Hooray, you received a check from someone! It’s exciting to get paid, but the truth is that check is just a piece of paper until you deposit it in your bank.
No deposit = no money.
So, let’s review that check and get the money in your bank account!
First, you want to be sure the person wrote your name correctly and signed their name on the signature line.
Tip: if your name is misspelled most banks will still deposit it so long as you can prove it was supposed to go to you. Take the check to your bank along with your government-issued ID and speak directly to the bank teller for help depositing.
When you make sure the check has your name on the “pay to the order of” line and they signed their name on the signature line, you are ready to make a mobile deposit. This is the fastest way to deposit a check and you won’t have to make a trip to the bank.
Where is the safest place to make a mobile deposit?
A) at a bus stop
B) at your home
C) at a crowded coffee shop
D) at your job
*Find the answer at the end of this article
How to Make Mobile Check Deposits:
Step 1. Download Your Bank’s App
Always used your bank’s verified smartphone app. A bank’s verified smartphone app is just as safe as using the bank’s online services.
Step 2. Locate and Click the Mobile Deposit button
Your bank’s app might have a button that says “mobile deposit,” “check deposit,” or something similar.
Step 3. Sign the back of the check
When you are in the mobile check deposit process and ready to deposit you need to “endorse” your check. Endorse is another way to say “sign.”
Tip: never sign a check until you are ready to deposit it right then.
Sign your name on the top line – many checks have an “x” or say “ENDORSE HERE.”
When doing a mobile deposit put an “x” on the box next to where it says “CHECK HERE IF MOBILE DEPOSIT.” If the check does not have this, or if you want to add extra security to the check, you can write “for mobile deposit only” under your signature.
Step 4. Take a picture of both sides of the check
Follow the on-screen instructions for taking pictures of the front and back side of your check. Most apps remind you that all 4 corners of the check need to be in the picture. If you need to, just click the “retake” button to try again.
Step 5. Enter the Amount from the Check’s Dollar Box
In the check deposit screen, you will need to enter the amount from the check’s dollar box into the space next to the “Amount” field.
Tip: Review the parts of a check,including the dollar box here.
Step 6. Submit
Click submit. Many bank apps will then ask you to review the information you entered. If it looks correct, click submit again.
Step 7. Wait for Confirmation
The money is not yours until you get confirmation the mobile check deposit was successful. You need to wait for what’s called the “confirmation screen.” It might say something like “your check was successfully deposited” or “deposit confirmed.”
At this point you will be able to switch back to viewing your account by clicking the “accounts” button. When you click on your account, you should see the dollar amount of the check you deposited in your account. Sometimes banks put a “+” in front of the amount or put the amount in green. For example, if you deposited a check for $25.08, it might be listed as “+$25.08” or “$25.08.”
When making a mobile deposit, avoid public places where people and see and steal your bank account information. Always try to deposit from a safe and private space such as at your home (B).
And you’re done! Remember, many times the money you deposited is not available right away. It may take a few days for your account to actually have the money.
Missed our last article about understanding the parts of a check and writing checks? Find it here.
