How to Scan Checks With a Phone or Flatbed Scanner
Master the complete process of digitizing checks using your phone or flatbed scanner, ensuring accuracy and secure record-keeping.
Scanning checks is a common practice for managing financial transactions and records. This process allows individuals and businesses to deposit funds without visiting a physical bank branch or ATM, streamlining banking operations and offering flexibility. Utilizing mobile devices or flatbed scanners for this purpose enhances efficiency in handling paper checks.
Physical Preparation for Scanning
Accurate physical preparation of a check before scanning is necessary for successful processing. Proper endorsement is a primary requirement, involving a signature and a restrictive phrase like “For Mobile Deposit Only” or bank-mandated wording. This endorsement typically appears on the back of the check within a designated endorsement area, usually within 1.5 inches from the top edge. Using blue or black ink for the signature and endorsement ensures readability.
A check in good physical condition contributes to a clear scan. The check should be flat, free of folds, wrinkles, or any obstructions like paper clips or staples that could obscure details. An optimal scanning environment includes sufficient lighting, preferably natural light, to prevent shadows. Placing the check on a solid, contrasting background helps the scanner or camera distinguish its edges and details.
Scanning the Check
Capturing a clear image of the check is central to the scanning process. For mobile deposits, users typically access the deposit feature within their banking application. The app guides the user to position the check within an on-screen frame, often with auto-capture features that automatically take the photo once aligned. Hold the mobile device steady and directly above the check to capture both front and back images, ensuring all four corners are visible and well-lit.
When using a flatbed or document scanner, place the check face down on the scanner bed or feed it. Scanning software or the interface then initiates the scan. Select appropriate scan settings, such as color or grayscale mode, and a resolution of at least 200 dots per inch (DPI). A resolution of 300 DPI is recommended for clarity. The scanned image should be saved in a common format like JPEG or PDF to a specified location on the computer.
Post-Scan Actions
After scanning, several actions are important for verification, record-keeping, and security. Verify the quality and readability of the scanned image, confirming that all critical information, including the amount, payee, date, and routing and account numbers, is clear and legible. For mobile deposits, confirm that the deposit has been successfully initiated and processed by the bank, often through a notification or by checking the account transaction history.
Securely storing a digital copy of the scanned check is good practice for personal records. This digital image can be saved in cloud storage or a secure local folder, providing a verifiable record. For the physical check, it is recommended to mark it “VOID” or “Deposited” and retain it for a specific period, typically a few days to two weeks, or up to 30 days, until funds clear. Once confirmation is received and the retention period has passed, the physical check should be shredded to prevent fraud.