With the rise of online and mobile banking, cashing checks is easier than ever. You no longer need to visit a bank branch or ATM to deposit paper checks. Instead, many banks now allow you to deposit checks remotely by submitting photos of the checks through your bank’s website or mobile app.
Cashing a check online can save you time and give you quicker access to your funds. However, there are a few things you need to know to cash a personal check online successfully.
What types of checks can I cash online?
Most banks allow you to cash the following types of checks online:
- Personal checks written to you from an individual’s bank account
- Cashier’s checks made out to you
- Government checks like tax refunds or social security checks
- Payroll checks issued to you from an employer
- Business checks issued to you from a company’s account
You usually cannot cash the following types of checks online:
- Foreign checks not issued by a U.S. bank
- Checks that are incomplete, unsigned, expired, postdated, or damaged
- Checks made out to a joint payee that requires another signature
- Checks exceeding your bank’s deposit limits
If you need to deposit any of these check types, you may have to visit a bank branch or ATM instead.
What do I need to cash a check online?
To deposit a check online, you typically need:
- An account at a bank that offers mobile or online check deposit
- The bank’s mobile app or access to online banking
- A check endorsed payable to you
- A smartphone or scanner to create image files of the check
Make sure your bank account and app are already fully set up and activated before trying to deposit a check. Also endorse the back of the check with your signature and account number. This authorizes the deposit into your account.
How do I deposit a check online using my bank’s website?
Follow these basic steps to deposit a check at your bank’s website:
- Log into your bank account through your web browser.
- Select the option to deposit a check (options vary by bank).
- Enter the check amount.
- Endorse the back of the check by signing your name and writing your account number.
- Use a scanner or smartphone camera to create clear image files of the front and back of the endorsed check.
- Upload the check images files when prompted.
- Confirm the deposit details.
Your bank will review the images and usually process the deposit within 1-2 business days. The funds may be made available sooner depending on the bank.
How do I deposit a check using my bank’s mobile app?
Use these steps to complete a check deposit with your bank’s iOS or Android app:
- Open your bank’s app on your smartphone.
- Select the option to deposit a check (options vary by app).
- Enter the check amount.
- Endorse the back of the check by signing your name and writing your account number.
- Use your smartphone camera to capture clear images of the front and back of the endorsed check.
- Upload the images within the app when prompted.
- Confirm the deposit details.
The app will submit the images to your bank for processing. Review the deposit history in your app to confirm it was received and monitor when funds become available.
How long does it take for online check deposits to process?
Most banks make funds from online check deposits available within 1-2 business days. However, holds may apply in some cases:
| Check Type | Standard Hold Time |
|---|---|
| Government check | 1 business day |
| Cashier’s check | 1 business day |
| Payroll check | 2 business days |
| Personal/business check | 2 business days up to 9 business days |
Banks have to follow certain hold periods to ensure checks successfully clear before making funds available. But in many cases, you may receive your check funds sooner than the maximum hold time. Contact your bank if a check deposit takes longer to process.
Are there deposit limits for checks cashed online?
Yes, many banks place a limit on the size of check deposits you can make online or with a mobile device.
Typical online check deposit limits are:
- $1,000 per check
- $3,000 per day
- $5,000 per month
The specific limits depend on your bank and account history. Limits are usually higher for customers who have a long positive history with the bank.
If you need to deposit a check that exceeds your bank’s online limit, you may have to visit a branch to complete the deposit in person.
Are there fees to deposit checks online?
Most banks do not charge fees for online check deposits.
However, some accounts may charge fees in certain cases, like:
- A per-deposit fee (typically $0.50-$1.00)
- A percentage of the check amount (around 2-5%)
- Fees if you exceed the number of free monthly deposits
Be sure to understand your specific account fees before depositing checks online. Fees are usually detailed in your account agreement.
How can I endorse a check for online deposit?
Endorsing a check means signing the back of it. For online check deposits, endorse the check by:
- Signing your name.
- Writing your account number below your signature.
- Writing “For mobile deposit only” or something similar.
- Filing out any other fields required by your bank.
This endorses the check funds to be deposited into your account. Do not use any kind of marker that could smear or leave ink on the check images.
How do I take good check photos for online deposit?
Taking clear photos is key for online check deposit success. Follow these best practices:
- Lay the check on a flat dark surface to create good contrast.
- Fit all four corners fully in the camera frame.
- Keep the check aligned with no skewing or curvature.
- Ensure the images are in focus with no motion blur.
- Capture images in a well-lit area with no shadows.
- Take photos of both the front and back of the endorsed check.
Try taking a few images and review them before submitting to ensure readability. Adjust lighting or camera distance as needed.
What happens if my check images are blurry or rejected?
If your check images are too blurry or do not meet your bank’s image standards, the online deposit will be rejected. Common issues that lead to rejections include:
- Blurry photos where check details cannot be read
- Photos with glare or shadows obscuring information
- Only submitting a front image and missing the back image
- Submitting images of the wrong check side (two fronts or two backs)
- Photos with torn edges or missing check details
If your deposit gets rejected, you will need to re-take clear photos of the check and submit them again. You may have to deposit the check another way if you are unable to capture better images.
What can I do if I’m having trouble with online check deposit?
Some common troubleshooting tips if you face any issues depositing checks online include:
- Update your banking app and/or mobile device operating system.
- Ensure your device camera and scanner are clean.
- Check your device storage and delete old images if needed.
- Make sure you have adequate lighting and steady hands when capturing check photos.
- Carefully review the images before submitting for readability.
- Confirm you entered the correct deposit account and check amount.
- Contact your bank if issues persist.
Is online check deposit secure?
Yes, depositing checks online is generally safe and secure when using your bank’s official website or mobile app. Security measures include:
- Encryption of all check images and data in transit and storage
- Fraud monitoring of deposits by your bank
- Account logins protected by passwords or biometrics
- Deposit confirmations and communication via official bank channels
Never photograph or email checks directly to individuals, which increases fraud risk. Only submit check images through the official bank website or app.
Can someone steal my check information if I deposit online?
It’s highly unlikely for your check information to be stolen during online deposit. Banks utilize encryption, network security, firewalls, and other measures to secure your data. Checks are also quickly processed from images to real deposits behind the scenes.
As an extra precaution, destroy paper checks after your deposit is confirmed. Also, only deposit checks using a personal device vs. public computer. But in general, fraud risks are very low with online check deposits.
What are the pros and cons of depositing checks online?
Benefits of online check deposit include:
- Saves trips to the bank or ATM
- May get access to funds faster
- Convenient 24/7 deposit capability
- Easy to deposit from anywhere
- Avoids risk of lost or stolen checks in transit
Potential downsides include:
- Image quality issues can delay deposits
- Limits on deposit frequency and dollar amounts
- Possible holds on check funds availability
- Need a smartphone or scanner for imaging
Weigh the advantages and disadvantages based on your specific banking needs.
Is it better to deposit in person or online?
Online check deposit is typically better and more convenient for most people. However, visiting a bank branch may be preferable in certain cases, like:
- You need to deposit cash or coins along with your check.
- Your check amount exceeds your bank’s online limit.
- You are depositing an older or oddly sized check.
- Your scanner or camera cannot capture good check images.
- You prefer in-person banking for large or complex transactions.
Evaluate whether you value the ease of online deposit or personalized service at a branch.
Can I deposit money orders or other financial instruments online?
Many banks only accept personal, business, or official checks for online deposit. Money orders, traveler’s checks, bonds, and foreign currency often cannot be deposited remotely.
Contact your bank to understand specifically which financial instruments they allow for online deposit. Any excluded items would need to be deposited in person at a branch.
Are mobile check deposits more successful than desktop?
Mobile check deposit using a banking app tends to have higher success rates than desktop. Reasons include:
- Smartphone cameras capture higher quality check images.
- Mobile apps utilize image processing and controls designed for small screens.
- Phones allow easily adjusting distance, angle, and lighting.
- Background removal and image filters in apps improve readability.
- Instant feedback during imaging helps refine photos.
However, a good home scanner can still produce quality desktop check images. Apps just usually offer a better user experience.
How long do banks keep records of checks deposited online?
Banks are required to retain digital check records for a standard period of time. Typical retention durations include:
- 7 years – Images of deposited checks
- 2 years – Monthly account statements with deposit records
- 1 month – Pending deposits within online or mobile banking
Retention allows resolving any transaction disputes and aids fraud monitoring. After retention periods expire, check data is purged from bank systems.
Can I deposit to multiple accounts from the same check?
No, you can only deposit a check once to a single deposit account, even when banking online. Some restrictions include:
- A check can only credit one account number.
- Splitting a check between accounts requires a special process.
- The payee and account holder names must match.
- Overpayment may trigger fraud holds or account closure.
If you need to move funds after deposit, rather transfer money between your accounts. Do not try depositing the same check twice.
Should I notify the check issuer after depositing online?
There is no need to inform the check issuer when you deposit it online vs. in-person. The check clearing process works the same either way. The issuer’s bank account will be debited once the check is submitted and processed.
Most issuers are not even aware of how recipients deposit their checks. The exception is if the issuer placed an expired date on their check, in which case you may want to confirm receipt.
Is there a way to deposit a check without a bank account?
If you do not have a bank account, some options to cash a check include:
- Cashing the check in-person at the issuing bank with identification.
- Using a check cashing service or payday lender for a fee.
- Asking a friend or family member to deposit it into their bank account on your behalf.
- Purchasing a prepaid debit card and loading the check funds onto it.
Be aware check cashing fees can be high with non-bank methods. Opening a free checking account to access online deposit may be worthwhile.
Can I deposit a printed check image or PDF?
No, banks require original physical checks for online deposit, not just images or PDFs of checks. Reasons include:
- Printed check images lack security features like watermarks.
- Banks verify authenticity from the condition and handling of the actual check.
- Standards require retention of the original physical checks.
- Photocopies or printouts can be altered more easily.
Submitting just an image rather than scanning the real check could lead to a rejected deposit and fraud suspicion.
Conclusion
Online check deposit offers a convenient option for cashing checks quickly without visiting a bank branch. However, be sure to follow best practices for check imaging, endorse checks properly, and address any issues with clarity or limits. With a few precautions, depositing checks through your bank’s website or mobile app can save time and simplify your banking needs.