The simplest way to deposit a check

You can deposit a check by taking it to your bank's branch in person, handing it to a teller, and they will process it for you. This is the most straightforward method and takes a few minutes. The teller will ask you which account the money should go into, and they may ask for your ID. The check will be scanned or photographed, and the funds will appear in your account — usually within one or two business days, though sometimes longer depending on the bank and the check amount.

If you cannot get to a branch during business hours, most banks now offer mobile check deposit, which means you can photograph the check using your phone and submit it through the bank's app or website from home. This is faster than waiting for a branch to open and works at any time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • You can deposit a check in person at your bank's branch by handing it to a teller, or remotely by photographing it through your bank's mobile app.
  • Before you deposit, sign the back of the check and write your account number on the back as well — this is called endorsing the check.
  • Funds from a check deposit usually appear in your account within one to two business days, though larger checks may take longer.
  • If you do not have a bank account yet, you will need to open one before you can deposit a check.

Endorsing the check before you deposit it

Endorsing means signing the back of the check to say that you are the person who should receive the money. On the back of the check, you will see a blank line or a box. Sign your name on that line, exactly as it appears on the front of the check. If the check is made out to "John Smith" and you sign it "J. Smith," the bank may ask questions.

Below your signature, write your bank account number. This tells the bank which of your accounts the money should go into. Some banks ask you to write "for deposit only" above your account number — this is an extra safety step that prevents someone else from cashing the check if it gets lost. Ask your bank whether they want you to write this phrase.

Depositing in person at a branch

Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours. Tell the teller you want to deposit a check. Hand them the endorsed check and your ID. The teller will ask which account you want the money to go into — say the name or type of account (for example, "my checking account" or "my savings account").

The teller will scan or photograph the check and may give you a receipt showing the amount and the date. Keep this receipt until the money appears in your account, in case there is a problem. The funds will usually show up within one or two business days. Some banks show the deposit when ready on your phone or computer, but the money may not be available to spend right away — this is called a hold, and it protects the bank in case the check bounces.

Depositing by phone or computer (mobile check deposit)

Most banks offer a mobile app where you can deposit a check without going to a branch. Open your bank's app on your phone, look for a "deposit" or "mobile deposit" button, and follow the steps. You will need to photograph the front and back of the endorsed check. Make sure the entire check is visible in the photo, the image is clear, and the lighting is good enough to read the numbers.

After you submit the photos, the app will show you the amount being deposited and ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the deposit is sent to the bank. You will receive a confirmation number — write this down or take a screenshot. The funds will appear in your account within one to two business days, just as they would with an in-person deposit.

Some banks limit how much you can deposit by phone in a single day or in a month. If you are depositing a large check, check your bank's app or call the bank to see if there is a limit.

What happens after you deposit the check

Once the check is deposited, the bank sends it to the check-issuing bank (the bank that the person who wrote the check uses) to confirm that the check is real and that there is enough money in that account. This process is called clearing the check. While the check is clearing, the money may show up in your account, but you may not be able to spend it yet — this is the hold mentioned earlier.

Holds usually last one to two business days for checks from other banks in the same country. If the check is from a bank in another country or is for a very large amount, the hold may be longer. Your bank will tell you when the hold ends and the money is available to spend. Once the hold ends, the money is yours and the check cannot be reversed.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you deposited a check and the money does not appear after a few business days, contact your bank. Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch. Tell them the amount of the check, the date you deposited it, and the confirmation number if you have it. The bank can look up the deposit and tell you where it is in the process.

If the check bounces — meaning the person who wrote it did not have enough money in their account — the bank will remove the money from your account and charge you a fee. You will be notified by email, text, or letter. If this happens, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write you a new one or pay you in another way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?

No. A check must be deposited into an account in the name of the person it is made out to. If someone writes you a check but makes it out to the wrong name, ask them to write a new one. Do not try to deposit a check with someone else's name on it.

How long does it take for a check to clear?

Most checks clear within one to two business days. Checks from banks in other countries or very large checks may take longer — sometimes up to ten business days. Your bank will tell you when the money is available to spend.

What if I lose the check before I deposit it?

Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to stop payment on it and write you a new one. They will need to call their bank and provide the check number, amount, and date. Once the bank stops payment, the original check cannot be cashed.

Do I have to sign the back of the check?

Yes. Your signature on the back of the check is required by law. Without it, the bank will not process the deposit. Make sure you sign it the same way your name appears on the front.

Can I deposit a check if I do not have a debit card?

Yes. You do not need a debit card to deposit a check. You just need a bank account and a way to get to a branch or access the mobile app. Bring your ID to the branch, or use your account number and password to log into the app.