This article explains how to deposit checks electronically through Mercury, along with the requirements your check needs to meet before you submit it.
Before you get started
Make sure the check is issued by a U.S bank and made out to:
- The legal name or DBA of the business on file
- A business owner (for business accounts) or the account holder on file
Endorsing checks
Before uploading photos, a signatory (any team member with check deposit permissions) needs to endorse the back of the check.
Write your business name and “For mobile deposit only” underneath your signature. Use blue or black ink — pencil isn’t accepted. If you use a stamp, that’s fine as long as it includes the required endorsement text.
Missing or incorrect endorsements are a common reason check deposits are rejected.
Depositing from your dashboard
In the upper right corner of your dashboard, click Move Money > Deposit and select Check Deposit as the method. Follow the prompts to upload check photos and submit your deposit.
If you're running into a deposit limit, you can request an increase by following the steps outlined here.
Depositing from the Mercury mobile app
You can deposit a check from the Mercury mobile app on iOS or Android:
- Tap the double arrow icon in the bottom navigation
- Depending on your device:
- iOS: Tap +Deposit at the top of the screen, then follow the prompts to upload photos and submit your deposit
- Android: Tap the paper plane icon, then tap +Deposit
Taking photos of your checks
Successful deposits rely on check images that are clear and legible. Here are our requirements:
- Upload clear photos: Ensure both the front and back of your check images are clear, with all account information legible. Photos must be of the actual check, not a photo of a check image from a computer screen or another secondary source. Scanned checks are acceptable.
- Background matters: Take the photos on a solid, dark, and non-reflective background. Avoid wood or busy backgrounds, as they can lead to poor image quality.
- Flat surfaces only: In addition to solid backgrounds, ensure the check is completely flat. Do not take photos with the check in your hands or on your lap.
- Lighting and focus: Capture the photos in a well-lit area, ensuring no shadows are cast on the check. Use a clean camera lens and avoid zooming in to maintain clarity.
- Remove attachments: If your check has a pay stub or letter attached, remove them before taking photos.
If your check deposit is rejected
The check type isn’t supported
eChecks, courtesy checks, and temporary/starter checks won’t process, even if you resubmit them. Ask the sender for a standard check from a U.S. bank, or for another way to pay you. If there are no account, routing, and check numbers along the bottom of the check, it’s likely an eCheck.
The payee doesn’t match your account
- Made out to a DBA that isn’t on your account: Add the DBA, then resubmit the check.
- Made out to someone who isn’t a signatory or beneficial owner: Contact Support to add them. Resubmit once they’ve been added.
The photo couldn’t be read
Retake the photo using the tips above, and also check that:
- The numbers along the bottom are sharp and fully in the frame
- There’s a visible border around all four edges, so don’t zoom or crop too close
- There’s no glare or wrinkles, and the photo isn’t too bright or too dark
When to expect funds
Checks are manually reviewed and once approved can take up to 5 business days to post. You may notice that funds have settled on the 6th business day if the check was submitted after our 12pm Pacific cutoff time.
Please keep the check for at least a week to make sure it clears without issue.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.