> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getlemma.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Deposit a check from your phone

> Use mobile check deposit to snap a photo of a paper check and credit the funds to your Lemma account.

Mobile check deposit lets you deposit a paper check straight from your phone — no
trip to the bank or lockbox mailing required. Open Lemma in your phone's browser,
visit [Move money > Mobile check deposit](https://app.getlemma.com/_/move-money/mobile-check-deposit), photograph the front and
back of the check, and the funds are credited to your account once the check
clears.

You need [banking permissions](/guides/team-management#banking-permissions) to
deposit a check. Read-only users are allowed to deposit checks but not move
the money after it's deposited.

## Before you start

* **Payee matches account name.** The "Pay to" / "Pay to the order of" line must
  match your account entity name exactly. Reach out to us if you are depositing a check in the name of an owner or healthcare provider rather than the clinic's name.
* **Endorse the back.** Sign or write your name on the back, then write
  "For deposit only at Lemma" below it.
* Find good, even lighting and a dark, flat surface for contrast.

## Deposit a check

### Mobile

<Steps>
  <Step title="Visit the move money page">
    In your phone's browser, sign in to Lemma and go to
    [Move money > Mobile check deposit](https://app.getlemma.com/_/move-money/mobile-check-deposit).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose the destination account">
    Select the Lemma account you want the funds credited to. If you manage
    multiple providers, confirm you're on the right entity first.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Capture the front of the check">
    Point your camera at the front of the check. A live viewfinder with edge
    detection frames the check and helps you capture a clean image on the first
    try. Hold steady until it captures, then confirm the photo is sharp and all
    four corners are visible.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Capture the back of the check">
    Flip the check over and photograph the endorsed back the same way. Make sure
    your signature and any required "for mobile deposit" note are legible.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and submit">
    Check the account and both images. The amount is read automatically from the
    front of the check. If anything looks off, retake the photo. When everything
    is correct, submit the deposit.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Desktops

Prefer a bigger screen? Mobile deposit also works from a computer. On the
[Move money > Mobile check deposit](https://app.getlemma.com/_/move-money/mobile-check-deposit) page, upload a photo of
the front and back of the check instead of capturing one with the camera.

## After you deposit

Once submitted, the deposit appears in your
[transaction history](/guides/transactions). The check is credited to your
account after it clears, and the funds are held for a few days before they become available to spend.

Open the transaction's detail panel to see:

* **Status** — a deposit moves through `pending`, `submitted`, and then either
  clears or is `returned` / `rejected`.
* **Hold release date** — when a hold is in place, the panel shows the date the
  funds are expected to become available.

## Tips for a clean capture

* Use a dark, flat surface so the check's edges stand out.
* Keep all four corners visible inside the frame.
* No shadows or glare — diffuse, even light works best.
* Make sure the image is in focus before submitting.
* Keep the paper check until the deposit clears, then store or destroy it per
  your record-keeping policy.

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Lockbox" icon="mailbox" href="/guides/lockbox">
    Mail paper checks to your dedicated lockbox address for deposit.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Transactions" icon="list" href="/guides/transactions">
    Track the status and hold release date of every deposit.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>