Create and manage printed checks

About printed checks

You can use your Square Checking balance to issue printable checks, or deposit a check into your checking account balance. Once you create a check, you can download and print a copy or email the check as a PDF attachment to a recipient.

Before you begin

• There are no recurring fees for check deposits.

• You can view check deposit limits from the Square POS app, and checks deposits are reflected in your checking account within one to six business days. 

• The ability to create recurring check payments is not currently available. 

• Square doesn't deliver check payments. The issuer is responsible for delivering checks to recipients.

• Account numbers are different on checks issued from your checking account because printable checks are created with our partners at Wells Fargo. 

• If you update your business name prior to opening a checking account, your updated business name will be reflected on your checking account and any digital checks you create with Square Checking.

• There is a maximum check payment amount of $10,000 per day, and a maximum of 10 checks generated per day.

Create a printable check

Once created, checks are reflected in the Recent activity view in Square Dashboard or on the Square POS app. Before depositing a check, cut along the dotted lines so your printout is the shape of a traditional check. The best way to deposit a check is with mobile deposit using your bank’s app.

Deposit a check

Mobile check deposits can fail and be returned if either Square or our bank partners determine that the check is ineligible. Returns are commonly due to problems on the issuing bank side, such as insufficient funds or account closures. Before depositing a check, follow these tips:

• Endorse your check using only black or blue ink. You’re required to endorse your check to submit it, and checks can be rejected for using ineligible ink colors.

• Make sure to use a dark background color, a flat background, good lighting, and ensure all four corners of the check are visible when uploading a photo of your check. 

• If you’re still having trouble depositing your check, try updating your app to the latest version.

To deposit a check into your checking account:

1. Open the Square POS app and tap More > Balance.   

2. Select Add Money > Mobile Check Deposit.

3. Enter the amount listed on the check.

4. Endorse the back of your check, and write For Square mobile deposit only below your signature.

5. Take a picture of the front and back of the check using a dark background, and click Submit.

6. Keep your check in a safe place for two weeks before discarding it.

Note: Checks need to be deposited within 180 days of their issue date otherwise they'll be declined. Some checks might have a shorter deposit window, which should be confirmed with the issuer. Once a mobile check deposit is initiated, it cannot be canceled or reversed.

Cancel a check

You can cancel a printed check at any time as long as it hasn't been deposited by the recipient. It takes one business day for funds from canceled checks to be returned to your checking account.

View the status of a check  

You can see the status of a check from your checking account’s recent activity. There are four statuses used to communicate the different stages of the check process:

• Not deposited: Funds are reserved and the check is waiting to be deposited.

• Deposited: The recipient has deposited the check successfully.

• Canceled: The check has been canceled. Only the check writer can take this action.

• Expired: The check can no longer be deposited. Checks are automatically voided after 90 days.

Related articles

• View your checking account activity

• Manage checking account transfers

• Make cash deposits into your checking account