Depositing a cheque into your Commonwealth Bank account

Depositing cheques via the CommBank app or in-branch

Olesya Krasavtseva
Fact-checked by Olesya Krasavtseva
Content Editor at Prostobank Consulting Prostobank Consulting Logo
Updated: 01.09.2026

Video Guide

Table of Contents

How to Cash a Cheque in Commonwealth Bank

Cashing a cheque in the Commonwealth Bank of Australia is a rather simple process.

For example, a customer can cash cheques with ATMs of Commonwealth Bank. For this, he should insert his card into a cash ATM of CommBank, press Deposit, choose Cheques and tap Continue, select the account for depositing cheques, input up to 50 cheques, check the deposited sum, and print the receipt.

You can also deposit cheques online in the NetBank of Commonwealth Bank or in the nearest branch.

Depositing Cheques via ATM

CommBank Instant Deposit ATMs allow customers to deposit up to 50 cheques at a time, without using envelopes. The process remains the same:

  • Insert your card or use cardless access via the CommBank app
  • Select Deposit, then choose Cheques and tap Continue
  • Choose the account you want to deposit into
  • Insert the cheques directly into the machine
  • Verify the amount and print a receipt if needed

ATMs are available at most CommBank branches and operate 24/7.

Depositing Cheques at a Branch

Customers may also deposit cheques in person at any Commonwealth Bank branch. To do this, simply:

  • Bring the cheque and valid identification
  • Complete a deposit slip if required
  • Hand over the cheque to a bank teller for processing

This option is especially useful for those who prefer face-to-face service or have business-related deposits.

Tracking Deposits in NetBank and the App

Although it’s not possible to deposit cheques by taking a photo in the CommBank app, customers can:

  • View deposit history
  • Track cheque clearance status
  • Receive alerts when funds become available

Cheque clearance usually takes a few business days, depending on the issuing bank.

Read also:

 

While digital transfers have become the standard for most transactions, you may occasionally need to deposit a physical cheque into your Commonwealth Bank account. Whether you choose to use the mobile app for a quick deposit or prefer visiting a branch, the process is designed to ensure your funds are securely transferred and verified by the banking system.

Before initiating a deposit, it is helpful to understand which methods are available to you. Most personal accounts support mobile cheque deposits, which can save a trip to the branch, though processing times will apply as the bank verifies the document details.

Key Deposit Methods and Requirements

Category Details
Deposit Methods CommBank app, Smart ATM, or branch teller
Processing Time Typically 3 business days for clearance
Eligibility Eligible personal transaction/savings accounts
Key Requirements Signed cheque, valid account details

Steps to Deposit via the CommBank App

Mobile deposits are a convenient way to handle cheques from your own device.

  1. Log in to the CommBank app and select the 'Pay & Transfer' tab.
  2. Choose 'Deposit a cheque' from the menu options.
  3. Select the account you wish to deposit the funds into and enter the cheque amount.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to capture an image of the front of the cheque, then turn it over and scan the back.
  5. Review the images for clarity and confirm the details before submitting.
  6. Keep the physical cheque in a safe place until the funds have fully cleared in your account.

Depositing Cheques via ATM

CommBank Instant Deposit ATMs allow customers to deposit up to 50 cheques at a time, without using envelopes. The process remains the same:

  • Insert your card or use cardless access via the CommBank app
  • Select Deposit, then choose Cheques and tap Continue
  • Choose the account you want to deposit into
  • Insert the cheques directly into the machine
  • Verify the amount and print a receipt if needed

ATMs are available at most CommBank branches and operate 24/7.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

MFA / Login issues: If you are unable to access the app to process your deposit, check that your device's date and time settings are set to 'automatic'. If login issues persist, ensure your app is updated to the latest version. If you remain locked out, contact the bank's support line to verify your credentials.

Browser or app errors: If the camera fails to capture the cheque image, it is often due to insufficient lighting or restricted app permissions. Ensure you have granted the CommBank app 'Camera' access in your phone’s privacy settings and place the cheque on a dark, flat surface to improve contrast. If errors continue, restart the app.

Locked account / ID access: Your account may be locked for security reasons if there have been repeated unsuccessful login attempts. This is a standard security measure to prevent unauthorized access. You will need to visit a branch with your photo identification to verify your identity and restore full access to your banking services.

Pro-Tip: Before scanning, ensure the cheque is signed on the back if required and that all written details—especially the amount—are legible. Keeping the physical cheque until the funds appear as 'Available' in your account history is a prudent safety step, as the bank may request it if the digital scan is unclear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cheque deposit showing as 'pending'?

A 'pending' status indicates that the bank has received the request, but the funds have not yet cleared. The system requires time to verify the cheque with the issuing financial institution, which can take a few business days depending on the bank processing rules. You generally do not need to take any action; simply monitor your account, and the status will update once the funds are fully available.

Can I deposit a cheque made out to someone else into my account?

In most cases, banks will not accept third-party cheques because they must be deposited into an account held by the person or entity named as the payee. Depositing a cheque into an account with a different name risks rejection during the clearing process. If you have been gifted a cheque, the payee will typically need to deposit it into their own account and then transfer the funds to you.

What happens if the cheque I deposited bounces?

If a cheque is dishonored or 'bounces' due to insufficient funds in the payer's account or an error on the cheque, the bank will deduct the deposit amount from your account. You will typically be notified via a message or a letter in your digital inbox. If this happens, you will need to contact the person or organization who issued the cheque to resolve the payment issue directly with them.

Official Bank Information

Commonwealth Bank (CBA)

Support: 13 22 21

SWIFT Code: CTBAAU2S

Video Guides

Watch our expert video reviews to navigate Australian banking with ease.

Bank's Services and Products

Find and compare the best banking products tailored to your financial goals.

Personal Banking

Personal credit cards

Show details
Credit limit range: 400 dol to 1500 dol No physical card provided (digital only) Monthly minimum repayments: 40 dol or less Access to CommBank Yello Cashback Offers No additional cardholders allowed Does not earn Awards points

Personal debit cards

Show details
Applicant must be at least 18 years old Must have an Australian residential address Must hold an existing linked standard Debit Mastercard to upgrade Must be linked to an eligible CommBank transaction account Includes complimentary international travel insurance for trips up to 21 days (requires activation) Includes two complimentary airport lounge passes worldwide via Mastercard Travel Pass Features Price Guarantee, Purchase Security, and Extended Warranty insurances

Personal savings accounts

Show details
Must be 14 years or older to apply Requires a linked eligible CommBank transaction account Introductory bonus rate of 4,95% p.a. applies for the first 5 months

Personal transaction accounts

Show details
Must be 14 years or older Requires identity verification at a branch within 20 days if applying from overseas Includes physical and digital Debit Mastercard Eligible for CommBank Yello rewards with 5+ transactions monthly Access to digital tools like Bill Sense and Spend Tracker

Loans & Mortgages

Personal Car loans

Show details
No vehicle security or collateral is required Offers complete flexibility to make unlimited extra repayments without any fee Includes a redraw facility to access available funds if needed

Personal Home Loans

Show details
Discount margins vary based on Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) tiers up to 95% Freedom to split the loan and utilize multiple Everyday Offset accounts Interest Only payments available for up to 5 years (Owner Occupied) or 15 years (Investment) Minimum topup amount is 10000 AUD Variable rate is not protected from interest rate increases

Personal loans

Show details
No security or collateral required Includes a redraw facility to access extra funds paid into the loan Discounted rates available for eligible energyefficient purchases Repayments may fluctuate if the interest rate changes Repayment frequencies available: weekly, fortnightly, or monthly

Business Solutions

Business accounts

Show details
Must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)Applicant must be at least 18 years oldRequires an existing eligible Commonwealth Bank AUD accountAccount must be used strictly for business purposesInterest is paid monthly on selected currencies based on balance tiersOnline application available for sole traders, Pty Ltd companies, SMSFs, and partnerships

Business car loans

Show details
Must have a current ABN and a minimum of 12 months trading history The financed vehicle or equipment serves as the loan security Optional balloon payments available to reduce ongoing monthly commitments Repayments can be customized to align with seasonal business cashflows Discount of up to 1,00% p.a. available for eligible green and efficient vehicles

Business credit cards

Show details
Up to 55 days interestfree period on purchases Minimum unsecured credit limit of 500 AUD, maximum up to 50000 AUD Includes Transit Accident Insurance and Unauthorised Transaction Insurance Access to personalized CommBank Yello Cashback Offers Features 24/7 emergency overseas assistance

Business loans

Show details
Must have a current ABN and a minimum of 12 months trading history The financed vehicle or equipment serves as the loan security Optional balloon payments available to reduce ongoing monthly commitments Repayments can be customized to align with seasonal business cashflows

Business savings

Show details
Allows early withdrawal of up to 20% of the balance without penalty fees or interest adjustmentsRequires a CommBank business transaction account in the same business nameMust have an Australian Business Number (ABN)

Find bank, branch or ATM

Locate the nearest financial services, interactive maps, and contact details across Australia.