How to Deposit a Check

With digital banking on the rise these days, most people do not really engage in paper transactions. However, paper checks are still widely in use, and you might have just received one from someone recently. Just as most people from the younger generations have never written a check in their lives, most of them also never deposited a check. Some of the questions that youngsters tend to have are “Do checks expire?” and “How do I turn my check into usable money?”

Let’s explore checks in more detail to get a better idea regarding these questions.

Do Checks Expire?

This is a common question that plagues people who receive checks for their birthdays and other special occasions. The answer to this is no. Checks do not specifically have an expiration date, per se. However, some banks do sometimes refuse to accept a check that is more than six months old. Some corporations also might provide you with checks that have an expiration date. This is why it is advisable to deposit your check before this timeline is up.

How to Deposit a Check at the Bank

There are several ways in which you can deposit your check. You can choose to go the old-fashioned route and deposit it at the bank in person. This process is as simple as 1, 2, 3. Here’s what you need to do to deposit your check at the bank.

Bring Your ID and Check to the Bank

Banks will ask you to present valid identification before you can deposit the check. Valid IDs you can take to the bank include your passport, voter ID, or driver’s license. Of course, you will also have to bring your check along with you to cash it.

Endorse Your Check

If you have never deposited a check before, then you might be wondering how to “endorse” a check. You would first have to look for two gray lines on the back of the check. Some checks might even have the words “Endorse Here” written along with the two gray lines. You will have to sign your name here to endorse your check.

If your check has two beneficiaries, then the second beneficiary can sign on the second grey line. Remember to sign your name in the same way that it appears on the front of the check. Once you have completed this, you are ready to present your check to the bank teller.

Present Your Check to the Banker

This is the part where you will be able to deposit either the entire amount of the check or just a part of it. You can specify to the banker how much of the check you would like to deposit and how much you would like to receive in cash.

You can provide all of this information to the banker with the help of a deposit slip, where you will be required to write the date, your name and address, your account number, the amount of the deposit, and the amount of cash you wish to receive. You should also remember to get a receipt for the transaction.

How to Deposit a Check With an ATM

If you wish to avoid going to the bank or find that your bank has already closed before you could deposit the check, then fear not! You will still be able to deposit the check at the bank’s ATM. However, you will first need to call your bank and check if their ATM accepts check deposits. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

1. Bring everything you need: There are three things you will need to deposit your check at the ATM — the check, your ATM debit card, and an envelope.
2. Insert your debit card: At the ATM, you will first have to insert your ATM debit card and type your PIN.
3. Select your account: You will need to select the type of account you would like the amount to be deposited in. Most of the time, you will either have to check the “Savings” option or the “Checking” option.
4. Select the transaction type: Instead of clicking on “Withdrawal” as you normally would, you will click on “Deposit.”
5. Deposit the check: Place the endorsed check into the envelope and then place the envelope into the “Deposit” compartment of the ATM.
6. Type in the amount: Some ATMs are advanced enough to read the check amount you are depositing independently. If, however, your ATM does not do this, you will have to type in the amount yourself.
7. Confirm the amount: Once you have entered the deposit amount, you will be asked to verify it, along with some additional questions that some ATMs might ask.
8. Take your debit card: All you need to do now is take back your debit card and the receipt that your ATM will provide. Your transaction is now complete.

How to Deposit a Check With an App

Of course, things are made easier these days because of the digital revolution. If you wish to deposit your check from the comfort of your home without having to deal with the hassles of the bank or the ATM, then you can even deposit your check with the help of a mobile app. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Download the app: Most banks will have an official app available that you can download.
2. Log in to the app: Enter your login credentials and sign in.
3. Go to the deposit check option: There should be a “Deposit Check” option or something similar in the app. Click on that option.
4. Endorse the check: You can endorse your check by signing on the back the same way your name appears on the front of the check. Again, you can sign on the gray lines at the back.
5. Take a photo: You will need to take a picture of both the front of the check and the back of it. Make sure you have good lighting while doing this.
6. Enter the necessary information: You will need to enter the amount of the check you are depositing and provide confirmation.

Read More

• How to Cash a Check Without an ID
• Where to Get a Cashier’s Check Without a Bank Account
• How to Close Chase Account
• How To Sign Over a Check
• How to Close Bank of America Account
• What is the Chase ATM Withdrawal Limit?

Conclusion

Even if checks are a 20th-century concept and can sometimes be a bit of a hassle, there are still some easy and convenient ways to deposit them.

However, you should keep in mind that the amount will take a day or two to appear in your account. But once it has, nothing is stopping you from going crazy with the amount you just received.

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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