You've got a check in hand and you're ready to get those funds into your USAA account! Whether you're a seasoned USAA member or just starting out, depositing a check is a common and usually very straightforward task. Let's walk through the process together, step by step, so you can confidently get your money where it needs to be.
The Easiest Way: Mobile Deposit with the USAA App
For most members, the USAA Mobile App is by far the most convenient and fastest way to deposit a check. You can do it from anywhere, anytime, as long as you have your smartphone and an internet connection.
Step 1: Get Ready! Engage with Your Check
Alright, before we even touch the app, let's prepare that check. This is a crucial first step that many people overlook, leading to potential delays.
Sub-heading: Endorsing Your Check Properly
- Look at the back of your check. You'll see a section designated for endorsement.
- Sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line on the front of the check. If your name is spelled slightly differently, sign it as it's written and then sign it again with your correct legal name.
- Below your signature, it's highly recommended to write "For USAA Mobile Deposit Only" or "For Deposit Only USAA". This helps prevent accidental cashing if the check is lost and signals to the bank that it's intended for a mobile deposit. This is a best practice for security.
Sub-heading: Prepare Your Environment
- Find a well-lit area. Natural light is always best if available.
- Choose a dark, flat surface to place your check on. This creates good contrast for your phone's camera, making it easier for the app to capture the check's details. Avoid busy patterns or reflective surfaces.
- Make sure there are no shadows cast over the check. Your hand or phone could create shadows, so adjust your position if needed.
- Smooth out any wrinkles in the check. A flat check is easier for the camera to read.
Step 2: Launch the USAA Mobile App & Initiate Deposit
Now that your check is ready, let's get into the app!
Sub-heading: Logging In Securely
- Open the USAA Mobile App on your smartphone.
- Log in using your preferred method – this could be your online ID and password, or for even quicker access, your fingerprint, face ID, or voice recognition if you have those features enabled. USAA prioritizes security, so you'll appreciate these options!
Sub-heading: Finding the Deposit Feature
- Once logged in, look for the "Deposit" option. It's usually located at the bottom menu or within a prominent "Banking" section.
- Tap on "Deposit into Bank Account".
Step 3: Capture Your Check Images
This is where your preparation from Step 1 comes in handy! The app will guide you through taking pictures of your check.
Sub-heading: Front of the Check
- The app will display an outline or frame on your screen. Align the front of your check within this frame.
- Hold your phone steady and directly over the check, not at an angle.
- The app's camera is designed to automatically capture the image when it detects a clear picture. You might hear a "click" or see a visual confirmation. If it doesn't automatically capture, there's usually a manual capture button.
- Verify the image: After capture, the app will often display the image for your review. Ensure all four corners of the check are visible, the check number, routing number, account number, and the amount are clear and readable, and there are no glares or shadows. If it's blurry or cut off, retake it.
Sub-heading: Back of the Check
- Flip the check over to the back side, ensuring your endorsement is clearly visible.
- Again, align the back of your check within the frame provided by the app.
- Hold your phone steady and directly over the check.
- Allow the app to automatically capture the image or use the manual capture button.
- Verify the image: Just like the front, review the image of the back of the check to ensure your endorsement is fully visible and everything is clear.
Step 4: Enter Deposit Details & Confirm
You're almost there! Now you'll tell USAA where the money should go and how much it is.
Sub-heading: Selecting the Deposit Account
- The app will prompt you to select the USAA account into which you want to deposit the check. This could be your checking account, savings account, or another eligible account. Double-check that you're choosing the correct account!
Sub-heading: Entering the Amount
- Carefully enter the dollar amount of the check into the designated field. It's crucial to enter the exact amount as written on the check. A mismatch could cause your deposit to be delayed or rejected.
Sub-heading: Reviewing and Submitting
- Before you finalize, the app will likely present a summary of your deposit. This includes the images of the check, the selected account, and the entered amount.
- Review all the details one last time. Make sure everything is accurate.
- Once you're confident, tap the "Deposit" or "Submit Deposit" button.
Step 5: What Happens Next? Availability of Funds and Keeping Your Check
Congratulations, you've submitted your deposit! Now, let's talk about what happens after you hit that final button.
Sub-heading: Funds Availability
- Generally, funds deposited through the USAA Mobile App (Deposit@Mobile®) are made available to you the first business day after the day USAA receives your deposit.
- If you deposit the check before 9 p.m. Central Time on a business day, that day counts as the day of your deposit. If it's after 9 p.m. CT, on a weekend, or a federal holiday, the deposit day will be the next business day.
- Keep in mind that USAA may place a hold on certain deposits. This can happen for various reasons, such as a large check amount, your account history, or if the check itself raises any flags. If a hold is placed, USAA will typically notify you within the app at the time of the transaction.
- For specific details on funds availability, always refer to USAA's official Funds Availability Policy in your Deposit Agreement.
Sub-heading: What to Do with the Physical Check
- DO NOT immediately throw away or destroy the physical check!
- It's a good practice to write "Mobile Deposited" and the date on the front of the check after your deposit is confirmed.
- Keep the physical check in a safe place for at least 14 days (some recommend even longer, up to 60 days). This is in case there's any issue with the electronic deposit and USAA requires the original.
- After the holding period and once you've confirmed the funds are fully available in your account, you can then shred the check securely to protect your financial information.
Other Ways to Deposit a Check on USAA (If Mobile isn't an Option)
While mobile deposit is the preferred method, USAA offers other options:
Method 2: Depositing at a USAA-Preferred ATM
- Find a USAA-preferred ATM: Use the USAA app's ATM locator to find an ATM that accepts deposits. Not all ATMs in their network accept cash or check deposits, so confirm beforehand.
- Use your USAA ATM or debit card: Insert your card into the ATM.
- Follow on-screen prompts: Select "Deposit," then "Check Deposit."
- Insert the check: Many ATMs allow you to insert the check directly without an envelope. The ATM will scan and provide an image of the check on the screen for confirmation.
- Confirm the amount: Verify the amount the ATM reads from the check.
- Funds availability: Funds deposited at an ATM are generally available by the next business day after the day of deposit, though holds can still apply.
Method 3: Depositing by Mail
This method is generally slower and less recommended unless absolutely necessary.
- Endorse the check: Write "For Deposit Only" and your USAA account number on the back.
- Prepare a deposit slip: If you have USAA deposit slips, fill one out. If not, you may need to write a note with your account number and a clear instruction to deposit.
- Mail it to USAA's processing center: USAA Federal Savings Bank 10750 McDermott Freeway San Antonio, TX 78288-0544
- Expect delays: Deposits by mail will take significantly longer to process and for funds to become available due to mail transit time and processing.
Important Considerations for USAA Check Deposits
- Deposit Limits: USAA may impose daily or monthly limits on the dollar amount and/or number of checks you can deposit via mobile. These limits are usually displayed in the app when you initiate a deposit. If you have a very large check, you might need to contact USAA for alternative arrangements or be aware that a longer hold may be placed.
- Types of Checks Accepted: The USAA Mobile App generally accepts personal checks, cashier's checks, teller's checks, corporate checks, convenience checks, and money orders. Foreign checks typically cannot be deposited via mobile app and must be mailed.
- Returned Checks: If a check you deposited is returned unpaid (e.g., due to insufficient funds from the payer's account), you will be responsible for the amount, even if you've already withdrawn the money.
- Security: Always ensure you're using the official USAA Mobile App and that your device and internet connection are secure when performing financial transactions.
10 Related FAQ Questions with Quick Answers
How to find my USAA routing number?
You can find your USAA routing number on your checks, within the USAA Mobile App by navigating to your account details, or by logging into usaa.com. It's also often listed on USAA's website under "Account Services" or "Help."
How to check my USAA mobile deposit limit?
Your specific mobile deposit limit will be displayed within the USAA Mobile App when you select the "Deposit" option and begin the deposit process. It will show the maximum aggregate amount you can deposit into all your accounts.
How to know if my USAA mobile deposit went through?
You can check the status of your mobile deposit by going to your account activity or deposit history within the USAA Mobile App or on usaa.com. You will typically see a "pending" status initially, followed by "posted" once the funds are available.
How to endorse a check for mobile deposit with USAA?
Sign your name on the endorsement line on the back of the check, and then write "For USAA Mobile Deposit Only" or "For Deposit Only USAA" directly below your signature.
How to fix a blurry image during USAA mobile deposit?
Ensure you are in a well-lit area with no shadows, place the check on a dark, flat, non-reflective surface, and hold your phone steady directly over the check. If the app allows, manually focus the camera before capturing. If it continues, try cleaning your phone's camera lens.
How to deposit a foreign check with USAA?
Foreign checks generally cannot be deposited via the USAA Mobile App. You will typically need to mail the foreign check to USAA's processing center for deposit. Contact USAA customer service for specific instructions on foreign check deposits.
How to prevent a hold on my USAA check deposit?
While you can't guarantee no holds, ensuring your check is properly endorsed, taking clear images, and depositing during regular business hours can help. Maintaining a good account history with USAA can also reduce the likelihood of holds.
How to find a USAA ATM that accepts deposits?
Use the ATM locator feature within the USAA Mobile App or on usaa.com. Filter your search to specifically show ATMs that accept cash and check deposits, as not all ATMs in their network offer this service.
How to shred a check after mobile deposit with USAA?
After confirming the funds are fully available in your account (usually after 14 days, or longer if a hold was placed), use a cross-cut shredder to destroy the check. If you don't have a shredder, tear it into many small pieces and dispose of it in different trash bags to protect your information.
How to contact USAA customer service for deposit issues?
You can contact USAA customer service by calling their main number (often found on your debit card or usaa.com) or by using the secure message feature within the USAA Mobile App or on usaa.com.
