Here's How You Deposit a Check to an Online Bank
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Depositing a check used to mean driving to a branch and waiting in line. With an online bank, it usually means taking two photos and tapping a button.
The process is simple, but there are a few details that matter if you want your money available quickly and without headaches.
You deposit checks with your phone, not a teller
Nearly every online bank lets you deposit checks through its mobile app.
You open the app, choose "Deposit check," and follow a short checklist. The bank will ask you to:
- Endorse the back of the check and write "For mobile deposit only"
- Take a clear photo of the front and back
- Enter the check amount
- Confirm which account you want the money deposited into
That's it. No envelopes. No ATMs. No branch visit.
Banks like Ally Bank and Capital One built their entire checking experience around this flow, so the apps are usually straightforward and fast. And online high-yield savings accounts usually offer around 10 times the national average rate on your savings. Compare the best online savings accounts here.
Your money is not always available right away
Just because you deposited the check does not mean you can immediately spend the full amount.
Most online banks release funds in stages:
- A small portion may be available the same or next business day
- The rest typically clears within two to five business days
- Larger or unusual checks can take longer
If it's your first deposit, a very large check, or a check from an unfamiliar payer, the bank may hold it longer to reduce fraud risk.
That delay is normal and it happens at brick-and-mortar banks too. You just notice it more when everything is digital.
Check limits matter more than people realize
Online banks set daily and monthly mobile deposit limits.
Those limits vary by bank and by customer, but common ranges look like this:
- $5,000 to $10,000 per day
- $10,000 to $50,000 per month
If you try to deposit a check above your limit, the app will usually reject it and tell you why.
For large checks like tax refunds, insurance payouts, or home sale proceeds, it's worth checking your limits in advance so you are not stuck waiting.
Opening an online bank account is generally faster than depositing the check itself. These are the top ones.
You still need to keep the paper check
Even after your deposit is accepted, do not toss the check right away.
Most banks recommend holding onto it for at least 14 days, and sometimes up to 30 days, in case there is a processing issue or a dispute.
After that window, you can shred it.
Online banks can be faster than you think
Once you get used to mobile deposits, they often feel easier than branch banking.
You can deposit a check at midnight. You don't have to drive anywhere. And your money usually clears on a similar timeline to traditional banks.
If you are using an online bank primarily for savings, this process pairs well with higher interest rates that are often far above the national average.
That is why many people keep a small buffer in checking and move excess cash into a high-yield savings account where it can actually grow.
If you want to see some of the best online savings accounts available right now, start here. It's often the simplest upgrade you can make to your banking setup.
Our Research Expert
Jake FitzGerald is a full-time Editorial Strategist and Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, leading content production and distribution while also writing about credit cards, bank accounts, and other financial products. He has more than a decade of experience editing and shaping financial content to give readers clear, trustworthy money advice. His work focuses on delivering practical insights that empower people to make smarter financial decisions. Off the clock, he’s a fan of college football tailgates and still loyal to his favorite putter -- despite what his short game suggests.