When it comes to must-have, can't-do-without banking essentials, depositing a check on your phone ranks right up with checking your balance and sending money to friends and family.
Here's everything you need to know about Chime's mobile check deposit1 – from how to cash a check with Chime to how long you have to wait to get your deposit.
How to use mobile check deposit in the Chime app
If you want to know how to deposit a check on the Chime app, follow these steps:
Review your name on the check. Make sure it matches what's on your Chime account exactly.
Open the Chime app, tap Move (at the bottom of your screen), then tap Deposit Check.
Sign the back of your paper check. Follow the instructions in the app to avoid delays: certain checks might require a restrictive endorsement.
Follow the in-app prompts, which will walk you through the rest of the process.
On the confirmation screen before submitting your check, you'll see an estimated timeline for when your funds will be available. As a reminder, you won't be able to cash the check elsewhere once you submit it at Chime.
Who can use Chime's mobile check deposit?
Mobile Check Deposit1 will automatically be available on your Chime app as soon as you activate your physical card.
Plus, your check will need to fall under the following criteria:
Is payable to you in U.S. dollars
Is dated within the last six months
Is signed on the back of the check
Is free of illegible items, signs of fraud, tweaks, or changes
Hasn't been previously deposited at another institution
Is from a financial institution that's in the U.S.
Isn't a digital reproduction
Wasn't created remotely (created by a merchant and doesn't include the buyer's original signature)
Is Chime's mobile check deposit instant?
It can take up to five business days for money to show up in your account. In most cases, mobile check deposits take between a few seconds and a few business days, especially if you direct deposit with Chime and regularly use your account.
Why is there a hold time? It helps us provide check deposit access to more members and it prevents checks from bouncing.
Want to speed up how long mobile deposit takes? Make sure the check is against a solid, dark background, and endorse your checks in ink, ideally in blue or black.
Here's what could speed up mobile check deposits:
A clear photo of the check
An accepted type of check (aka personal checks, business checks, cashier's checks, government-issued checks)
Depositing before the end of the business day
A check for a smaller amount often processes faster
On the flip side, depositing a check at night, depositing on a bank or federal holiday, or depositing a check for a larger amount could delay your mobile check deposit.
Can you see a pending deposit in the Chime app?
Yes. You can see pending deposits in your list of transactions in your Chime mobile app.
Pending deposits appear in gray, then will change to green once the funds are available. In other words, if a deposit is in gray, you won't be able to access it yet.
How to take a picture of your check
Taking a readable picture of your check can make the difference between your mobile check getting accepted or rejected – and that money getting into your account faster.
Here are some pointers on photographing your check:
Place the check against a dark, solid surface.
Use good lighting, like a bright artificial light source or natural light coming from a window.
Check the focus on your camera.
Keep all four corners of the check in the photo.
Deposit checks that are wrinkle- and crease-free.
What is not eligible for Chime check deposit?
Learn what types of checks aren't eligible for mobile check deposit to save you time and hassle.
You can't deposit money orders, traveler's checks, savings bonds, temporary checks, or non-negotiable instruments (promissory notes).
On the other hand, you can deposit personal checks, business checks, cashier's checks, and government-issued checks (i.e., stimulus checks and tax refunds).
Chime mobile check deposit best practices
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using our mobile check deposit feature:
Double-check your signature. When endorsing a mobile check deposit, look over the name on the front of the check to make sure it's exactly the same as the name you sign on the back.
Stay within the "Endorse Here" section. The endorsement area is usually on the top back of the check. When signing a check for mobile deposit, do your best to keep your signature on the line—along with other relevant information.
Wait to endorse the check. For security purposes, you should hold off on endorsing your check until you're ready to make the deposit. When a check is endorsed, it can be cashed or deposited by anybody – even if that person isn't you.
Chime mobile check deposit is a convenient way to deposit your checks with a few clicks on your phone. Knowing the ins and outs will make for a smoother process, so you can rest assured your money will be in your account when you need it.
Unlock all the best Chime has to offer, like overdrafting up to $2002 without fees, when you direct deposit through Chime.