Depositing a check via mobile deposit is similar to depositing one at an ATM or teller window. However, there are a few differences you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure the money makes it into your account without a hitch.
For example, some banks and credit unions require you to add an extra detail when you sign the check, such as writing something like “for mobile deposit only” near your signature. And, many institutions don’t allow you to deposit certain types of checks using your mobile device, such a foreign checks.
Read on to learn more about how mobile deposit works, how to endorse a check for mobile deposit, and rules about depositing someone else’s check online.
Key Points
• Endorsing a check for mobile deposit requires signing the back and possibly adding “for mobile deposit only.”
• Certain checks like foreign or third-party ones may not be eligible for mobile deposit.
• Always check specific bank policies regarding mobile deposits.
• For security, endorse the check only when ready to deposit.
• If depositing a check for someone else, ensure all parties required have endorsed it.
Mobile Deposits Explained
Mobile check deposit is a digital banking tool that allows you to deposit checks to your bank account using your phone or other mobile device. Instead of making a trip to the ATM or local branch, you can simply add the money to your account from wherever you happen to be — at home, at work, or even while traveling.
The types of checks you can typically submit using mobile deposit include:
• Personal checks
• Business checks
• Cashier’s checks
• Government-issued checks
Some banks don’t allow you to use mobile check deposits for foreign checks, third-party checks (more on these below), money orders, or traveler’s checks, so it’s a good idea to confirm your bank’s policies before depositing these types of checks.
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How to Endorse a Check for Mobile Deposit
Just as when you deposit a check at an ATM or at a branch with a teller, you’ll need to first sign the back of it — or endorse it. With mobile deposit, however, there is one more piece of information you need to add.
Depending on your bank’s rules, you may need to write “for mobile deposit only” (or something similar) underneath your signature, or you might need to check a box next to words like “check here for mobile deposit.”
Banks require this extra step to protect themselves against duplicate deposits. Since customers hold onto the checks they deposit through mobile banking (rather than give it to the bank), they could potentially attempt to deposit that check again.
Recommended: How Long Does It Take a Mobile Deposit to Clear?
Where To Sign
You’ll need to sign your name in the endorsement area, which is a dedicated area on the back of the check. It’s usually rectangular in shape and will include several lines and the words “endorse here” or “endorse check here.” The top line is where you provide your signature. Don’t write anything below the endorsement area.
To play it safe, don’t sign your check until you’re ready to deposit the check online. Should a pre-endorsed check fall into the wrong hands, they could potentially alter it to deposit the money into their account.
Do You Have To Write Anything Else?
Yes. As noted above, you typically need to write “for mobile deposit only” (or something similar) underneath your signature. Or, you might need to check a box that indicates you’re making a mobile deposit.
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Can You Deposit a Check Written for Someone Else?
Typically, yes, but you’ll want to check with your bank to make sure.
Banks that allow you to deposit a check written for someone else (called a third-party check) will generally require the person to whom the check is made out to, called the payee, to sign the check over to you. This means they will need to sign the back of the check in the endorsement area, then add “Pay to the order of” and your name. You will also need to sign the check.
Some banks and credit unions require account holders to deposit third-party checks in person, rather than use mobile deposit, so you may not be able to deposit someone else’s check online.
Here’s a look at some scenarios where you may want to deposit a check written out to someone else:
• A child If your child is below the age of 18, you can endorse a check on their behalf. On the back of the check, you’ll need to write the child’s name and “minor” next to it. Under that, you print your name and your relationship to the child. And on the third line beneath that, you sign the check.
• A joint account If you share a joint account with a spouse or partner and the check is made out to both of you, the bank may require that both of you sign it. If the check is made out to one person on the account, then either of you can endorse and cash or deposit the check.
• You have power of attorney If you have power of attorney (POA) for a family member, you can manage their affairs, including depositing or cashing checks. You’ll need to print their name in the endorsement area. Under that, print your own name and your role as POA, then sign your name. If you are listed as an agent on the account, you may be able to deposit these checks online.
Opening a Checking Account Online with SoFi
Depositing a check with a smartphone or other mobile device is quick, easy, and secure, and saves you from having to make a trip to a branch or ATM.
While endorsing a check for mobile deposit is pretty straightforward, knowing how it works, best practices, and whether you can deposit a check written on behalf of someone else can make for a smoother process.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
Should you endorse a check for mobile deposit?
Yes. To submit a mobile check deposit, you have to first sign the back of it just as you would if you were depositing the check at a branch or ATM. You’ll also need to write “for mobile deposit only” (or some variation) underneath your signature or, if available, check a box indicating it’s a mobile deposit.
How do you make a mobile check deposit?
To make a mobile check deposit, you simply need to log in to your account through your bank’s mobile app. From there, you go to the “manage deposits” “or mobile check deposit” (or some similar wording) section of your app.
You’ll then need to choose which account you’d like the check to be deposited into, such as checking or savings. Next, you’ll want to endorse the check, take a photo of the front and back, note the amount of the check in the app, and submit your deposit.
Photo credit: iStock/Isbjorn
SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.00% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.
As an alternative to direct deposit, SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant. SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits are not eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits.
SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.
SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.
Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.
Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/3/24. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
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