How to Edit a Check for Mobile Deposit
Master the process of preparing and depositing checks digitally from your phone. Ensure successful mobile banking transactions with this guide.
Mobile check deposit offers a convenient method for managing finances, allowing individuals to deposit checks using a smartphone or tablet. This digital process streamlines the banking experience.
Preparing Your Check for Mobile Deposit
Before initiating a mobile check deposit, the physical check requires specific preparation to ensure it can be processed successfully. You should sign your name on the back of the check, typically within the designated endorsement area, which often has a line or a box marked “Endorse here” or similar. It is generally recommended to use blue or black ink for legibility.
Below your signature, it is often required to write “For Mobile Deposit Only.” Some financial institutions may have a slightly different phrase, such as “For Mobile Deposit Only at [Bank Name]” or may even include a checkbox for mobile deposit. Even if a checkbox is present, many banks still require the handwritten endorsement for security purposes. This specific endorsement acts as a restrictive endorsement, limiting the check’s use to only a mobile deposit with your bank and helping to prevent duplicate deposits or fraud.
Some banks might also request additional information, such as your account number, written alongside your signature in the endorsement area. The check itself should be flat and free from creases, folds, or tears, as these can obscure details and lead to rejection. Additionally, ensure the check is detached from any pay stubs or other papers before photographing it.
Taking Clear Check Images
After preparing the check, open your bank’s mobile app and navigate to the mobile deposit feature. The app will guide you to capture clear images of both the front and back.
For optimal image quality, place the check on a plain, dark, contrasting surface. Good, even lighting is important; avoid shadows cast by your phone or body over the check. Natural light is often preferred, and it is usually best to turn off your phone’s flash to prevent glare or overexposure. Position your smartphone directly above the check, holding it steady and flat, rather than at an angle, to prevent distortion.
The banking app often provides an on-screen guide or brackets to help you properly frame the check. Ensure all four corners of the check are visible within these guides and that the entire check is captured in the image. The images should be sharp and in focus, with all details, such as the check amount, payee, and routing and account numbers, clearly readable. If the image appears blurry, gently tap on the screen to adjust the focus.
Finalizing Your Mobile Deposit
Once you have captured clear images of both the front and back of the endorsed check, the mobile banking app will typically prompt you to review the deposit details. This review confirms the accuracy of the entered check amount and ensures the deposit is directed to the correct account. After verifying all information, you will submit the deposit through the app.
Upon successful submission, the bank usually provides an on-screen confirmation message. Many banks also send a confirmation email or text message. It is advisable to save these confirmations for your records. After successfully depositing the check, it is important to retain the physical check in a secure location for a period, generally between 14 to 60 days, to allow for any processing issues or verification requests from the bank. After this retention period, the check should be securely destroyed, preferably by shredding, to prevent any potential misuse.
Funds from mobile deposits are generally not available immediately. Most banks make funds available within one to three business days, though some may offer same-day or next-day availability for a portion of the deposit, or for the full amount if certain conditions are met, such as depositing before a specific daily cutoff time. The exact availability can depend on your bank’s policies, the amount of the check, and your account history. You can typically check the status of your deposit and funds availability within your mobile banking app or online banking portal.
If a mobile deposit is rejected, common reasons include improper endorsement, poor image quality, or discrepancies between the entered amount and the check amount. In such cases, you may need to re-attempt the deposit after correcting the issue or contact your bank’s customer support for assistance.