Mobile check deposits have made banking easier for millions of people. Instead of driving to a branch or ATM, a quick photo with a smartphone can send funds to a checking or savings account. This guide shows you how to do everything step by step, from setting up the app to keeping your check after you submit it. Read on to feel confident about depositing checks with your phone.
1. Access Your Bank’s Mobile App
Before anything else, access to the bank’s official mobile app is required. Most banks have apps for iPhone and Android. These apps have safe ways to deposit money on the go, manage your account, and see your past transactions.
Using the official app ensures encryption and fraud protections that generic photo or third-party apps can’t guarantee. It also ties the deposit directly to your account, making tracking and troubleshooting simpler if anything goes wrong.
Download and Install the App
Find your bank’s app in the App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android). Search by the bank’s exact name to avoid downloading impostor apps. Check ratings, reviews, and developer details to confirm authenticity before tapping install.
Install updates quickly when they appear. app updates often include important security patches and improved mobile deposit functionality. If storage is an issue, clear old files or uninstall unused apps to make room.
Log In to Your Account
After installation, log in using the same credentials used for online banking. If you’re using the app for the first time, you may need to use more than one way to prove your identity. You’ll need to send a code via text, email, or an authenticator app to prove your identity.
Set up biometrics like fingerprint or face ID if your device supports it. These options make it faster and less likely that someone else can access the app if your phone is lost or stolen.
2. Verify Mobile Deposit Limits
Mobile deposit limits vary widely by bank and account type. Some accounts have generous daily or monthly limits, while others restrict single-deposit amounts. Verifying limits prevents surprise rejections and helps plan deposits, especially for larger checks.
Look for deposit limits in the app’s help section, account agreement, or FAQ. If it’s not clear, contact customer service before attempting a large mobile deposit to avoid delays or the need to visit a branch.
Understand Daily and Monthly Limits
Daily limits limit how much money can be deposited in a 24-hour period. Monthly limits limit how much money can be deposited in a calendar month. Some banks also limit the number of mobile deposits allowed in a day or month.
If a check pushes you over the limit, the bank may return, hold, or ask you to deposit the item in a branch instead. Planning around these constraints helps keep funds accessible when needed.
Confirm Check Amount Compliance
Before attempting a deposit, confirm that the check amount falls within the allowed limits and that multiple checks combined won’t exceed thresholds. If the check is larger than the mobile deposit allowance, visiting a branch might be necessary.
Also be aware of other holds on your account. A recent big withdrawal or pending transaction can affect your balance and possible holds on new deposits.
3. Support Your Check Properly
Correct endorsement is essential. Most banks ask for a signature and a specific phrase on the back of the check. This phrase might be, for example, “For mobile deposit only” or the account number where the check will be deposited. Check your bank’s exact endorsement requirements to avoid delays.
Write legibly in ink and avoid marking over important printed information. An incomplete or missing endorsement is one of the most common reasons mobile deposits get rejected.
Required Endorsement Information
Typical endorsement lines include the payee’s signature, the phrase required by the bank, and sometimes the account number. Some banks provide explicit instructions inside the app or on a sticker packet given at a branch—follow those instructions exactly.
For joint accounts, ensure the check is endorsed according to the bank’s rules. If unsure about endorsements for business checks, cashier’s checks, or third-party checks, contact customer service.
Use a Signature or Stamp
A handwritten signature is usually preferred, but some banks accept an endorsement stamp for frequent depositors like businesses. If using a stamp, confirm with the bank that this method is acceptable to prevent rejection.
Keep a clear, standard signature on file and avoid adding extra marks that could hide the bank’s endorsement area. For stamps, ensure the imprint is crisp and completely within the endorsement box on the back of the check.
4. Navigate to Mobile Deposit Feature
Once logged in, locate the mobile deposit or “Deposit Checks” feature inside your bank’s app. The layout varies, but it’s often found under a main menu labeled “Deposits,” “Move Money,” or a plus (+) icon for new actions.
Learn how to use the app to save time searching. This is especially true for the first few deposits, when the flow may feel strange.
Locate the Deposit Option
Look for clear labels: “Deposit,” “Mobile Deposit,” or “Deposit a Check.” If the app includes a quick-action toolbar or a dashboard, the deposit button may be a prominent icon. Tapping it typically begins a step-by-step deposit flow.
If the option isn’t clear, use the app’s help function or search within the app for “mobile deposit” to go to the right screen. Customer support can also guide users through the first-time setup.
Select Check Deposit
After choosing the deposit area, say you’re depositing a check instead of doing something else like transferring money. The app will usually prompt for the destination account—choose the checking or savings account where you want funds applied.
Some apps allow selecting multiple accounts or splitting a deposit. review the options carefully so the money goes where intended. Confirming the correct account avoids administrative headaches later.
5. Capture Clear Images of the Check
The image is the most important part of a mobile deposit. The bank will use the photos to read the MICR line, verify signatures, and confirm payee details, so clarity matters. Poor images lead to rejections and longer processing times.
Place the check on a dark, contrasting surface and hold the camera steady above it. Most apps include on-screen guides to help align the check and will automatically capture when the image is clear enough.
Best Practices for Photo Quality
Use good lighting—natural light is best—to avoid shadows and glare. Keep the phone parallel to the check so the edges are straight and readable. Avoid zooming in; instead, move the phone physically closer while keeping the full check in frame.
Turn off filters and night modes. These can blur details or alter the difference. If the app allows retakes, review each photo before submission to ensure everything is sharp and legible.
Ensure All Check Details Are Visible
Make sure the payee name, date, amount, signature, and the MICR line at the bottom are clearly visible. The bank must be able to read the routing and account numbers to process the deposit correctly.
Avoid covering any part of the check with fingers or stamps. Make sure the back endorsement is clearly seen when uploading the photo of the back. Missing or obscured details are among the top reasons deposits fail.
6. Review and Complete Your Deposit
Before hitting submit, double-check the information the app displays. Confirm the deposit amount, selected account, and that both front and back images are correct. This step reduces errors and the need to resubmit.
Take a moment to read any bank-provided confirmation messages or estimated availability times. These details inform when funds will be available and if any holds may apply.
Check Details for Accuracy
Ensure the dollar amount entered matches the written and numeric amounts on the check. Discrepancies can trigger a rejection or a manual review by the bank. Also verify the deposit date and account selection one final time.
If an error is detected after submission, contact the bank immediately. Prompt action might allow a reversal or correction before the check clears, though policies vary by institution.
Submit Your Deposit Request
Once everything looks correct, submit the deposit. Most apps will display a confirmation screen with a reference number, timestamp, and expected availability. Save or screenshot this confirmation for your records until the deposit appears in your account history.
If the app reports an immediate error, retry the capture with better lighting or contact customer support. Successful submissions usually generate an email or in-app message confirming receipt.
7. Retain the Check Until Processing
After submitting, keep the physical check for a recommended period. Banks usually ask depositors to keep the check for 14 to 30 days. This is because the bank might need to check the original item or if there is a disagreement.
Do not destroy the check immediately, even if funds appear to be available. If the bank requests the original, having it on hand speeds resolution and prevents potential clawbacks or confusion.
Recommended Retention Period
Most experts suggest keeping the check for at least 14–21 days after depositing it. But 30 days is a safe way to keep the check on most bank policies. If the bank provides a specific timeframe, follow that guideline instead.
Mark the check with a note indicating the deposit date and “deposited via mobile” to avoid accidental re-depositing and to maintain clear records if needed later.
Safekeeping Tips for Checks
Store the check in a secure, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. An envelope or file folder labeled with the deposit date and confirmation number works well. Avoid keeping checks in easily accessible areas to prevent loss or theft.
If the bank requests the original check, present it with any correspondence or confirmation numbers. Once the retention period has passed and the deposit has been fully cleared, you can safely shred the check to protect sensitive account information.
