How to Deposit a Check Online
5 Min Read | Published: June 20, 2025
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
It’s easy to deposit a check online. Here are tips for online check deposits using your bank’s mobile app and tips for making secure transactions.
At-A-Glance
- You may not need to go to the bank to deposit a check. You may be able to do it online with just a few steps.
- With a mobile banking app, you can deposit a check from anywhere using your smartphone.
- Mobile check funds usually process between one to five business days, but some financial institutions may offer at least partial funds immediately.1
In the past, we had to go to the bank to deposit paper checks. But for many people today, that’s no longer the case. Most banks offer mobile or online check deposits, allowing you to make a deposit using your smartphone or computer. Depositing a check online is safe, easy, and saves you the trouble of having to go to the bank in person. Here’s how to do it.
Benefits of Depositing a Check Online
If your bank or financial institution has the option to deposit checks online, this could be a great way to save time. There are several key benefits of using an online check deposit option.
These include:
- Convenience
Using your mobile device, you can deposit a check anywhere you have an internet connection, saving you a trip to the bank. - Speed
Online deposits may take between one and five business days to process, but some banks make the funds available immediately. - Security
An uncashed check can be a security risk. The convenience of depositing online can help to reduce the likelihood a check can fall into the wrong hands.
6 Steps to Deposit a Check Online
Depositing a check online is very simple. Although some financial institutions may have slightly different steps or user interfaces, the process generally looks like this:2
- Confirm Your Bank Offers Online Deposit
Most banks today offer online deposits through a mobile app or web browser. Nonetheless, you’ll still have to confirm by checking your online account or downloading your bank’s mobile app. - Endorse Your Check
Like you would when depositing in person, you must sign the back of the check according to the instructions shown. - Enter Check Details
You may have to type in the amount of the check and choose which account you’d like to deposit it to. - Photograph Your Check
Next, you must photograph both the front and back of the check. Mobile apps often offer an auto-capture feature that snaps a photo automatically when you have the check framed correctly, but you can also do it manually. - Double-check Details
Before submitting, make sure the name, check amount, and the account you wish to deposit the check into are correct. If something doesn’t match up, it may cause the check to bounce. - Await Confirmation
After submitting, your bank should issue an automatic confirmation once it has received the check. You can verify the funds have processed by checking your account.
Amex Rewards Checking accounts offer seamless online check deposits through the American Express app, with same-day availability for some deposits made before 5:00 PM Eastern Time on business days.
Tips for Successful Mobile Deposits
Online check deposits can be very easy, but there are a few best practices to keep in mind:
- Lighting
Make sure to lay the check on a dark background in a well-lit area so all details are legible, otherwise the system may reject the check. - Focus
Many apps utilize your phone’s auto-focus feature, but if you’re using manual controls, take the time to ensure your photos are in focus. - Proper Disposal
To properly dispose of a deposited check, write VOID across the front in large capital letters, tear it up into small pieces and put it in the trash. Some financial institutions also have a box on the back of the check to mark and date when you deposited the check online. If you’d like to keep the check for your records, you can check this box and keep the check.
What to Expect With a Mobile Deposit
Mobile deposit processes vary between banks. It may take between one and five business days for a mobile deposit to process, but some banks may offer some or all of the funds immediately.1 Even if your bank processes some funds on the same day, there can be a limit to that amount. Most banks also have limits on how much you can deposit online, depending on the account type. The mobile app may tell you of any limits and when you can expect to see the funds available.
How to Deposit a Check Online in an American Express Rewards Checking Account
1. Open the Amex App, log into your Rewards Checking Account and select “Deposit Check.”
2. Endorse your check on the back and, below your signature, write “For Mobile Deposit at American Express National Bank.”
3. Take a clear picture of the front of your check.
4. Enter the check amount and press submit.
To learn more about depositing checks into an American Express Rewards Checking account, please see the Mobile Check Deposit Agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the check amount and your financial institution. Sometimes, mobile check deposits are available right away. However, you may have to wait at least one business day for funds to become available.
Some financial institutions may allow you to deposit third-party checks, and you may be able to do so if you follow the bank’s process.3 However, some banks prohibit it. Check with your bank to see if this is allowed.
Online check deposit can be a safe alternative to making deposits in person. When you deposit a check online, all check data is encrypted when it’s sent to your bank and the deposit is processed directly through the bank’s digital platform.4
The Takeaway
Depositing a check online can be a convenient, safe way to move money into your bank account without having to go to the bank. This simple process can save you time and a hassle whenever you have a paper check to deposit.
1 “How Long Does Mobile Deposit Take?,” Chime
2 “Banking at the Speed of Technology,” FDIC
3 “Can You Deposit Someone Else’s Check in Your Account?,” Experian
4 “What is mobile check deposit and how to use it,” Bankrate
Nick Perry writes about personal finance, real estate, insurance and other complicated topics that need simplifying. He lives in Melrose, Massachusetts with his wife, son, and dog, Goose.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
Related Articles
Do Checks Expire?
When do checks expire? How long a check is good for will depend on the type of check in question, and a few additional factors.
How to Set Up Direct Deposit
With direct deposit, payment can be sent electronically straight into your bank account. See how easy it is to set up direct deposit in our step-by-step guide.
How to Write a Check
Learn how to write a check in six steps, including dating your check, writing in the payee, filling in the numerical amount, and writing out the amount.
The material made available for you on this website, Credit Intel, is for informational purposes only and intended for U.S. residents and is not intended to provide legal, tax or financial advice. If you have questions, please consult your own professional legal, tax and financial advisors.
