It's not always easy to visit a local branch to deposit a check if you're pressed for time.
Luckily, if you bank with a financial institution that has a mobile app, you may not need to visit a branch to deposit a check. Instead, it's likely you're able to deposit a check from anywhere using just your smartphone.
What is mobile check deposit?
Mobile check deposit is a banking app feature that lets you remotely deposit a check into a checking or savings account. It's a convenient and secure way to avoid a trip to a bank branch or ATM.
Bank policies for mobile check deposits
Your bank's mobile check deposit agreement will outline the types of checks you're allowed to deposit.
Most often, you'll be able to deposit any personal checks, business checks, and government checks. If you plan to deposit a money order or cashier's check, you'll have to review your banking agreement.
If you need to deposit a traveler's check or a check from a foreign bank, you'll need to visit a local branch or ATM. Most financial institutions, with the exception of online banks, will not let you deposit these online.
How mobile check deposit works
The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act went into effect in 2004, establishing a new legal instrument called a substitute check. This allowed banks to process a check without having a physical copy, as long as they had images of the front and back of the original check.
This legislation laid the foundation for a technology called remote deposit capture, which is the basis of mobile check deposit as we know it today.
Benefits of using mobile check deposit
Mobile deposit means customers can deposit checks 24/7 and avoid trips to a physical bank or credit union branch. Funds from mobile check deposits are typically available the next day, compared to five business days for a paper check.
Financial institutions benefit by making fewer trips to ATMs to pick up physical checks and attracting customers who may be outside of their immediate geographical area.
Security features of mobile check deposit
Many bank apps use multi-factor authentication. When you log in with your username and password, you'll be asked to verify your identity in another way, like by receiving a code or link via text message or by answering security questions.
To maintain the confidentiality of your financial information, bank apps use advanced encryption algorithms when transmitting your check images to the bank. Mobile deposits are vulnerable to fraud, so banks use advanced detection systems to flag signs of potential fraud. Sometimes a bank employee will inspect the check further to determine whether it's legitimate.
Step-by-step guide to mobile check deposit
Mobile check deposits occur through a bank's mobile app. Download your bank's mobile app and sign up for an account if you don't have one already.
1. Log in to mobile banking
If you already have your mobile bank account set up, log in to mobile banking.
Navigate through the app to find a "check deposit" or "deposit" feature. It may appear as a tab on your mobile app's home screen or under the menu feature.
2. Review and sign your check
Review your check to see that it's written correctly and isn't expired. Checks will usually expire after a few months. They also won't be processed if the check amounts are different or if the penmanship is illegible.
Once you've reviewed your check, sign the back. Some financial institutions will ask you to write specific text on the back of the check, or check a box, authorizing it for remote deposit only.
3. Take a clear, good-quality image of both sides of your check
To deposit the check through a bank app, take a photo of both sides.
Some financial institutions will have an auto-capture feature that will automatically snap a photo for you if you hover your phone's camera above the check. You may also choose to capture a photo manually.
If you're struggling to take a good photo, here are a few tips for successful mobile check deposits:
- Lighting: Natural lighting helps make the image clear. Take a photo where it's bright and there aren't any shadows. If you're taking a photo early in the morning or at night, put your check under a light.
- Background: Don't put your check on top of a patterned background because it could be difficult to distinguish the check from its background. Use a dark background to help bring contrast to your image.
- Steadiness: A steady hand is needed to keep a photo from being blurry. Put your phone against a wall or on top of a flat surface for stability.
If the photo isn't good quality, the app won't verify whether the check is legitimate and the check can't be verified. If the check can be submitted, the app will usually provide instructions for improving the photo quality and allow multiple retakes.
4. Verify your deposit details
In addition to submitting a photo, banks will ask you to type in the check amount. If this doesn't match the amounts written on the check — both the numerals and the text — your deposit will likely be rejected.
You also need to confirm where you would like the funds deposited. If you have multiple bank accounts with a financial institution, you will be able to select your destination from a drop-down menu.
5. Submit the check on the app
Review the information you've submitted to make sure it's accurate. Submit your check and wait for confirmation to see if it's accepted. Some mobile apps will let you know immediately, while others will send you an email or a message through the bank's mobile app.
6. Keep the check until your deposit clears
After you've initiated a mobile check deposit, write a note on your check that says "mobile check deposit." Underneath jot down the date you submitted it into the mobile app.
In the meantime, keep your check in a safe place until your deposit is confirmed. Once the money is in your account, banks generally recommend shredding or otherwise destroying the check.
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FAQs
Is mobile check deposit safe?
Mobile check deposit is a safe banking feature. The best banks use strong security measures, including encryption, to protect your information and allow you to securely deposit checks with a smartphone.
How long does it take for a mobile check deposit to clear?
A mobile check deposit takes at least one full business day to process. If you'd like your funds available immediately, some financial institutions will process your check instantly but require you to pay a fee. This fee is usually a small percentage of the check, around 1% to 4%.
Can I deposit any type of check through mobile deposit?
You will need to check your banking agreement for the exact types of checks your institution will approve for mobile deposit. Most allow you to deposit personal checks, business checks, and government checks. You'll have to review your banking agreement to see if your bank's mobile app lets you deposit cashier's checks or money orders.
What should I do with the physical check after depositing via mobile?
Keep the check in a safe place until the funds have cleared in your account. Similar to a bank statement, you'll want to dispose of the check safely once time has passed.
Are there limits on how much I can deposit with mobile check deposit?
Banks have varying daily, weekly, and monthly limits on mobile check deposits, so check your banking agreement. If you reach a mobile check deposit limit, you may be able to deposit additional checks in person.
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