The basic steps to deposit a check
To deposit a check, you need to endorse it (sign the back), take it to your bank or credit union, and hand it to a teller or use an ATM or mobile app. The bank then sends the check to the issuing bank to confirm the money is real, and the funds appear in your account — usually within one to three business days, though sometimes longer.
You do not need to be present in person for every deposit method. Many banks now let you photograph the check with your phone and submit it through their app, which is often the fastest way if you are not near a branch.
The exact steps depend on which deposit method you choose. All of them start the same way: endorsing the check.
Key Takeaways
- You must sign the back of the check before depositing it, in the space marked "Endorse here" — this is called endorsing the check.
- Most banks offer at least three ways to deposit: in person at a branch, at an ATM, or through a mobile app by photographing the check.
- Funds from a check deposit usually appear in your account within one to three business days, but can take longer depending on the check amount and your bank.
- If you make a mistake endorsing the check or the bank cannot read it, the deposit may be rejected and the check returned to you.
How to endorse a check
Endorsing means signing the back of the check to authorize the deposit. Turn the check over and look for the area marked "Endorse here" — it is usually a blank line near the top of the back side. Sign your name exactly as it appears on the front of the check.
Some banks ask you to write additional information below your signature, such as your account number or the words "For deposit only." Check your bank's instructions before you sign, because some banks have specific requirements. If you make a mistake, do not cross it out — ask your bank for a new check or deposit form.
Do not endorse the check until you are ready to deposit it. A signed check can be cashed by anyone, so keep it in a safe place.
Depositing in person at a branch
Walk into your bank or credit union during business hours with your endorsed check. Hand it to a teller along with your account number or debit card. The teller will verify the check, record the deposit, and give you a receipt showing the amount and the date.
This method is the most straightforward if you are new to banking or if you have questions about the process. The teller can also tell you when the funds will be available and answer questions about your account. If your bank is not open when you need to deposit, you can use an ATM or mobile app instead.
Using an ATM to deposit a check
Many ATMs accept check deposits. Insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select "Deposit" from the menu. The ATM will ask you to insert the endorsed check into a slot. The machine reads the check, displays the amount on the screen, and asks you to confirm. Once you confirm, the check is pulled into the machine and your receipt prints.
ATM deposits are available 24 hours a day, even when the branch is closed. However, not all ATMs accept checks — look for a sign on the machine or call your bank to find out which machines in your area have this feature. Some banks limit how many checks you can deposit at once or how much money you can deposit per day at an ATM.
Depositing through a mobile app
Most banks now offer mobile check deposit through their app. Open the app, navigate to "Deposit" or "Mobile Deposit," and follow the prompts. You will be asked to take a photo of the front of the endorsed check and then the back. Make sure the entire check is visible, the image is clear, and the text is readable. The app will show you the amount it detected and ask you to confirm before submitting.
Mobile deposit is often the fastest method because you can do it from home or anywhere with your phone. Funds sometimes appear in your account the same day, though one to three business days is more common. After you submit the deposit, write the check number and amount in your check register or banking app so you remember you deposited it.
Keep the physical check for at least a few days after the deposit clears. Do not deposit the same check twice — if the bank detects a duplicate, it will reject the second deposit and may charge you a fee.
How long it takes for the money to appear
The time between when you deposit a check and when the money is available in your account is called the hold period. For most checks, this is one to three business days. Larger checks, checks from out-of-state banks, or checks from banks the system does not recognize may take longer — sometimes up to ten business days.
Your bank is required to tell you how long the hold will be. You can ask a teller, check your deposit receipt, or look in your account settings online. Some banks offer faster availability for customers who have had an account for a certain length of time or who meet other conditions.
The money is not in your account until the hold period ends, even if you can see the deposit listed in your app. Spending money before the hold clears can result in overdraft fees if the check bounces or is rejected.
What to do if something goes wrong
If your bank rejects a deposit, you will receive a notice explaining why. Common reasons include a missing or illegible signature, a check that is too old (usually more than six months), a check with a future date, or a check that has already been deposited elsewhere.
If the signature is the problem, ask your bank whether you can re-endorse the check or if you need to contact the person who wrote it. If the check is damaged or unreadable, the bank may ask you to contact the check writer and request a new one. Keep the rejected check and the bank's notice in case you need to follow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?
No. A check must be made out to you or to you and another person together. If it is made out to someone else, that person must endorse it to you, and then you endorse it. This is called a third-party check, and many banks no longer accept them due to fraud risk. Ask your bank before attempting this.
What if I lose the check after I deposit it?
Once the deposit clears, you do not need the physical check. If you lose it before the hold period ends, contact your bank when ready. They can tell you whether the deposit has cleared and help you locate it in your account. Keep your deposit receipt until the transaction is complete.
Can I deposit a check written in another country?
Most U.S. banks do not accept checks from foreign banks. If you receive a check from outside the United States, contact your bank to ask whether they can process it. If they can, the hold period is usually much longer — sometimes several weeks — because the check must be sent overseas to clear.
What does "for deposit only" mean?
Writing "For deposit only" followed by your account number on the back of the check is a security measure. It tells anyone who sees the check that it can only be deposited into your account, not cashed. Some banks require this; others recommend it. Check your bank's instructions.
Is mobile deposit safe?
Mobile deposit is find if you use your bank's official app and a strong password. The app encrypts your photos and does not store them permanently. After the deposit clears, destroy the physical check by shredding it so no one can deposit it again.