What to Do With a Check After Mobile Deposit

Mobile check deposit offers a convenient way to add funds to an account without visiting a physical bank branch or ATM. Understanding the proper steps to take after initiating a mobile deposit is important for maintaining financial security and ensuring funds are readily available.

Confirming Your Mobile Deposit

After submitting a check via mobile deposit, verifying its status is the next step. Most financial institutions provide real-time updates within their mobile banking applications or online portals, showing the deposit’s status as “pending,” “processing,” or “completed.”

Distinguishing between a deposit being received and funds becoming available is important. While the bank may acknowledge receipt of the digital image, funds often remain under a hold period. Banks have specific funds availability policies, typically making deposited funds available on the next business day for standard checks. Larger deposit amounts, or checks drawn on less common financial institutions, may be subject to extended holds, sometimes ranging from five to ten business days, to ensure the check clears successfully. Consult your bank’s specific funds availability disclosure for precise timelines.

Why and How Long to Keep Your Check

Retaining the physical check after a mobile deposit serves as a safeguard against potential issues. The original check acts as proof of payment and a backup record in case of a processing error, a dispute with the payer, or if the digital image is deemed unreadable. Financial institutions occasionally request the physical check for verification, especially for higher value deposits or if image quality is a concern. Retaining the original document helps resolve such discrepancies efficiently.

The recommended retention period for a physical check after mobile deposit lasts until funds are fully available and the transaction is settled in your account. This period typically ranges from a few days to up to two weeks, though specific bank policies may vary. Some banks advise holding the check for 10 to 14 days to ensure it has completely cleared the payer’s bank and the funds are permanently credited to your account. This prevents complications if the original deposit encounters issues.

Securely Disposing of Your Check

Once a mobile deposit has been confirmed as complete and the funds are fully available in your account, securely disposing of the physical check is important for protecting personal and financial information. Checks contain sensitive data, including your bank account number, routing number, signature, and information about the payee and amount. Simply tearing a check into a few pieces or throwing it in the trash does not adequately protect this information from potential misuse.

To prevent identity theft or fraudulent activity, shredding the check is the most effective disposal method. Using a cross-cut shredder, which cuts paper into small, confetti-like pieces, renders the information virtually unreadable. If a shredder is not accessible, alternative methods include incinerating the check, soaking it in water until the ink is completely illegible, or cutting it into numerous very small pieces with scissors. Ensure all identifiable information is destroyed before discarding.