Are you familiar with mobile check deposits?
This means you can deposit checks without going to the bank. And, being able to deposit paper checks, such as a stimulus check, without going to the bank can make things super convenient.
The cutoff time for Mobile Check Deposits are based off of the time zone in which the account was opened. Checks received by the following cutoff times on a business day are considered deposited on. When you receive a check, you need to deposit the funds so you can use the money or keep it safely in your bank account. Until then, it’s just a piece of paper. The CheXpress CX30 was the first check scanner designed specifically for remote deposit capture, as a lower-cost alternative to the high-speed, multi-feed models employed at the teller window. More than 10 years later, it’s our best-selling scanner model of all time, and has been updated repeatedly to keep up with the times. Deposit checks while on the go With GoBank, depositing a check is as easy as snapping a few pics on your smartphone! Forget about branches, check cashers, and ATMs. No more business hours to think about. Skip the trip and the long teller lines. Avoid any check.
Wondering how to deposit a check this way? If you’ve never used mobile check deposit before, it’s not as difficult as you might think. Take a look at 5 tips that can help you make the most of this feature – saving 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.
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, however, 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.
So, make sure you can deposit your check without going over those limits. For example, say you’re married with two kids and you received a federal stimulus check for $3,400. If your bank’s mobile check deposit limit is $5,000 per day, you should be able to deposit the entire check online.
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. Sometimes this is a good place to start.
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 branch or ATM. But you still have to sign the back of the check for the deposit to be valid. You also should make sure all the information on the front of the check is correct.
Depending on your bank account, you may also have to write something extra 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.
Also, make sure 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
Now you’re 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
If you deposit a stimulus check – or any 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.
You may now wonder how long it takes for mobile check deposits to clear. Well, this depends on your bank account, the amount of check, and the type of check involved. Again, check your bank account terms and conditions or read through the FAQs. This might offer up some clarity on how long your mobile check deposit will take to be fully credited to your account.
Cash App Mobile Check Deposit
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 your bank account, you can then write ‘void’ on the check and file it away.
How to deposit IRS checks with Mobile Check Deposit using Chime
If you are a Chime member and received a government stimulus payment as a paper check, you can deposit it safely and securely at Chime. We take our members’ money seriously, so for these checks, we’re putting extra security measures in place. Here’s how to deposit your IRS checks using our Mobile Check Deposit feature.
1.Make sure the name on the check matches your Chime Spending Account
2. For joint stimulus checks, make sure at least one filer’s name matches the name associated with the Chime Account. Unfortunately, we can’t accept checks that don’t have your name on it
3. Sign the back of your paper check, then write “For deposit to Chime only” under your signature.
For joint stimulus check make sure both of your signatures appear on the back of the check.
4. Open the Chime app, tap Move Money at the bottom of your screen, then tap Mobile Check Deposit, then U.S. Treasury.
Keep in mind: Mobile Check Deposit for stimulus checks is only available to members that actively use their Chime Spending Account and Chime Visa® Debit Card
5. The Chime app will guide you through the check deposit process – it’s easy!
Are you using a mobile banking app for check deposit yet?
Signing up for direct deposit can save you time, but mobile check deposit comes in super handy if you receive a paper check, like a tax refund or stimulus check.
So, if you aren’t taking advantage of mobile check deposit yet, consider signing up. You’ll soon learn just how convenient it is!
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It takes just a few simple steps to deposit your check at your bank branch or credit union, an ATM, or via your mobile device.
Been handed a check and you’re not sure what to do with it? You can transform that little piece of paper into spending money by either cashing your check or depositing it into a bank account.
If you’d prefer to deposit the funds into a bank account, you’ve got a few options depending on the options available from your bank or credit union. You can go the more traditional route: visiting a physical bank or credit union branch, or stopping by an ATM. Or if you’d rather avoid the extra errand, you may be able to use a mobile banking app on your smartphone or tablet to deposit your check electronically.
Can I deposit part of my check and cash the rest?
Yes, as long as your bank or credit union allows it. When you deposit your check, you can ask your teller to give you cash for part of the check amount and deposit the rest.
At the bank
When you deposit a check in person, you’ll be required to endorse the check, which means signing it. It’s pretty simple: On the back of the check, you’ll find two gray lines with a note saying something like “endorse here.” Sign the check on the top line after you’ve arrived at the bank.
In order to complete the transaction, your teller will make sure the check is written out correctly, and may request to see your identification. You’ll also need to provide the account number or account information for the account you want to deposit the check to.
The whole transaction shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, but you’ll have to complete it during banking hours, which often exclude evenings and weekends. You may also want to plan for a possible wait time at the bank.
Once your transaction is complete, typically allow up to two business days before expecting the funds to be available in your account. A portion or all of your check, up to $200, may be funded by the next business day.
Why does the bank place deposits on hold?
A deposit hold is a period of time, usually around two business days, when the bank holds the funds you deposited by check. This delay may seem unnecessary, but it can actually help you. It helps prevent you from spending the money and then having to repay that money if the check turns out to be fraudulent or had to be returned.
At an ATM
Depending on your bank or credit union, and the type of ATM, you may be able to deposit your check at an ATM. Just like when you visit a branch, you’ll need to start at an ATM by endorsing the back of the check.
Then you can use your bank-issued debit card to access your account info, follow the prompts for a check deposit, and submit your check directly into the designated slot.
Unlike visiting a bank branch, you can deposit a check into any ATM at any time, as long as the ATM accepts checks. Just like when visiting your branch though, you may still have to wait around two business days before having access to all the funds depending on the amount of the check. In fact, it may take even longer if you deposit the check at an ATM your bank or credit union doesn’t own.
For that reason, it can be beneficial to visit an ATM owned by your bank. Staying in your bank’s network can also be a better choice because it may save you money on ATM fees.
With your mobile device
If you’ve got a smartphone or a tablet, and your bank offers the option, you can deposit a check using your mobile banking app, nearly any time and any place. Start by logging into the app, locating the deposit option, and choosing which account you want to deposit the check into.
Check Deposit Slip
You’ll probably be asked to take a photo of both sides of your check. If you’re not successful at using the camera right away, helpful hints may pop up on the screen or you may have access to a chat assistant. You may find it easier if you follow these tips.
- Take the photo in a well-lit area
- Place the check on top of a contrasting (dark) surface
- Make sure all four corners of the check can be seen in the frame
Once you’ve taken the photos, be sure to follow any further instructions to complete the deposit. Then review your account activity to make sure the deposited check appears.
Banks may have different time frames for processing mobile deposits — some can be completed as quickly as one business day. But even if the funds from your deposit become available right away, you’ll want to keep the actual paper check for 30 days in case any issues arise with processing. Some banks recommend destroying the check after that.
Check Deposit Slips
Bottom line
Regardless of how you choose to deposit your check, be sure to do it right away. There’s no strict rule about when checks expire, but many banks won’t accept a check that’s more than six months past its given date. Plus the longer a check is sitting around, the more likely it could be lost or stolen.
For payments you receive regularly, like your paycheck or other regular check disbursements, consider setting up direct deposit. This paperless option automatically deposits your payments into your account, freeing you up from having to deposit the check yourself. As an added bonus, many banks make payroll funds deposited by direct deposit available immediately.