How to Cash Checks Online Without Going to a Store

What online check cashing actually does

Online check cashing lets you deposit a check into a bank or prepaid card account using your phone or computer instead of visiting a branch or store in person. You photograph the front and back of the check, upload the images through a mobile app or website, and the funds appear in your account within one to three business days. You do not mail the check or hand it to anyone.

This is different from a check cashing store, which gives you cash when ready but charges a fee. Online check cashing through a bank or prepaid card company is usually free if you already have an account with them. The tradeoff is that you have to wait for the deposit to clear, and you need a smartphone or computer with a camera.

Most banks and many prepaid card companies now offer this feature. It is called mobile deposit, remote deposit, or check deposit by phone depending on which company you use. The process is the same across all of them: take photos, upload, wait for the money.

Key Takeaways

• Online check cashing requires a bank account or prepaid card account and a smartphone or computer with a camera to photograph both sides of the check.
• Funds typically arrive in your account within one to three business days, not when ready like a check cashing store.
• Most banks and prepaid card companies offer this service free to account holders, though some have limits on how many checks you can deposit per day or per month.
• You must endorse the check (sign the back) before photographing it, and you cannot deposit the same check twice or use a check that has already been cashed.
• If the photos are blurry, cut off, or the check information is unreadable, the deposit will be rejected and you will have to try again.

Which accounts let you deposit checks online

Most traditional banks offer mobile deposit to customers with checking accounts. This includes national banks like Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and regional banks in your area. You do not need a special account type — a regular checking account works.

Prepaid card companies and online banks also offer this feature. NetSpend, Chime, Varo, and similar services let you deposit checks through their apps. Some credit unions offer it too, though availability varies by location and membership type.

The fastest way to learn about your account supports it is to open your bank's app or log into their website and look for "mobile deposit," "remote deposit," or "deposit a check." If you see that option in the menu, your account is set up for it. If you do not see it, call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask whether your account type supports check deposits by phone.

The step-by-step process for depositing a check online

First, endorse the check by signing the back. Write "For mobile deposit only" below your signature. This tells the bank that the check is going in electronically and cannot be cashed in person.

Open your bank's app or website and find the mobile deposit or check deposit option. You will usually see it under a menu labeled "Deposits," "Transfer Money," or "More Services." Tap or click on it.

The app will ask you to photograph the front of the check. Hold the check flat under good lighting and take a clear photo that shows all four corners and all the text. The camera will usually show you a frame or guide to help you position it correctly. Take the photo and review it — if it is blurry or cut off, take another one.

Next, photograph the back of the check. This is where your signature and "For mobile deposit only" appear. Again, make sure the entire back is visible and the text is readable.

Enter the check amount manually into the app. The app may try to read the amount from the photo, but you should verify it is correct. Select which account you want the funds deposited into if you have more than one.

Review all the information one more time, then submit. The app will confirm that your deposit was received. You will get a confirmation number — save this or take a screenshot. The funds will arrive in your account within one to three business days, depending on your bank.

Limits and restrictions you should know about

Most banks cap the number of checks you can deposit per day and per month. A common limit is five checks per day or 50 checks per month, though this varies. If you try to deposit more than the limit, the app will reject the deposit and tell you to try again later.

There is usually also a dollar limit per check and per day. Many banks allow up to $2,500 per check and $5,000 per day, but some are higher and some are lower. Check your bank's specific limits in the app or by calling customer service.

You cannot deposit a check that has already been cashed or deposited somewhere else. If you try, the bank will reject it when it clears. You also cannot deposit a check that is post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), or damaged so badly that the information is unreadable.

Some banks require you to wait a certain number of days after opening an account before you can use mobile deposit. New account holders sometimes have to wait 30 days. If you just opened your account and the option is not available, this is why.

What happens if your deposit is rejected

If the photos are too blurry, cut off, or the check information is not fully visible, the bank will reject the deposit. You will see a message in the app explaining why. You can usually try again when ready by taking clearer photos.

If the check itself has a problem — it is post-dated, already cashed, or the routing number is unreadable — the bank will also reject it. In this case, you will need to contact the person or company who gave you the check and ask for a new one, or ask them to mail you a replacement.

If you receive a rejection message and you are not sure why, call your bank's customer service line. They can look at your submission and tell you exactly what went wrong. Do not try to deposit the same check multiple times in a row — each attempt is recorded, and multiple rejections can trigger a fraud review.

Online check cashing versus check cashing stores

A check cashing store gives you cash the same day, usually within an hour. You walk in, show your ID, and leave with money. The fee is typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, sometimes higher. For a $500 check, you might pay $5 to $15.

Online check cashing through your bank is free but takes one to three business days. You do not pay a fee, but you have to wait. If you need cash today, a check cashing store is faster. If you can wait a few days and want to avoid the fee, online deposit is the better choice.

Some people use both depending on the situation. If a check arrives on a Friday and you need the money by Monday, a check cashing store might be worth the fee. If the check arrives on a Monday and you can wait until Wednesday, online deposit saves you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to mail the check to the bank after I deposit it online?

No. Once your deposit is confirmed, you should destroy the check by shredding it or writing "VOID" across it. Do not mail it or deposit it anywhere else. The bank has the images and does not need the physical check.

What if the check amount does not match what the app read from the photo?

Always enter the amount manually and verify it is correct before submitting. The app's automatic reading is a convenience feature, but it can make mistakes. If you submit the wrong amount, contact your bank when ready to correct it before the check clears.

Can I deposit a check that someone else wrote to me?

Yes, as long as the check is made out to you or to you and someone else. You must endorse it (sign the back) before depositing. If the check is made out to someone else entirely, you cannot deposit it online or in person without that person's permission and signature.

How long does it take for the money to show up in my account?

Most banks make the funds available within one to three business days. Some banks offer next-business-day availability for deposits made before a certain time (usually 5 p.m.). Check your bank's policy in the app or by calling customer service.

What if I accidentally take a photo of the wrong side of the check?

The app will tell you that the image does not contain valid check information and will not let you submit it. You can retake the photo when ready. There is no penalty for taking multiple photos — you only pay a fee if the deposit is actually rejected by the bank.