How to Deposit a Check Into a Bank Account

Depositing a check is a common financial transaction, adding funds to your bank account. Understanding the various methods and their requirements helps ensure a smooth and secure process. Modern banking offers several convenient ways to deposit checks, including traditional branch visits, automated machines, and digital applications.

Preparing Your Check for Deposit

Properly preparing your check is a foundational step before any deposit. This involves endorsing the check with your signature on the back. A common and secure endorsement is a restrictive endorsement, where you write “For Deposit Only” followed by your signature and account number. This ensures the check can only be deposited into your specified account, reducing risk compared to a blank endorsement.

For in-person deposits, a deposit slip is often used to itemize the transaction. This form requires you to record the date, your account number, and the amount of each check. If depositing multiple checks, list each individually. You then calculate the total deposit amount. Identification may be required for certain transactions, especially for large deposits or new customers.

Depositing In-Person at a Bank Branch

After preparing your check with the appropriate endorsement and filling out a deposit slip, present both to the bank teller. The teller may ask for your identification to verify your identity, especially for larger sums or if you are not frequently transacting at that specific branch. Once the deposit is processed, the teller will provide you with a transaction receipt. Keep this receipt as a record of your deposit to track the transaction and confirm the funds appear in your account.

Depositing at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) offer a convenient way to deposit checks outside of traditional banking hours. To begin, insert your debit card into the ATM and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your account. On the ATM screen, select the “deposit” option and then specify the account into which you wish to deposit the funds, such as your checking or savings account.

Many modern ATMs can scan checks directly, eliminating the need for an envelope. You will insert your endorsed check into the designated slot when prompted. The machine may then display the amount it read from the check, or it might ask you to manually enter the deposit amount. Always verify that the amount displayed on the screen matches your check’s value before confirming the transaction. Finally, collect your transaction receipt, which serves as proof of your deposit. Funds deposited at an ATM may have slightly different availability times compared to in-person deposits; generally, an initial portion of a deposit is available the next business day, with the remainder becoming available within two business days under federal regulations, though some exceptions apply.

Depositing Using a Mobile Banking App

Mobile banking applications provide the flexibility to deposit checks using a smartphone or tablet. Before initiating a mobile deposit, it is important to specifically endorse the check for this method. Many banks require you to write “For Mobile Deposit Only” along with your signature and sometimes your account number on the back of the check. This helps prevent the same check from being deposited again through another method.

To perform the deposit, open your bank’s mobile app and navigate to the “deposit check” or “mobile deposit” feature. You will then select the account where you want the funds to be deposited. The app will guide you to take clear photos of both the front and back of the endorsed check, ensuring all four corners are visible and the image is well-lit. After capturing the images, enter the exact dollar amount of the check into the app and confirm all the details before submitting the deposit. Funds availability is subject to your bank’s policies and federal regulations; an initial portion may be available on the next business day, with the remaining balance accessible within one to two business days. It is advisable to retain the physical check for a period, often between 5 to 14 days, after the deposit has cleared, before securely shredding it.