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Do you need to deposit a check fast but don’t want to go to the bank or currency exchange?
Mobile check deposit comes in handy when you want to access your money without leaving your home.
With this feature, you just take a picture of your check in your banking institution’s mobile app and enter the amount. Then, it gets deposited to your account shortly after.
Chime members are all set up to make mobile check deposits at any time. We process checks as quickly as possible, but there still may be a small waiting period.
How long does mobile deposit take?
Mobile check deposit allows you to deposit your checks remotely from your mobile phone anytime. Mobile deposit works with business and personal checks, cashier’s checks, and government checks. Your money is usually available within one to three business days, but it can take up to five business days.
There are options to access your money faster, but every bank’s policies differ. Some banks offer same-day or next-day mobile check deposits for a small fee. Banks might also clear a smaller amount of the check you deposited immediately and then clear the remainder of the money within a few business days.
When you deposit a check through a mobile banking app, there might be a disclaimer stating when you can expect the money to be available. Banks should also send email or text notifications if there’s a temporary hold on the deposit so that you’re aware.
What can delay my funds when I deposit a check online?
Check that you’re using your banking app’s mobile check deposit feature correctly to avoid any delays. Small details could delay your check from getting to your account.
Here are some common reasons why your funds could be delayed when depositing a check online.
The wrong type of check: Some banks don’t accept third-party checks, money orders, or checks from foreign countries. The mobile deposit feature shouldn’t accept checks that aren’t supported. If you are able to submit a check that your institution doesn’t accept, the funds will likely not be made available to you, and you’ll need to deposit the money another way.
Limits on mobile check deposit daily amounts: Make sure there’s no daily or monthly limit for mobile check deposit amounts. You might face delays with checks for larger amounts if your bank has a maximum daily deposit limit.
Incorrect amount listed: Another issue that could delay access to your funds is indicating an amount that doesn’t match the check amount.
Let’s say you have a check for $567 that you’d like to deposit through the mobile app. When filling out the mobile check deposit request form, you accidentally enter a check amount of $577. The app may automatically detect that this is incorrect and prompt you to change the amount you listed. Or, it could cause a delay in accessing your funds since the numbers don’t match.
No endorsement: You must endorse your check by signing the back of it before attempting a mobile check deposit. Some banks may also require that you add a phrase like “for mobile deposit only” underneath your signature.
Check your institution’s requirements for mobile check deposits in advance to ensure you can use the mobile app feature for your check.
Which banks make funds available immediately?
While no check is available immediately, some banks have policies that allow you quicker access to check funds. Federal Regulation CC sets guidelines for funds availability policies that institutions can follow.
Banks place holds on checks to make sure the payer’s account has enough funds to send you the money. This practice protects you and the bank from returned payments.
The timeline for this verification process varies by institution.
Expedited Funds Availability Act
In 1987, Congress passed the Expedited Funds Availability Act (EFAA) to identify the lengths of holds banks can place on funds from deposited checks.
The EFAA leaves some wiggle room for banks to determine how long they’d need to hold deposited funds, known as delayed funds availability.
- Additional holds for up to two business days are common for checks from the bank you’re using to deposit the money.
- Holds can be up to seven business days for local checks.
- Longer hold periods are rare, and banks must have a valid reason like a large check amount (thousands of dollars), newer account, or history of repeated overdrafts.
These are guidelines for the maximum times for holds. Most regular checks are made available the first business day after the deposit has been made, according to regulation CC.¹
Realistically, you shouldn’t have much trouble receiving your check funds in one to three business days if:
- Your account is in good standing.
- You’ve successfully made mobile check deposits in the past.
- Your check amount does not exceed your institution’s daily deposit limit.
FAQs
Are mobile check deposits available instantly?
In most cases, no. Some banks allow you to receive your funds immediately if you pay a fee. Or, they may allow a small amount, like $200, to be available in your bank account immediately. In other cases, you will need to wait at least one to three business days for the full check amount to be available.
What is my mobile deposit limit?
Mobile deposit limits vary by institution. Your institution may disclose this information when you log into your account and attempt to make a deposit. You can also find this information by calling the number on the back of your banking card or reviewing your account agreement form.
What do I do with my check after mobile deposit?
Once your mobile check deposit clears in your account, write ‘void’ on the paper check and put it somewhere safe for your records.
Hold tight: most mobile check deposits clear in a day or two
If you’re already using a mobile banking app, mobile check deposit is a feature that can save you time and effort. Make sure you have the right kind of check and know your banking institution’s rules for mobile deposit.
Signing up for direct deposit when possible can also help get you paid faster, especially when receiving regular payments from an employer or government agency.
Learn how to make a mobile check deposit now that you know how long it will take to see the funds in your account.
