Can You Mobile Deposit a Cashiers Check?

Mobile deposit services allow individuals to deposit checks using their smartphones. It is generally possible to mobile deposit a cashier’s check, though several important considerations and steps are involved to ensure a successful transaction.

Understanding Cashier’s Checks and Mobile Deposit

A cashier’s check is a secure form of payment issued and guaranteed by a bank, drawing funds directly from the bank’s own account rather than a personal one. This provides a higher level of assurance for the recipient, as the funds are guaranteed and less likely to bounce than a personal check. Financial institutions often require cashier’s checks for large transactions, such as down payments on a home or vehicle, due to this reliability.

Most banks accept cashier’s checks for mobile deposit due to their guaranteed nature. Since the bank backs the funds, the risk of the check being returned unpaid is significantly reduced. This makes them suitable for remote deposit, allowing funds to be added to an account without a physical visit to a branch or ATM. Many major banks and credit unions offer this feature through their mobile banking applications.

Preparing Your Cashier’s Check for Mobile Deposit

Before mobile depositing, properly endorse the cashier’s check. The endorsement area, on the back of the check, requires your signature. Below your signature, write a restrictive endorsement such as “For Mobile Deposit Only” or a similar phrase specified by your bank. Some checks may include a preprinted box for mobile deposits, but a handwritten endorsement is usually still required.

Use blue or black ink for your signature and any additional wording to ensure readability. Sign within the designated endorsement area to prevent processing issues. The physical condition of the check is important for successful image capture. The check should be flat, free from creases or folds, and placed on a dark, plain background in a well-lit area for clear photos.

Review your financial institution’s specific mobile deposit guidelines, available within their mobile app or on their website. These guidelines provide any unique requirements for endorsement or imaging. Correctly preparing the check according to these instructions can prevent processing delays.

Executing the Mobile Deposit Process

Once the cashier’s check is endorsed and prepared, use your bank’s mobile application to submit the deposit. Open your banking app and log into your account. Navigate to the check deposit section, often labeled “Deposit Checks” or “Mobile Deposit.”

The application will prompt you to select the account for the deposit and to enter the check amount. Verify that the amount entered matches the numerical and written amounts on the check to avoid discrepancies. Next, capture images of both the front and back of the endorsed check. Ensure all four corners of the check are visible within the camera’s frame and that the image is clear and in focus.

After capturing both images, the app will present a summary of the deposit details. Confirm all information, including the amount and the selected account, before confirming submission. Upon successful submission, you will usually receive an immediate on-screen confirmation within the app, and often an email notification, indicating your deposit has been received.

What to Expect After Mobile Deposit

After submitting your cashier’s check via mobile deposit, funds may not be immediately available. Banks often place holds on deposits, even for guaranteed instruments, to allow for processing and verification. While some funds may be accessible within one business day, the full amount may take several business days to clear, especially for larger amounts or depending on your account history.

Financial institutions also impose daily or monthly limits on mobile deposits, which vary between banks and account types. These limits are typically lower than those for in-person deposits and can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands per day or month. If the cashier’s check amount exceeds these limits, an alternative deposit method, such as an ATM or in-person transaction, may be required.

It is recommended to retain the physical cashier’s check for 7 to 14 days after the mobile deposit. This allows sufficient time for the funds to fully clear and for any potential processing issues to be resolved. Once the deposit appears as posted in your account statement, securely shred the physical check to protect your financial information. You can monitor the status of your deposit within your mobile banking app or online banking portal to see when funds become fully available.