Mobile check deposit is a free feature that comes with most banking apps. If you're not using this feature yet, you're not alone: In 2024, around 25% of people don't use banking apps at all. But holding out could cost you time and money.

With mobile check deposit, you can deposit a check through your smartphone or tablet, and the process only takes a minute or two. In other words, you don't have to use your time and gas money to visit a bank branch or ATM, and you don't have to worry about ATM fees.

How does mobile check deposit work?

With mobile check deposit, you can deposit a check to your checking or savings account by taking photos of it in your banking app. This complimentary service, which is offered by most banks and credit unions, is available 24/7 and takes just a few minutes to complete on your smartphone or tablet.

Step-by-step instructions for mobile check deposit

The process might be different at your bank or credit union, but depositing a check through your mobile app should go something like this:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of your banking app installed.

2. Open your banking app and choose the account you want to deposit funds to.

3. Enter the check amount.

4. Sign and endorse the check by writing "For mobile deposit only at [bank name]" on the back.

5. If requested, give the app permission to access your camera.

6. Follow the instructions to take photos of the front and back of the check. You typically need to be in a well-lit place and place the check on top of a dark surface.

7. Choose which account should receive the deposit.

8. Confirm the check amount.

9. Submit.

After submitting, you should receive a notice in the app, along with an email, to confirm the deposit was received. If there's a problem with the check, you may receive a letter asking you to submit the check at an ATM or bring it to a bank branch to resolve the issue.

What should I do with my check after a mobile deposit?

Depending on your bank, you might be encouraged to hold on to the check anywhere from two to 14 days after you receive confirmation that it was accepted. That's because if a problem arises with the check, the bank might ask you to bring it into a branch. Reasons your check might not be accepted include:

• Poor image quality

• Weak internet connection

• No signature or endorsement

• Duplicate check

• Post-dated check

• History of returned checks on your account

• Ineligible check type (such as a money order or traveler’s check)

Once you're sure the check has cleared, write "VOID" on the check and make sure to destroy it.

When will my funds be available after a mobile deposit?

Mobile deposits are usually available within one to two business days, but the speed depends on your bank and the day and time you make the deposit.

For example, mobile check deposits to Bank of America accounts are usually available the next business day. So if you deposit your check to BofA during business hours on Tuesday, it should be available on Wednesday. But if you deposit it after hours on a Friday, it won't be available until Monday.

Alternatively, some banks make the first $225 of your deposit available on the same day or the next business day, and then the rest available the following business day.

You may also be able to pay a fee to get immediate access to the funds. Key Bank and TD Bank, for example, charge a 2% fee for immediate access, while Regions Bank charges up to 4%.

Read more: What is a certified check, and how does it work?

Are there limits on mobile check deposits?

Your bank probably has a daily, weekly, or monthly limit on the check amounts you can deposit through their app. For example, with Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), you can deposit up to 10 checks per day, up to a total of $50,000 per day. But with U.S. Bank, deposits are limited to $50 on some accounts that haven't been open for at least 90 days.

Is it safe to use mobile check deposit?

Using a mobile app for your banking can be safer than using a web browser. For mobile check deposits, which are FDIC insured, they can be a safe method of banking, as long as you practice the security habits that are always recommended for online banking, including:

• Choosing a unique and complex password for your bank account

• Enabling multi-factor authentication

• Enabling bank account alerts

• Installing app updates as soon as they're available

• Never opening your app while using public Wi-Fi

Additionally, you might check to make sure your bank uses the standard security measures used by most banks, such as encryption and timed log-out.

Read more: Is mobile banking safe? How to keep your personal data secure.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do mobile checks deposit instantly?

Mobile checks typically take one to two business days to deposit. Business days do not include weekends, holidays, and hours after business closing, so if you deposit the check during those days or times, the delay could be longer.

What is the fastest check deposit method?

The fastest check deposit method depends on your bank, but a mobile check deposit may take around one day longer to process than an in-person or ATM deposit. To find out how long check deposits take, look for your bank's policy on processing timelines and daily cut-off times for each type of check deposit.

How to endorse a check for mobile deposit

You can endorse a check for mobile deposit by writing "For mobile deposit only at [bank name]" below your signature on the back of the check. Don't worry about memorizing that statement, since you'll see a prompt in your banking app during the mobile check deposit process.

Is there a fee to use mobile check deposit?

There's no fee for using mobile check deposit unless you choose to pay a fee to have the funds available immediately. However, just like with regular check deposits, your bank might charge you a returned check fee if the check bounces.