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Using mobile deposit to deposit a check is simple and can save you a trip to bank or ATM.
But to make sure your check gets deposited correctly, you’ll have to know how to endorse a check for mobile deposit.
It’s generally the same process as when you deposit a check in person — your sign the back of your check — but some banks may require you to add an extra detail when you sign, such as writing something like “for mobile deposit only” near your signature.
Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about endorsing a check for mobile deposit.
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- How to endorse a check for mobile deposit
- Why you need to endorse a check for mobile deposit
- How mobile check deposit works
- What you need to know about mobile deposit
How to endorse a check for mobile deposit
Endorsing a check for mobile deposit is generally a simple process, and you’ll likely be able to find instructions on how to do it correctly on your bank’s website or mobile app.
You’ll need to be familiar with the information on your check, and take two simple steps:
- Sign your name in the endorsem*nt area.This dedicated area is likelyabove the signature line on the back of the check.Don’t write anything below this line.
- Identify that this is check is intended for mobile deposit. In some cases you may see an option to check a box that says something like “for mobile deposit only.” Or, you may need to manually write out the words “for mobile deposit only,” depending on your bank’s rules.
Why you need to endorse a check for mobile deposit
Endorsing a check for mobile deposit can help prevent check fraud — the bank can check the signature against the check information to make sure that the payee is correct. It can also help prevent the mistake of depositing a check twice.
How mobile check deposit works
Depositing a check using your mobile device is fairly straightforward, and you can do it anywhere and whenever it’s convenient for you. Here’s how it typically works:
- Download your mobile banking app and use it to log into your account.
- Once you’re logged in, navigate to the account you want to deposit the check into.
- Endorse your check for mobile deposit.
- Take a clear photo of the front of the check and back.
- Submit your deposit.
What you need to know about mobile deposit
If you want to deposit checks using mobile deposit, here are a few other things to keep in mind.
Don’t sign your check until you’re ready to deposit it
If a thief gets ahold of your pre-signed check, they could alter it to deposit the money into their account. To play it safe, don’t sign until you’re ready to deposit the check online.
Hang onto the check
When you make a deposit in person, a bank teller takes your check. But if you’re depositing it from home, you’ll want to keep your check in a safe place until the deposit goes through (your bank may have specific policies about how long to keep the check). If there are any problems with the deposit, you might need your check again.
Know when funds might be available
Banks have policies for how long they hold a check before making funds available in your account after a mobile deposit. They also may have limits on the amount you can mobile deposit. Requirements might be different than for checks that are deposited in person, so take note if you need the money right away or if you’re depositing a lot of money.
Get a clear photo
Your bank’s app will guide you through the process of taking a photo for deposit. But in general, place your check on a dark, well-lighted background with the entire check visible in order to get the best shot.
What’s next?
Most mobile deposits go through with no problem at all. But in the rare case an issue pops up, you may need to contact your bank.
In some cases, you might have to go in person to deposit it, or even mail it into a bank processing center. This is why it’s a good idea to hang onto the check until the deposit goes through. And when it does, you can shred the check to keep things extra secure.
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About the author: Lindsay VanSomeren is a freelance writer living in Kirkland, Washington. She has been a professional dogsled racer, a wildlife researcher, and a participant in the National Spelling Bee. She writes for websites such a… Read more.
FAQs
Although some checks have a preprinted box to indicate mobile deposit, checking this box does not complete the endorsem*nt requirement. “For Mobile Deposit Only” must be written legibly below your signature.
What do you have to write on the back of a check for mobile deposit? ›
Write a restrictive endorsem*nt
- “For mobile deposit only.”
- “For deposit into checking account [Account Number] only.”
- “For mobile deposit at [Bank Name] only.”
- “For mobile deposit only on [insert date].”
Basic Steps To Endorsing A Check. Before depositing or cashing a check, you'll typically need to endorse it. This is done by signing the back in the designated area called the endorsem*nt box. Your signature indicates that you are the intended recipient of the funds and authorizes the bank to process the check.
How do you deposit someone else's check and endorse it? ›
Typically, this involves writing the phrase "Pay to the order of: Your Name" and signing their name underneath your check. Again, be sure to check with your financial institution to make sure that you are going through the process correctly.
Which end of a check do you endorse? ›
Endorsing a check by signing the back of it is a security step that simultaneously helps to verify you as the proper recipient of the funds and authorizes the bank to complete the transaction.
What if there is no endorsem*nt line on the back of a check? ›
Yes, even if a check does not have an endorsem*nt line on the back, you still need to sign it. While the absence of an endorsem*nt line may seem confusing, it does not invalidate the check. However, it is important to follow the proper process for endorsing such checks to ensure a smooth transaction [2].
Do I need to endorse for mobile deposit? ›
If you receive a check and don't feel like going to the bank, mobile deposit is a more convenient option. Before you make a deposit, however, you'll need to endorse the check and make sure everything is good to go.
What is an example of endorsem*nt on a check? ›
For example, he would write on the back of the check "Pay to the order of [your name]" and sign his name. when depositing the check, you would write your name under the endorsem*nt.
What checks are not eligible for mobile deposit? ›
The following are not eligible for Mobile Deposit: international checks, U.S. savings bonds, U.S. postal money orders, remotely created checks (whether in paper form or electronically created), convenience checks (checks drawn against a line of credit), non-American Express traveler's checks, cash, checks that are ...
What are the three ways to endorse the back of a check? ›
Conditional endorsem*nt
| Type of endorsem*nt | Purpose |
|---|
| Blank endorsem*nt | Converts check to cash-like instrument for the check's recipient |
| Restrictive endorsem*nt | Limits use of the check to depositing only |
| Special or full endorsem*nt | Transfers the check to another individual |
| FBO endorsem*nt | Redirects funds to benefit a third party |
3 more rowsSep 5, 2023
To receive the funds, the payee must sign, or endorse, the back of the check. This signature informs the financial institution that whoever signed the check is the payee and wants to accept the money.
What are the 4 types of endorsem*nt? ›
Conditional Endorsem*nt – Where the fulfilment of some conditions is required.
- Blank Endorsem*nt or General Endorsem*nt. ...
- Special or Full Endorsem*nt. ...
- Restrictive Endorsem*nt. ...
- Partial Endorsem*nt. ...
- Conditional or Qualified Endorsem*nt.
Some banks and credit unions allow a mobile deposit of someone else's check (known as a third-party check), while others prohibit it (including Bank of America and U.S. Bank).
Can I deposit someone else's check into my account? ›
A check made out to someone else is considered a third-party check. There's no law requiring banks and credit unions to accept third-party checks; each bank can create its own policy. However, many banks do accept third-party checks. Banks that allow you to cash someone else's check can set their own requirements.
Can you deposit someone else's check in your account for them? ›
Steps to deposit a check for someone else
If you're depositing a check in someone else's name into your account: That person needs to endorse the check to allow you to deposit it. Generally, the person should write “Pay to the order of [Your Name]” on the back of the check and then sign it.
Can I deposit a picture of a check that was emailed to me? ›
Most major banks also offer an app that allows you to instantly deposit scanned checks by taking a picture of them. You can use this app to deposit your printed check or the digital version. Some services allow you to instantly deposit emailed checks by entering your banking information into a secure online form.
Can I deposit someone else's check on my mobile app? ›
Some banks and credit unions allow a mobile deposit of someone else's check (known as a third-party check), while others prohibit it (including Bank of America and U.S. Bank).
Can you write a check to yourself for mobile deposit? ›
Banks use the routing number to determine where to collect the funds when a person cashes or deposits a check. Can I write a check to myself? Yes, you can write a check to yourself. If you want to transfer money from one checking account to another, one way to do so is by writing yourself a check.
How do I endorse a check for mobile deposit on Paypal? ›
Endorse the check by signing your name on the back on the allotted lines and writing "For mobile deposit only" underneath your signature. Follow the instructions to take a photo of the front and back of the check. Make sure the check is placed on a flat surface and is well-lit so the app can capture the images clearly.
