a cashier's check instead.
Do I need to keep the physical check after I deposit it?
Yes, keep it for at least 30 days in case your bank needs to verify it. After that, you can destroy it. Write "Deposited" on the back so no one can cash it twice by mistake.
What if the check is damaged or torn?
Most banks will still accept a check if the damage is minor and all the important information is readable — the amount, date, signature, and account number. If large pieces are missing, the bank may reject it. Ask the teller or call your bank's customer service line first.