Wondering how to deposit a check online? If you’re new to mobile check deposits, it’s not as difficult as you might think. Take a look at these 5 tips that can help you make the most of this feature — and save you valuable time.
1. Check your bank’s mobile check deposit guidelines
The first thing you need to do is make sure the organization you’re banking with is set up for mobile check deposits. The easiest way to do that is to check your mobile banking app or the financial institution’s website for more information.
When you log into mobile banking, head to the menu and look for the mobile check deposit option. If you see it listed, then your app should allow you to deposit checks online.
Before you try to use mobile check deposit, make sure your account is enabled to do so. While the feature may be available in mobile banking, you may still have to register first or sign up.
2. Review mobile check deposit limits
If you know that you’re able to deposit a check through mobile banking, the next step is to determine whether there are any limits on deposits.
For example, some financial institutions impose limits on the number of checks you can deposit per day or per week. There may also be daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the total dollar amount you can add to your bank account using mobile check deposit. These limits can be based on the type of account, your deposit history, or how long the account has been open.
You can usually find out about limits if you read your bank account’s terms and conditions. You can also check your online banking website and look for a section on frequently asked questions. Chime offers Mobile Check Deposit to account holders who have received at least one direct deposit of $1 or more from an employer or payroll provider, government benefits, or a gig economy payer via Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer or Original Credit Transaction (OCT).
What if your check is outside mobile check deposit limits? In this case, you’ll need to find a work-around for depositing it into your bank account. With online bank accounts, for instance, you may have to deposit the money to a checking account at a brick-and-mortar bank, and then move it into your other account via an ACH transfer.
3. Get your check ready for deposit
Depositing a check online isn’t exactly the same as depositing it at a physical bank or ATM. You still have to sign the back of the check for the deposit to be valid. You should also make sure all the information on the front of the check is correct.
Depending on your bank account, you may also have to provide additional details on the back to denote that it’s a mobile deposit. For example, you may have to add “for mobile deposit” or “for remote deposit capture” below your signature, if instructed to do so.
Also, make sure the writing on the check is legible. Your mobile device needs to be able to “read” the check via the camera when you’re ready to deposit it.
4. Deposit your check via mobile banking
After following these steps, you’re now ready to deposit a check online!
The process can be different depending on your particular bank account. But generally, here’s what you need to do:
- Log into your mobile banking app.
- Find the mobile check deposit option in the menu.
- Select the account you want to deposit the check into (i.e., checking or savings).
- Enter the check amount.
- Snap a photo of the check — front and back. It’s important to make sure you get a clear image of both sides of the check. Otherwise, you may have trouble completing a mobile check deposit. If the images come out fuzzy or blurry, clean off your camera lens. And, make sure you take photos in an area with good lighting so your camera can pick up details on your check.
- Once your device records the images of your check, review the deposit details. Make sure that you’ve signed the check, selected the right account, and entered the correct amount.
5. Wait for the check to clear
After you deposit a check online, you may want to use the money right away. But, you’ll need to wait for the check to clear in your bank account first before accessing the funds.
In the meantime, don’t throw the check away. Why? Because there may be a hiccup with your mobile check deposit. If you don’t see the deposit in your account within a week, you may need to call your financial institution to find out what’s happening. You may also need to try making the deposit again.
Once your mobile check deposit clears in your bank account, you can then write ‘void’ on the check and file it away to keep for your records.
