How Mobile Deposit Works: The Process & What to Do After

Mobile deposit allows individuals to deposit checks using a smartphone or tablet and their bank’s mobile application. This feature simplifies banking tasks, enabling users to manage funds without visiting a physical branch or ATM. It streamlines traditional check deposits, enhancing convenience.

Setting Up for Mobile Deposit

Before initiating a mobile deposit, ensure you have the necessary tools and the check is prepared. A compatible smartphone or tablet is required, along with the official mobile banking application. Users must also have an active bank account with mobile deposit enabled.

Proper endorsement of the physical check is a preparatory step. On the back of the check, within the designated endorsement area, the payee must sign their name. Directly beneath the signature, handwrite “For Mobile Deposit Only” to prevent the check from being deposited multiple times. Using blue or black ink ensures legibility for image capture.

For successful image capture, ensure the check is read accurately by the app. Place the check on a flat, dark, non-reflective surface, free from shadows. Ensure the check is smooth and all four corners are visible within the camera’s frame for a clear image. Proper lighting is also important to prevent blurs or distortions that could lead to a rejected deposit.

The Deposit Process

The deposit process occurs within the bank’s mobile application. Users begin by securely logging into their mobile banking app, often utilizing multi-factor authentication. After logging in, they navigate to the “Deposit Checks” or a similarly labeled feature.

The application will prompt the user to select the account for deposit and manually enter the check’s exact monetary amount. Accuracy in entering the amount is important to avoid processing delays. The app then guides the user to capture images of both the front and back of the endorsed check.

Users must align the check within the on-screen guidelines and ensure the entire check is visible and in focus for both images. After capturing the photos, the app displays a review screen where users can verify the entered amount and the clarity of the captured images. Once all details are confirmed as accurate, the deposit is submitted, and the app provides an immediate confirmation that the transaction is processing.

After Your Deposit

After submitting a mobile deposit, users receive an in-app message confirming the submission, often followed by an email notification. While the deposit is submitted instantly, the funds are not always immediately available for use.

Processing times for mobile deposits generally range from one to two business days. Fund availability depends on factors such as the bank’s daily cutoff times. Deposits made after these cutoff times, or on weekends and holidays, are typically processed on the next business day. Some financial institutions may make a small portion of the deposit available sooner. However, larger deposits or those from newer accounts might be subject to longer holds, allowing the bank to verify the check’s authenticity and prevent fraud.

Retain the physical check for a period after the deposit has been confirmed and the funds have cleared. Banks recommend keeping the check for a period in case issues arise or the original is required for verification. After this period, mark the check “VOID” and securely shred it to prevent re-deposit or fraudulent activity. Banks implement multiple security measures for mobile deposits, including data encryption, secure app design, and fraud monitoring systems, to protect sensitive information.