How To Deposit A Check

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Although online bill pay and peer-to-peer payment services have minimized the need to use checks as a payment method, there are still times when you may need to deposit a check.

A check is a paper form of payment that can be deposited into a bank account in a variety of ways, including traditional and newer digital methods. Here we’ll cover five ways to deposit a check and the steps for each.

At a bank branch

One traditional way to deposit a check is to deposit it at a bank or credit union via:

1. inEndorsing a checkOn the back of the check, there is a section that says something like, “Please endorse here.” At your bank or credit union, you endorse the check by signing in this section.
2. Filling out a deposit slip: The deposit slip tells the teller how you want to use your check. You can get one at your bank branch, or you might find it in the back of your checkbook. On the deposit slip, write your name, account number, and the amount of the deposit. If you want to receive some of the check amount in cash, write that as well. Be sure to sign the deposit slip if you want to receive the cash.
3. Go to the window: Present the check and deposit slip to the teller. The teller may ask to see your driver’s license or other identification. Once the teller deposits the funds, you will be given a receipt.

Illustration: Bankrate

At the ATM

If you can’t get to your bank during opening hours, you can deposit your check at an ATM instead. Not all ATMs allow you to deposit checks, so check with your bank to see if their ATMs offer this service.

To deposit a check at an ATM:

1. Collect the necessary itemsHave your debit card and signed check ready in advance.
2. Insert Debit Card Enter your PIN.
3. Select a deposit account: In most cases, funds are placed in a checking or savings account for safekeeping until needed.
4. Please enter your deposit amount: Enter the exact amount of the check, unless the ATM automatically scans checks.
5. Insert the check into the ATM slot.
6. Check the amount: The amount will be displayed on the screen and you will be asked to verify the number. Depending on the ATM, you may have to answer a few more questions before the deposit can be confirmed.
7. Please bring your receipt and debit card..

On your smartphone

A convenient and quick way to deposit a check is mobile check deposit using your bank’s mobile app (if offered). This feature allows you to deposit a check from the comfort of your home in the following ways:

1. Open your bank’s mobile app.
2. Sign in with your credentials Find the option to deposit a check.
3. Endorsing a check: Sign the check just as you would if you were depositing it at a bank, plus check the “For Mobile Deposits” box or write “For Mobile Deposits Only” under the signature line if your check doesn’t have this option.
4. Take a photo: Find a well-lit, flat surface and place the check within the camera’s frame. The app will display guidelines on your phone’s screen to help you position the check correctly. Once positioned, you can either take a photo yourself or let the app do it automatically. Repeat this process for both sides of the check.
5. Information provided: Enter the check amount into the app and verify that the app correctly reads the account and routing numbers.

online

Like mobile check deposit, online deposits can be made at any time without having to visit a branch, but unlike mobile deposits, which only require your smartphone’s camera lens to take an image of the check, online check deposits require a scanner.

To deposit a check online, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your bank or credit union website, Find the Online Deposit tab. A high speed internet connection is best.
2. Signing a check: Sign the check before scanning it. Some banks and credit unions may also ask you to write “Online deposits only” or “Mobile deposits only.” This may be listed on their check deposit page.
3. Scan both sides of the check: Unlike mobile check deposit, for online deposit you can’t take a photo of the check with your phone – you have to scan it. However, if you have an iPhone, you can use the Notes app to scan the check.
4. Please select your deposit accountt, Upload a scanned image of your check.
5. Enter the check amount and submit.

At the USPS office

Some banks and credit unions allow customers to deposit checks by mail in the following ways:

1. Endorsing a check: As with other deposit methods, you sign the check in the “Sign here” section. Some banks require the recipient to write their account number and similar language below their signature, such as “For deposits only.”
2. Fill out the deposit slip: You will need to send a deposit slip along with your check, which contains information such as the account number to which the deposit is to be made, your name, and the amount of the deposit.
3. Send your check and deposit slip to the bank’s processing center: Make sure you address the envelope to the address your bank has specified for sending checks. You can find this address on your bank’s website or by calling a bank representative.
4. An envelope United States Postal Service: To ensure safe delivery of your check to the post office, hand it to a postal worker rather than dropping it in your mailbox. Send the envelope using Certified or Express Mail, which requires a signature when the check is delivered and ensures the bank has received the check safely.

Tips for depositing checks safely

Here are some tips to help you deposit your check safely.

• Please bring a valid ID: If you are depositing a check at a bank branch, be sure to bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Be smart with mobile deposits: To avoid fraudulent apps, make sure your banking app is downloaded from a trusted source like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Take a clear, well-lit image of your cheque while it’s on a flat surface.
• Verify your deposit: After you submit a mobile deposit, hold onto the check until you verify that the funds are in your account, which you can usually do by checking your account statement online.
• Safely store or destroy checksOnce your cheque has cleared, you should store it securely for a few days (usually 5 to 14 days) before shredding it to prevent any fraudulent use.

Conclusion

Whichever method you choose, depositing a check is largely the same. Be sure to endorse the check. If the check isn’t given in person to a bank teller, you may need to write an additional note under your signature. It may take several days for the check to clear and the funds to be available.

Before endorsing and depositing a check, verify that the check is genuine by making sure it is for the correct amount and that it was issued by a legitimate bank. If you suspect a check is counterfeit, report it to the Federal Trade Commission.