What Does a Mobile Deposit Adjustment Mean?

Mobile deposits offer a convenient way to manage finances, allowing individuals to deposit checks using a smartphone app. While generally seamless, banks sometimes make “adjustments” to these deposits. These adjustments can be confusing, potentially impacting an account balance. This article clarifies what mobile deposit adjustments are, why they occur, and how to address them.

Understanding Mobile Deposit Adjustments

A mobile deposit adjustment refers to a correction made by a bank to a check deposit submitted through a mobile application. This action ensures the bank’s records accurately reflect the correct amount of funds. Adjustments can happen for various reasons, often related to discrepancies between the submitted information and the actual check details.

There are two primary types of adjustments. A “debit adjustment” occurs when the bank reduces the amount of a deposit, typically if the initial amount entered was too high or a problem was identified with the check. Conversely, a “credit adjustment” involves the bank increasing the deposit amount, which is less common but might happen if a bank error led to an under-credited original deposit.

Common Reasons for Adjustments

Several factors can lead to a mobile deposit adjustment, often stemming from issues with the check or the deposit process.

Amount Discrepancies: A frequent cause is when the amount entered into the mobile app does not precisely match the written or numerical amount on the check. Banks prioritize the written amount as the legal tender, and any discrepancy will trigger a correction.
Poor Image Quality: Blurry photos, inadequate lighting, or missing corners can make the check unreadable for processing systems.
Missing or Incorrect Endorsement: Forgetting a signature or the “For Mobile Deposit Only” phrase on the back of the check often results in an adjustment or rejection.
Duplicate Deposits: Depositing the same check twice, either accidentally via mobile or through another method like an ATM, will lead to an adjustment.
Exceeding Deposit Limits: Exceeding the bank’s mobile deposit limits, which vary by institution and account type, can cause an adjustment or rejection of the excess amount.
Check Issues: If the check is fraudulent, has insufficient funds, or a stop payment has been placed on it, the bank will adjust the deposit to remove the funds.
Bank Processing Errors: Though less frequent, errors by the bank can also necessitate an adjustment.

Addressing an Adjustment

Discovering a mobile deposit adjustment on your account requires a systematic approach. Begin by reviewing your own records, including the original deposit details, the check image if it’s accessible within your banking app, and your bank statements. This comparison can help identify any immediate discrepancies or errors you might have made during the deposit.

Once you have reviewed your records, contact your bank’s customer service department for clarification. When you call, have essential information readily available, such as the deposit date, the original and adjusted amounts, and the check number, to help the representative quickly locate and explain the transaction.

Avoiding Future Adjustments

Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of future mobile deposit adjustments.

Clear Images: Always ensure that images of your checks are clear and well-lit, placing the check on a dark, contrasting background to enhance readability.
Amount Matching: Double-check that the amount you enter into the app precisely matches both the numerical and written amounts on the check to prevent input errors.
Proper Endorsement: Sign the back of the check and include “For Mobile Deposit Only” or any other specific phrasing required by your bank.
Observe Deposit Limits: Be aware of your bank’s daily and monthly mobile deposit limits, and avoid exceeding them.
Verify Status: Always verify the deposit status in your banking app and regularly review your account statements to confirm that the deposit processed correctly.