What to Do With a Check After Mobile Deposit?

Mobile check deposit offers a convenient way to deposit funds into an account using a smartphone or tablet camera. This method saves time by eliminating the need to visit a physical bank branch or ATM. Understanding how to properly handle the physical check after a mobile deposit is important for security and financial accuracy.

Holding onto the Check

It is important to retain the physical check for a period after completing a mobile deposit. Banks typically require time to process the deposit, verify the check’s validity, and ensure the funds are successfully transferred. This holding period safeguards against potential issues such as a returned check due to insufficient funds, a stop payment order, or other processing errors. Financial institutions often hold funds for a few business days, generally ranging from one to five business days, particularly for larger deposit amounts.

Keeping the check allows for re-deposit if the initial mobile transaction fails for any reason. Many financial institutions advise holding the check until the funds are fully cleared and appear as an available balance in the account, not just a pending deposit. Regularly checking bank statements or online banking platforms is a practical step to confirm the deposit’s successful and complete processing.

Marking the Check

Once the mobile deposit has been successfully processed and the funds are confirmed as available, marking the physical check is a necessary security measure. This action helps prevent accidental re-deposit or potential fraudulent activity. Clearly writing “VOID,” “Electronically Deposited,” or “Mobile Deposit” across the front of the check indicates that it has already been used.

This step ensures the check cannot be mistakenly deposited again by the account holder or by someone else if it were to fall into the wrong hands. Duplicate deposits can lead to fees from the bank or complications with the check’s issuer.

Securely Disposing of the Check

After the deposit is fully confirmed and the recommended holding period has passed, securely disposing of the physical check is the final step. Simply discarding the check in the trash is not advisable due to the sensitive personal and financial information it contains. Checks typically display the account holder’s name, address, bank account number, and routing number, all of which could be exploited by identity thieves.

Shredding the check into small, unreadable pieces is the most secure disposal method, as it renders all printed information illegible. If a shredder is not available, tearing the check into many tiny fragments is an alternative way to destroy the sensitive data.