Mobile check deposit lets you deposit a paper check into your bank account by photographing both sides of it with your smartphone. You submit the photos through your bank’s app, and the bank processes the deposit electronically — typically making funds available within 1–2 business days without any trip to a branch or ATM.
Mobile deposit is available at virtually every major US bank and credit union. There are no fees to use it, and most deposits under $1,000 are processed with next-business-day availability.
How to Make a Mobile Deposit (Step by Step)
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Endorse the check. Sign the back of the check. Many banks now require you to write “For Mobile Deposit Only” beneath your signature — if you skip this, some banks will reject the deposit.
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Open your bank’s app and find the deposit section (usually under “Deposit,” “Add funds,” or “Checks”).
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Photograph the front of the check. Lay the check flat on a dark, non-reflective surface. Ensure all four corners are visible, the text is legible, and there’s no glare.
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Photograph the back of the check. Same guidelines — flat surface, all corners visible, signature and endorsement clearly visible.
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Enter the check amount. Type in the dollar amount exactly as written on the check.
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Select the destination account (if you have multiple accounts linked).
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Submit. Review the details and confirm. You’ll usually receive a confirmation notification immediately.
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Store the physical check. Keep the original check for at least 14 days before shredding. You may need it if there’s a processing dispute.
What You Can and Can’t Deposit via Mobile
Eligible for mobile deposit at most banks:
- Personal checks from US banks
- Business checks from US banks
- Cashier’s checks and bank-issued checks
- Government checks (tax refunds, Social Security, veterans’ benefits)
- Payroll checks
- Money orders (most banks; check yours)
Not eligible at most banks:
- Checks drawn on foreign banks
- Third-party checks (checks made out to someone else and signed over to you)
- Checks older than 6 months (stale-dated)
- Checks for amounts exceeding your mobile deposit limit
- Altered or damaged checks
- Checks previously deposited (double-deposit)
Typical Mobile Deposit Limits by Bank
| Bank | Daily Limit | Monthly Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Chase | $2,000–$5,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Bank of America | $10,000 | $25,000 |
| Wells Fargo | $2,500–$5,000 | $10,000 |
| Ally Bank | $50,000 | $250,000 |
| Capital One 360 | $5,000–$10,000 | Varies |
| Chime | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Discover Bank | $10,000 | $25,000 |
Limits vary by account type, account age, and your history with the bank. Newer accounts typically have lower limits. You can often request a limit increase after 6–12 months of account history.
For a full breakdown by bank, see our mobile deposit limits by bank guide.
When Are Funds Available?
Federal Regulation CC requires banks to make most mobile deposit funds available within specific timeframes:
- $225: Available the next business day (for most qualifying checks)
- Remaining balance: Typically available in 1–2 additional business days
- Full amount: Available same day or next day at many banks for smaller checks and trusted customers
Factors that can trigger extended holds (up to 7 business days):
- Account opened within 30 days
- Account has had multiple overdrafts recently
- Check amount exceeds $5,525
- The paying bank has been unreliable
For details on what triggers holds and how to get faster access, see when mobile deposit funds are available.
Is Mobile Deposit Safe?
Mobile check deposit is very safe. Key protections:
- FDIC insurance: Mobile deposits receive the same FDIC coverage as any bank deposit ($250,000 per depositor per institution)
- Encrypted transmission: Bank apps use TLS encryption to transmit check images
- MICR verification: Banks verify the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line — the numbers at the bottom of the check — against the images you submit
- Fraud monitoring: Banks flag suspicious patterns including duplicate deposits
The main risk you control: Depositing the same check twice accidentally. Always write “Mobile Deposit — [date]” on the back and keep the physical check for 14 days.
See also: Mobile deposit limits by bank | Mobile deposit hold times | When are mobile deposit funds available? | What to do when mobile deposit is rejected
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