Deposit Checks

It used to be that depositing a check required you to make a special trip to the bank, wait in line, and wait longer for the check to clear. Many new and creative methods are available for depositing any check into your checking or savings account quickly and safely. In some banking networks, it's even possible to deposit a check with a mobile smartphone!

Steps

Depositing at the Bank

1. Visit your bank. You'll need to bring the check, a valid ID, and your account number with you to make the deposit.
2. Fill out a deposit slip. These should be readily available at your bank, usually in a stack on a table with pens and other slips. You can also request one from the teller, but the process will move more quickly if you do this ahead of time.
   • You'll need to fill in your account number, the amount of the check, how much (if any) you want in cash, savings, and checking, and the total amount of the check.
3. Endorse the check. First, go through the elements written on the front and back of the check to ensure the check’s validity. Check that the following items are written and completed in a legible manner, and are true and correct: name and address of the person or entity issuing the check, date of issue, your name, amount of money being given written in both numeric and alphabetic form.
   • Both signatures are required for the check to be considered valid.
4. Ask the teller to deposit the check into your checking or savings account. The teller can deposit your check, tell you your current balance, and give you any cash you'd like taken out at this time. You should receive a receipt or proof of deposit with your current balance.

Depositing at an ATM

1. Visit one of your bank's Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Make sure your check is filled out clearly and legibly, and that you've endorsed it ahead of time. It's important that you select your own bank's ATM. While most cash machines and ATMs will dispense cash to anyone with a debit card who is willing to accept the fee, the other ATM deposit functions will only work for members of that bank specifically.
   • Credit union members who regularly do shared drafting at other locations will have to use an ATM from their particular credit union, not a shared draft union.
2. Swipe your ATM card or debit card and login to the ATM with your Personal Identification Number (PIN). If you don't have this information you'll need to go into the bank and speak with a teller.
3. From the menu, select "Deposit." A list of your checking and savings accounts should show up next. Select the account into which you'd like the check deposited. Next, you'll have the choice between cash and check next. Select check.
4. Insert your checks. There should be an insert slot with directions about orienting the check (face up or face down, etc.) printed on the machine. Follow the directions and insert your checks. Next, the ATM will scan the checks and will ask you to confirm the information on the check as it has "read" it. Examine it carefully to ensure the ATM has the correct amount, account number, and other information.
   • Some Bank of America ATM kiosks allow you to insert up to ten checks at a time, but read the directions on the particular ATM carefully before you try to insert more than one.
5. Compete other transactions if you wish. At this point, the ATM will provide your current balance and ask if you'd like another transaction. You can either withdraw cash, print a receipt, or deposit cash.

Depositing to a Credit Union

1. Visit any credit union. If you're a member of a local or federal credit union, you can deposit checks not only at any branch of your own union, but also at any branch of any credit union.
2. Don't fill out a deposit slip. Get in line with your valid, endorsed check and tell the bank teller you'd like to deposit your check, but you're a member of another credit union. You'll need to provide the teller with your check, a valid photo ID, your account number, the name of your branch, and possibly the address of the main branch of your credit union.
   • There are hundreds of credit unions, and some have very similar names: "Teachers Credit Union" and "Teachers Federal Credit Union" are completely different, for example. The teller is probably unfamiliar with your specific credit union, so make sure to provide them with address when they're searching the database for yours.
3. Deposit the check into your checking or savings account. This is also a good opportunity to withdraw cash without paying the fee credit union customers normally pay at ATMs.

Depositing with a Mobile App

1. Download a mobile deposit app. Check to see if your bank features a mobile deposit app for your tablet or smart phone. Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank and other banks have developed apps for mobile devices that make depositing a check as simple as taking a picture. If one is available, download it onto your phone or mobile device.
2. Open the app and select Deposits. You should be taken to a screen with options marked "Front of Check" and "Back of Check." Use these to photograph the front and back of your endorsed check, respectively.
3. Select an account into which you'd like the check deposited. Fill in the amount of the check using the app, and check to make sure all the information is correct on the confirmation screen. If it is, click "Deposit this Check."
   • You can elect to receive email or text confirmation when the check is deposited.

Mailing a Check

1. Determine the designated routing location in your area. If getting to a branch of your bank or enrolling in online banking is too difficult from your current location, you can mail the check and a completed deposit slip to your bank's designated routing location. You'll need to check with your bank to determine where to send the check. Call the toll-free number on your bank card and speak with a representative to figure out where to send the check.
   • Bank of America, for instance, lists an address in Phoenix, AZ for all members living in AZ, CA, ID, IL, IN, MI, NM, NV, OR, TX, and WA, and an address in Tampa, FL for members in all other states. If you're mailing the check overnight or via FedEx, however, the address changes. You'll need to look online or speak with a representative on the phone to get the correct address for your bank and location.
2. Mail your endorsed check with a deposit slip to a routing location in your area. Make sure you've got a valid endorsed check and a deposit slip from your bank filled out with your information. You may need other information, like a photocopy of your ID, so it's a good idea to speak with a representative from your bank before sending a check through the mail.
3. Never mail cash. You can't deposit any cash into your account this way, so make sure you're just mailing checks. There is typically a fee associated with this kind of transaction, however, so make sure you've exhausted all online and ATM options before you try to mail a check to deposit.

Tips

• Most banks would request for valid identification if you are doing the transaction with the tellers. Make sure to bring at least 1 valid and current ID with photo if you go with the method of depositing your check through the bank teller.

Warnings

• If you are going to endorse the check, it would be safest to do so when you are already at the bank counter, to ensure that the check cannot be en-cashed and can only be deposited to your bank account.

Related Articles

• Cancel a Check
• Cash a Check
• Deposit a Check Online
• Balance a Checkbook
• List Checks by Bank Number

See also

• Write a Check on a US Bank to a Canadian Payee
• Endorse a Check
• Write a Check
• Void a Check
• Cancel a Check
• Fill out a Checking Deposit Slip
• Use an iPhone to Deposit Checks
• Spot a Fake Check
• Cash a Check
• Deposit Checks With the Bank of America iPhone App

Read more ...

What links here

• Calculate the Check Digit of a Routing Number from an Illegible Check
• Cash a Cheque
• Deposit Checks With the Bank of America iPhone App
• Fill Out a Deposit Slip