How to Deposit a Check Received via Email (Step-by-Step)

Types of Checks You Might Receive by Email

When someone sends a 'check via email,' they might mean several different things:

**Type 1: A photo or scan of a paper check** — An image of a traditional check, typically as a PDF or image attachment. You may be able to deposit this via mobile check deposit.

**Type 2: An eCheck** — A digital payment through an ACH service. You'll receive deposit instructions, not an image to deposit manually.

**Type 3: A PDF check template** — A filled-out check template designed to be printed and deposited physically. Often used by payroll services.

**Type 4: A payment link** — Not actually a check, but a link to a payment service (PayPal, Stripe, etc.) where you can accept the payment electronically.

How you deposit it depends on which type you received.

Depositing a Check Image via Mobile Deposit

If you received a **photo or PDF of a physical check**, you may be able to deposit it using your bank's mobile app:

1. Open your bank's mobile app 2. Navigate to 'Deposit' or 'Mobile Check Deposit' 3. Take a photo of the front and back of the check (or upload the image file) 4. Enter the check amount 5. Select your deposit account 6. Submit

**Important caveats:** - Not all banks accept digitally transmitted check images (some require original paper checks) - The check image must be clear, properly oriented, and include all required fields - The check must have the authorized signature and be made out to you - Contact your bank first to confirm they accept mobile deposits of email-received checks - Also ask the sender to mail the original check — many transactions require the physical document

Depositing an eCheck

If you received an **eCheck through a payment service** (QuickBooks, PaySimple, etc.), the deposit process depends on the service:

**QuickBooks eCheck**: The payer enters their bank details, and QuickBooks processes an ACH transfer directly to your connected bank account. No action required on your end — funds appear in 3-5 business days.

**Bank bill pay eCheck**: Similar to QuickBooks — the payer's bank initiates an ACH transfer to your account. You may receive an email notification, but the deposit happens automatically.

**Specialized eCheck services**: Some services send you a deposit code or instructions to claim the payment through their platform. Follow the specific instructions in the email.

If you're unsure what type of eCheck you've received, contact the sender to clarify whether funds have been initiated and when to expect them in your account.

Red Flags: Check Scams Sent by Email

Be extremely cautious of checks received by email from strangers or in unexpected contexts. Common scams include:

**Overpayment scam**: A 'buyer' sends a check for more than the agreed amount and asks you to wire back the difference. The check later bounces — leaving you liable for the full amount.

**Lottery/prize scams**: You 'won' a prize and received a check to cover 'processing fees.' The check is fraudulent.

**Job scam**: A 'remote job' offers to pay you by check and have you purchase supplies — the check is fake.

**Warning signs:** - Checks from strangers without a clear business relationship - Amounts larger than expected or agreed - Requests to send money back after depositing - Urgency and pressure to deposit quickly

Never spend funds from a deposited check until your bank confirms the check has fully cleared — this can take several business days even after the bank makes funds 'available.'