Adding checks into your Shopify Balance account

Note

To add checks in the Shopify Balance mobile app, you need to be using an up-to-date version of the app. If the option isn't available in your account, then update the Shopify Balance mobile app, or use the Shopify app to add your check.

You can add checks into your Shopify Balance account from your mobile device by using either the Shopify app or the Shopify Balance mobile app. This guide outlines the requirements for adding a check, the types of check that are accepted, and how to add a check.

Requirements when adding a check

To add a check into your Shopify Balance account, your check must meet the following requirements:

• The check must be in USD and must be issued from a United States financial institution.
• The check must have been issued within the last 6 months and must not be post-dated. The date must be in the format of MM/DD/YYYY.
• The check must be an original paper check and not a copy, a scan, or a digital reproduction.
• The check must be made out to the legal business name that matches the Shopify Balance account owner.
• The check must be signed by the issuer.
• The check can't be added more than one time and shouldn't be added elsewhere prior to adding the check to your Shopify Balance account.

In addition to these check requirements, you must also meet the following Shopify Balance account requirements:

• You can't exceed your monthly limit for adding checks. This limit varies by account.
• You must use multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Endorsing your check

When you're ready to add your check, you must endorse it by signing the back of the check, and then writing For mobile deposit only at Shopify Balance under your signature. Don't endorse a check until you're ready to add it to your Shopify Balance account. If your check has a checkbox that states "Remote/Mobile Deposit Check", then check this box.

Types of check that you can add

You can add the following types of check to your Shopify Balance account:

• Handwritten personal checks
• Cashier's checks
• Printed e-checks that are labeled "electronic check"

Ineligible check types

You can't add the following types of check into your Shopify Balance account:

• Money orders
• Traveler's checks
• Foreign currency checks
• Photocopies or scanned images
• Altered or damaged checks
• Promissory notes

Add your check

You can add your check into your Shopify Balance account from the Shopify app or the Shopify Balance mobile app. The steps to add a check are different in each app.

Shopify app

Steps:

1. In the Shopify app, tap Balance.
2. Tap Add check.
3. Select the account that you want to add the check to, and then enter the amount the check is for.
4. Optional: In the Memo field, enter information about the check.
5. In the Front section, tap icon to take a photograph of the front of the check with your device's camera.
6. In the Back section, tap icon to take a photograph of the back of the check with your device's camera.
7. Tap Submit.

Shopify Balance app

Steps:

1. In the Shopify Balance mobile app, tap Move money.
2. Tap Add, and then tap Check.
3. On the Get your check ready screen, endorse your check, and then tap Scan check.
4. Take a photograph of the front of your check, and then tap Use photo.
5. Take a photograph of the back of your check, and then tap Use photo.
6. Tap the check amount, enter the amount that the check is for, and then tap Save.
7. Tap Select destination, and then select the account that you want to add the check to.
8. Optional: Tap Add description to enter information about the check.
9. Tap Confirm.

After you add a check, it displays as Pending in your transaction list. After the check is processed successfully, the status changes to Posted, and the funds become available.

Checks typically process within 1 to 3 business days. If you add a check after business hours, on a weekend, or on a holiday, then processing begins on the next business day.

Keep the physical check secure for 60 days after you add it, because a check can be reversed during this period, even after the funds are available. After 60 days, mark the check VOID, and then shred or destroy it.

Caution

If you attempt to add a check more than one time during processing, then the process fails and it might block future attempts to add a check.

Troubleshoot adding checks

Review the following considerations to ensure your device's camera captures the check successfully:

• Use a dark and flat surface.
• Ensure good lighting.
• Display all four corners of the check.
• Ensure the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line of digits at the bottom of the check are readable.

If there's an issue when adding your check, then you might be asked to retake the photo, or to re-enter the check amount. You might also receive a notification in the Alerts feed in your Shopify admin, or an email within 60 minutes of adding the check, asking you to review the information and fix any issues.

If there's an issue with your check, then the transaction details state that there's Action required, and it remains pending until you act, for up to 15 days. After 15 days, the transaction is canceled. If the check can't be collected due to an error with the check issuer's bank, then the check is rejected. In this case, you must contact the check issuer directly.

When you correct the issue, the existing transaction is updated instead of a new transaction being created. The transaction returns to Pending, and the request to review the check is dismissed. Don't add the check a second time.

Check reversals

Checks that you add can sometimes be rejected. A check can be reversed for up to 60 days after you add it, including after the status changes to Posted and the funds are available. The following are some of the reasons that a check might be reversed:

• There are insufficient funds in the check issuer's account.
• The check issuer has requested to stop the payment.
• The check issuer's account details are invalid or the account is closed.
• The check has an improper endorsement.
• There are formatting errors on the check.

In these cases, the check can't be added again. Contact the check issuer or vendor to request a corrected or replacement check.

If a check is reversed, then the transaction is marked as Check reversal in your transaction list. Any funds that were credited before the check was reversed are debited from your Shopify Balance account.