Complete Guide on How to Deposit and Cash a Check

Although checks are quickly becoming a thing of the past, it's still good to know all about how to use them. Chances are you'll need to write at least one or two at some point in your life, and they're handy to have around so you can still buy big ticket items that are over your daily debit card limit, like putting a down payment on a car. Checks are also nice to have so you can avoid paying those processing fees to use your credit card that some websites charge. Read on to become a check expert, and when you're done read up on How to Write a Check for more helpful tips and information!

3 Steps on How to Deposit a Check at a Bank

1. Double check the amount and spelling of your name. You want to make sure that the written amount matches the number they've written (the bank will go with the amount they've written out) and that they have your or your company's name right.
   

   
2. Endorse the check—this just means that you need to sign the back of the check on the printed line.
   

   
3. Bring the check and your debit card or photo ID to your bank or an ATM for deposit. If you're depositing at an ATM, make sure it's listed on your bank's website, otherwise you may not be able to use it or it will take longer for the money to be deposited in your account.

4 Steps on How to Mobile Deposit a Check

1. Double check the amount and spelling of your name.
   

   
2. Endorse the check (sign the back of the check on the printed line) and write "for mobile deposit only" underneath your signature.
   

   
3. Download the WaFd Bank Mobile App: If you haven't already, download the WaFd Bank mobile app on your Apple or Android device.
4. 1. Sign In: Open the app and sign in with your credentials.
   2. Select 'Deposit': On the bottom of the screen, choose the 'Deposit' option.
   3. Choose Account: Select the account where you want to deposit the funds.
   4. Enter Amount: Type in the amount of the check.
   5. Capture Check Images:
      1. Front: Select 'Front' and follow the on-screen prompts to take a clear picture of the front of the check. If your camera has issues automatically picking up the check, turn off 'Auto Capture' from the top right.
      2. Back: Do the same for the back of the check. Ensure the check is endorsed (signed on the back) AND you wrote or selected "for mobile deposit only" under your signature.
   6. Verify Information: Double-check the account, amount, and images for accuracy and 'Slide to Submit'

Important Notes:

• Processing Time: The first $225 will be made available immediately. Generally, the remainder of the funds will be available in 1 business day.
• Keep Paper Check: Please keep your paper check until the funds are posted to your account.
• Avoid Redeposit Fees: Please be patient for the remainder of your funds to post; do not attempt to redeposit the check.
• App Requirement: Remember, mobile deposits can only be made through WaFd Bank's mobile app and not via the browser version of the online banking application. This functionality is exclusive to the WaFd Bank mobile Apple or Android app.

8 things you should know before you start using checks

1. When you give someone a check, even if you've dated it for some time in the future, it can be deposited and funds taken from your account. Never write and give someone a check if you don't yet have the money in your account.
2. Always use blue or black ink pens. Other colors might not show up very well on mobile deposit, or not picked up at all when you deposit it at the bank (fun fact: they take pictures of the check too with a special scanner). Because of this, your check may be unreadable and will not be able to be deposited or it will be returned.
3. Make sure the amount matches in both places on the check. If there is a difference between the numbers and the words, the bank will cash the check for the amount written in words.
4. After writing the check amount in words (starting all the way to the left) draw a line through the rest of the space. This prevents someone from altering the amount you've written in words or numbers.
5. If a check is older than six months, it is no longer negotiable and if you deposit it the check will be returned, meaning the funds will be taken back out of your account. If you write that check, you will need to write a new check if you still owe that money.
6. Never sign the check until you've filled in all the details (and NEVER write "cash" in the payee line until you're actually cashing the check). If you sign the check and all other details are not filled in and you end up losing the check somehow, whoever finds it can write in their own name and deposit it or cash the check at your bank.
7. Try to keep your signature consistent. This way, if your checks do get stolen it will be much easier to prove which checks were written by you and which ones are fraudulent.
8. Things happen—if your checks are lost or stolen, contact your bank to let them know. You may need to close your account and reopen a new once, since your account number is printed on each check. If you only misplace or lose a single check, you can just place a stop payment with your bank for a fee.

Have questions? WaFd Bank is here to help!

No question is too small, and with WaFd Bank you also have access to tools and services to help you manage your finances and get the most from your money. Visit us at your neighborhood branch, give us a call at 800-324-9375, or check out what WaFd online banking has to offer.