It's 5:22 AM on a Thursday morning, and you've just found a check you need to deposit into your Chase Bank account. No worries at all! Depositing a check with Chase is a straightforward process, offering several convenient options to fit your lifestyle. Whether you prefer the ease of your smartphone, the efficiency of an ATM, or the personal touch of a branch, Chase has you covered.
Let's dive in and get that money into your account!
Your Comprehensive Guide to Depositing a Check at Chase Bank
Depositing a check might seem like a simple task, but knowing the different methods and their nuances can save you time and hassle. We'll explore each option step-by-step, ensuring you feel confident in handling your finances.
Step 1: Getting Started – Your Check and Endorsement
Before you deposit your check, regardless of the method, there's a crucial first step: endorsing it. This legal signature on the back of the check validates your ownership and authorizes the bank to process the funds.
What is Endorsement?
Endorsement is simply signing the back of the check. It's usually found on the top or bottom of the backside, often with a line or box that says "Endorse Here" or "Sign Here."
How to Endorse Your Check for Chase:
Standard Endorsement: For most deposits, simply sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line on the front of the check. Use blue or black ink. Avoid using markers, crayons, or pencils.
Restrictive Endorsement (Recommended for Mobile Deposits): To add an extra layer of security, especially for mobile deposits, write "For Deposit Only" beneath your signature. Some checks even have a pre-printed checkbox for mobile deposit. If yours does, make sure to check it! This ensures that if the check is lost or stolen, it can only be deposited into your account.
Business Check Endorsement: If the check is made payable to a business, an authorized person must sign on behalf of the business. Sign the business's name exactly as it appears on the check, and it can be helpful to include your title (e.g., "John Doe, Partner").
Pro Tip: Always double-check the front of the check before endorsing. Ensure it's made out for the correct amount, isn't post-dated (dated for a future day), and doesn't have "VOID" written anywhere. Any of these could prevent a successful deposit.
Step 2: Choosing Your Deposit Method
Chase offers three primary ways to deposit a check, each with its own advantages:
Option A: Chase Mobile® App (Chase QuickDeposit℠) – The Most Convenient!
This is often the quickest and easiest way to deposit a check, allowing you to do it anytime, anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.
Sub-heading: What You'll Need:
Your endorsed check.
The Chase Mobile® App installed on your smartphone or tablet.
A stable internet connection.
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step Mobile Deposit Guide:
Open the Chase Mobile® App: Log in to your account securely using your username and password, or biometric login (fingerprint/face ID) if enabled.
Navigate to Deposit Checks: From the main navigation menu, look for "Deposit checks" or "Pay & Transfer" and then "Deposit checks."
Select Your Account: Choose the checking or savings account where you want the funds to be deposited.
Enter the Check Amount: Carefully enter the exact amount of the check. Double-check this to avoid errors!
Take Pictures of Your Check:
The app will prompt you to take a photo of the front of the endorsed check.
Place the check on a dark, solid background with good lighting.
Hold your device steady directly above the check, ensuring all four corners are within the frame.
Chase's "Auto Capture" feature often works automatically, but you can also choose to take pictures manually.
Next, take a photo of the back of the endorsed check. Ensure your signature and "For Deposit Only" (if used) are clearly visible.
Review and Confirm: The app will display a summary of your deposit, including the amount and the account. Verify all details are correct.
Submit Your Deposit: Tap "Deposit" or "Submit" to complete the transaction.
Confirmation: You'll typically receive an on-screen confirmation, and Chase will send you an email when your deposit is received and another when it's accepted (or rejected, with an explanation).
Keep Your Check: Do not discard the physical check immediately! Keep it in a safe place for a few days (e.g., 7-14 days) until you're absolutely sure the funds have cleared and are fully available in your account.
Important Note on Mobile Deposit Limits: Chase has daily and 30-day rolling limits for mobile deposits. For most customers, this is $2,000 per day and $5,000 over 30 days. These limits can vary based on your account type, deposit history, and how long your account has been open. Chase Private Clients may have higher limits (e.g., $25,000 per day, $100,000 over 30 days). If your check exceeds these limits, you'll need to use an ATM or visit a branch.
Option B: Chase ATM – Quick and Convenient Self-Service!
Chase ATMs are a popular choice for depositing checks, especially if you're out and about or need to deposit multiple checks. Most Chase ATMs are equipped to accept check and cash deposits without an envelope.
Sub-heading: What You'll Need:
Your Chase Debit Card.
Your PIN (Personal Identification Number).
Your endorsed check(s).
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step ATM Deposit Guide:
Insert Your Chase Debit Card: Carefully insert your card into the ATM's card slot.
Enter Your PIN: Enter your four-digit PIN using the keypad. Always shield the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN.
Select "Deposit": On the main menu screen, choose the "Deposit" option.
Choose Deposit Type: The ATM will likely ask if you're depositing cash, checks, or both. Select "Checks."
Select Account: Choose the account (checking or savings) where you want the check deposited.
Insert Your Check(s): The ATM will indicate where to insert your check(s). You can usually insert a stack of multiple checks (up to 30 at most ATMs). Ensure they are neatly stacked and facing the correct direction as indicated by the machine.
Verify Amount: The ATM will scan the check(s) and display the total amount it detected. Carefully review this amount to ensure it matches your check(s). If there's a discrepancy, you'll have the option to reject the deposit and get your check(s) back.
Confirm Deposit: If the amount is correct, confirm the deposit.
Receive Receipt: The ATM will dispense a receipt, often with an image of your deposited check(s) and information about when funds will be available. Keep this receipt for your records!
Retrieve Your Card: Don't forget to take your debit card from the ATM!
Option C: At a Chase Branch – For Personal Assistance!
For those who prefer a face-to-face interaction or have questions, depositing a check at a Chase branch with a teller is a reliable option. This method is particularly useful for very large checks, complex situations, or if you need to speak with a banking professional.
Sub-heading: What You'll Need:
Your endorsed check.
Your Chase account number (or debit card/ID for verification).
Optional: A deposit slip (though tellers can usually provide one).
Sub-heading: Step-by-Step Branch Deposit Guide:
Locate a Chase Branch: Use the Chase mobile app or website to find the nearest branch location.
Gather Your Items: Ensure you have your endorsed check and your account number. Having your debit card or a valid ID can also help with verification.
Approach a Teller: Once inside the branch, head to a teller window.
Fill Out a Deposit Slip (if needed):
If you don't have a pre-filled deposit slip, ask the teller for one.
Write your account number clearly.
Write your name as it appears on your account.
Enter the date.
List the amount of your check(s) in the "Checks" section. If you have multiple, you might list them individually or as a total, depending on the slip's layout.
Write the total deposit amount at the bottom.
If you want cash back from your deposit, indicate the amount in the "Less Cash Received" section and sign the slip.
Hand Over Your Items: Present your endorsed check(s) and the completed deposit slip (if you used one) to the teller.
Teller Processes Deposit: The teller will process your deposit, often confirming the amount with you.
Receive Receipt: The teller will provide you with a printed receipt. Hold onto this as your proof of deposit.
Tip on Deposit Slips: While not always strictly necessary, filling out a deposit slip beforehand can expedite the process, especially if you have multiple checks or want cash back.
Step 3: Understanding Fund Availability – When Can You Use Your Money?
After depositing your check, you'll naturally want to know when the funds will be available for use. This is often referred to as "fund availability" or "hold times."
General Availability: For most deposits made before Chase's cut-off time (often 11 PM ET for mobile deposits, and branch/ATM cut-off times vary by location but are usually end of business day), the first $200 (or $275 in some cases as per federal regulations) may be available by the next business day. The remaining funds are typically available on the second business day after the deposit.
Holds: Chase, like all banks, may place a longer hold on certain deposits for various reasons, such as:
Large check amounts (e.g., over $6,725).
New accounts or accounts with a history of overdrafts.
Checks from outside the U.S.
Checks that appear suspicious or require further review.
If a hold is placed, Chase is required to notify you, usually via email for mobile deposits or on your ATM/teller receipt. This notification will tell you when the funds are expected to become available.
Remember: A "business day" typically refers to Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Deposits made on a non-business day or after the cut-off time will be processed on the next business day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about depositing checks at Chase, with quick answers:
How to endorse a check for mobile deposit with Chase?
Sign the back of the check, and below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit Only at Chase." Some checks also have a checkbox for mobile deposit – make sure to check it.
How to find my Chase account number for a deposit?
You can find your account number by logging into your Chase Online℠ account (on chase.com or the mobile app) and clicking on your account details. It's also usually printed on your checks.
How to deposit multiple checks at a Chase ATM?
Most Chase ATMs allow you to insert a stack of up to 30 checks at once without an envelope. The machine will scan and total them for you.
How to get cash back when depositing a check at Chase?
At a branch, tell the teller how much cash you want back, and sign the deposit slip in the appropriate section. At an ATM, select the option for "deposit with cash back" if available, or make a separate cash withdrawal after your deposit clears.
How to check my Chase mobile deposit limit?
Your specific mobile deposit limits can be found within the Chase Mobile® App under the "Deposit checks" section, or by reviewing the Chase QuickDeposit℠ terms and conditions on their website. Generally, limits are around $2,000 daily and $5,000 over 30 days for most customers.
How to know if my Chase mobile deposit was successful?
Chase will typically provide an on-screen confirmation in the app, and send you email notifications when your deposit is received and then when it's accepted.
How to tell if a check is valid before depositing it at Chase?
Check for the issuer's signature, ensure the date is current (not post-dated or too old), verify the amount in words matches the amount in numbers, and look for any signs of alteration or "VOID" marks. If anything seems suspicious, contact the check issuer or a Chase representative.
How to avoid a hold on my Chase check deposit?
Deposit checks from known, reliable sources, ensure your account is in good standing, and avoid depositing very large checks if you're a new customer or have a history of overdrafts. For large checks, visiting a branch might be your best option.
How to deposit a third-party check into my Chase account?
A third-party check (a check made out to someone else that they want to give to you) generally requires the original payee to endorse the check with "Pay to the Order of [Your Name]" and then sign it, and then you would endorse it as usual. However, banks are often hesitant to accept third-party checks due to fraud risks. It's often better for the original payee to cash or deposit the check themselves and then give you the funds.
How to find the Chase routing number for direct deposit?
Chase has several routing numbers depending on your location and the type of transaction. For most direct deposits, you can find the correct routing number by logging into your Chase Online℠ account and looking for your account details, or by checking the bottom of your physical checks. A common domestic wire transfer routing number for Chase is 021000021. Always verify the correct routing number for your specific account and transaction type.