Mobile deposit is a fast, easy, and convenient way to deposit a check without going to the bank. You just snap a photo of your check with your smartphone and upload it to your bank’s app.
But you may have questions about this feature, even if you are already using it. For instance, how do you endorse a check for mobile deposit? How long will the check take to clear? Keep reading to find out the answer to these questions and more.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• Mobile deposit allows check deposits via a smartphone app, eliminating the need to visit a bank.
• Deposits can be made anytime, which is convenient for those with busy schedules.
• The process involves endorsing the check, entering the amount, and uploading photos of the front and back.
• Funds from deposits may be available quickly, depending on the bank’s policies.
• Enhanced security measures are in place to protect users during the mobile deposit process.
What Is Mobile Deposit and What Do You Need to Use It?
Here’s the meaning of a mobile deposit: It is a process that allows you to deposit a check into your account using your phone’s or your tablet’s camera. Typically, you open your bank’s mobile app and type in the amount of the check and take a photo of both the front and the back of the check. Before you do this, be sure to endorse the check.
Some details about mobile deposit you may want to note:
• Banks generally let you use this feature 24 hours a day, although some banks may only make a same-day deposit up until a certain hour.
• How long do mobile deposits take to clear? Typically, within a few days. Sometimes, a portion of the total deposited may be available initially before the remainder is fully available, depending on the rules of your bank. (Note that for most mobile check deposits with SoFi, a portion of the amount deposited will be available the business day following the business day of the deposit.)
For example, say you make a mobile deposit worth $1,000. Your bank may make $250 available initially and the remaining $750 available in a couple more business days. Each bank may have its own funds availability policy, though there are some federal regulations on how long a bank can place a hold on a deposited check. Ask your financial institution about their policies.
• Some banks may have one-day or monthly dollar limits on mobile deposits. Others may have limits on the size of checks that they are willing to cash over mobile deposit. It can be a good idea to check with your financial institution about maximum deposit limits and other details.
How to Use Mobile Deposit in 5 Simple Steps
In terms of how mobile deposit works, it can be quite simple for the customer. Here’s a closer look.
1. Verify If Your Bank Offers Mobile Depositing
Many banks offer mobile depositing. But if you’re new to this feature or have a new bank account, make sure mobile deposit is available.
2. Check Your Daily and Monthly Deposit Limits
Some banks will have limits about mobile deposit. Perhaps your bank only allows up to $2,000 or $5,000 a day or a certain amount per month via mobile deposit. You want to know that before you attempt to deposit a check that’s over the limit. (SoFi’s daily and monthly mobile check deposit limits vary by member.)
3. Properly Endorse the Back of Your Check
How do you endorse a check for mobile deposit? That depends on your bank. Some may be fine with you signing your name on the back. Others may request that you add language such as “For Electronic Deposit at [bank name].” Familiarize yourself with your financial institution’s guidelines so you avoid any delays with your mobile deposit.
4. Take Clear Photos of the Front and Back of Your Check
Next, you’ll follow the instructions to deposit the check. They typically go something like this:
• Log into your bank’s mobile banking app and navigate to the mobile deposit feature.
• Select the account (say, your checking account) you want to deposit the check into.
• Enter the amount of the check.
• Take a photo of the endorsed check, front and back.
• Review the details (your bank’s app may show the details, such as the check amount and account it’s heading towards and ask if everything looks correct).
• Submit your check.
Recommended: Guide to Signing Over a Check
5. Submit the Deposit and Get a Confirmation
Just as with a check deposited at a bank’s ATM or branch, the money may not be immediately available for use. Checks typically take a bit of time to clear. Here’s how mobile deposit works:
• When you snap that photo, a financial institution will generally produce a copy of the check as a stand-in for the physical copy. Using this facsimile, a bank will work to collect the money from the check writer’s account.
• Even before the bank is able to retrieve the money from the check’s source, the money may show as deposited into your checking or savings account and pending. Though the technology is incredibly swift, the money itself isn’t actually moving that fast.
• Money often becomes available in one day, but it could typically take up to several business days, depending on the bank’s policies, the bank the funds are drawn from, and other variables.
This lag time can create problems — you might spend or transfer the funds before the money has fully cleared.
What Should You Do With a Check After Making a Mobile Deposit?
It’s wise to hold onto the physical copy of your check for a few days or until you receive notification that it’s been accepted. If you need to, mark it so you know that you’ve already deposited the check. Once you know it’s cleared, shred or destroy the check so that no one can obtain the information.
Understanding Mobile Deposit Limits
Mobile deposit limits can vary by bank and by customer. For instance, at some banks, limits depend on the customer’s tier, such as one limit for standard accounts and often a higher one for premium or private client accounts. In many cases, the limits for a standard account can be between a couple and several thousand dollars.
It’s wise to check with your financial institution about your particular limits to be sure you manage this aspect of your banking well.
How Secure Is Mobile Check Deposit?
Just like mobile banking in general, mobile deposit is typically very safe. However, there are a few steps you can take to enhance that security.
• Verify that you are using your bank’s app; fraudulent apps do exist and are a way that scammers try to commit bank fraud.
• Avoid doing any banking via a public wifi connection.
• When making a mobile check deposit, double-check that you have entered the check amount properly. Otherwise, there might be issues processing the deposit.
• Be sure you’ve endorsed the check for mobile deposit properly.
• Follow best practices for the security of your banking app. Never share passwords or other login information.
• Keep checks secure and private, and make sure to shred them when they’ve been deposited and the funds have cleared.
Benefits of Mobile Deposit
Now that you know how the mobile deposit process works, here’s a guide to the benefits of mobile deposits.
Save Yourself a Trip to the ATM
This is a major benefit of mobile banking. Having to take a trip to a bank branch or find an ATM to deposit a check can be a real hassle. With this kind of deposit (and online banking in general), you don’t need to budge from wherever you are to get that check into your bank account.
Deposit Money Later in the Day
For lots of working people, getting to the bank before it closes at 5:00 pm on a weekday is difficult to do. With mobile banking, checks can be deposited at any time of day, any day of the week. You can be at your laptop working or in your pjs, watching a streaming series, and quickly get that money deposited.
Deposits Are Credited Quickly
Because of the extended hours offered by mobile deposits, it may be possible to deposit a check and see the money available in your account faster than if you had to wait until you make it to a branch location. If you deposit the check during mobile deposit hours and the amount is, say, $275 or under, it is possible to see your funds soon after. But, as mentioned above, it’s always wise to make sure the check has fully cleared before transferring or spending it. Remember, it’s not the same as depositing cash into your account.
Deposit a Check From Anywhere
Sometimes, you’re simply not anywhere near a branch or appropriate ATM but need to deposit a check. One of mobile banking’s biggest benefits is being able to deposit a check from anywhere in the world, whether you’re on vacation, attending a business meeting out of town, or otherwise not at your home base.
Deposits Are Secure
In terms of security, typically mobile banking is very safe. Depositing your checks through your mobile app can be as secure as any other digital banking process. Most banks and credit unions use enhanced security processes and encryption to protect their customers.
Also, if you are worried that your phone might be stolen and the image of your check could potentially fall into the wrong hands, don’t be. The image of a check that is deposited via mobile banking isn’t stored on your phone.
A Few Downsides to Mobile Deposit
Now that you’ve heard about the benefits of mobile banking when it comes to depositing checks, let’s acknowledge that there are also a few downsides. A couple to consider:
• If you want to cash your check and get those physical bills in hand, you will not be able to do so via mobile deposit. The funds must go into your account.
• Your mobile deposit might wind up bouncing, just as a check can bounce when deposited via other means. Don’t assume that just because it’s deposited, you can go and spend it.
• There are mobile deposit frauds that occur, often in which a person or organization you don’t know well sends you a check and asks for you to deposit it and then send a portion back to them. Consider verifying a check before you deposit it, and keep your guard up!
Recommended: How Mobile Wallets Work
The Takeaway
Mobile deposit is a feature that allows you to deposit a check from virtually anywhere and at any time, using an app on your smartphone. There are many advantages to mobile banking, such as saving you time and energy vs. taking the check to a bricks-and-mortar branch or an ATM. It’s one of the ways that mobile banking can help make managing your personal finances more convenient.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
Can someone mobile deposit money into my account?
In order to make a mobile deposit to your account, you need to be logged into your account on your device. For this reason, it is unlikely someone could make a mobile deposit to your account.
Can I mobile deposit a check that’s not in my name?
There are some financial institutions that will permit a mobile deposit of someone else’s check (which you may hear referred to as a third-party check or a check that’s been signed over to you), but others prohibit this.
How long does it take for a mobile deposit to go through?
Mobile deposits typically become available within one or a couple of business days, but a portion can be available sooner. Factors that can impact availability include whether the deposit is made prior to the bank’s cutoff time or on a weekday vs. a weekend or holiday.
Are mobile deposits instant?
Mobile deposits are not instantaneous. The check may take from one day to several days to clear, although the fact that you deposited the check may pop up on your banking app very quickly. Also, it’s important to pay attention to cutoff times. If you use mobile deposit at, say, 11pm, that may be after the bank’s cutoff time, and the check won’t start processing until the next business day.
What is the average mobile deposit limit for most banks?
The average mobile deposit limit is commonly around $2,000 to $5,000 per day, but that can vary by bank and by banking customer. It’s wise to check with your financial institution for details.
What should I write on my check after a mobile deposit?
You don’t necessarily have to write anything on a check after making a mobile deposit, but some banks suggest that you write “mobile deposit” and the date on the check to help you keep track of and reconcile your finances.
Why would a mobile check deposit be rejected?
Mobile check deposits may be rejected for such reasons as a blurry image, improper endorsement, and the amount entered in the app not matching what’s on the check. In addition, if the check is a third-party check, money order, in a foreign currency, or in an amount exceeding the limit, it may not be accepted.
Can you deposit any type of check with mobile deposit?
Not all kinds of checks can be accepted with mobile deposit. For instance, money orders, third-party checks, and checks in a foreign currency may not be accepted.
SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet
Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.
Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.
Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.
See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
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^Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
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