What to Do With Mobile Deposit Checks?

Mobile deposit offers a convenient way to deposit checks without visiting a physical bank branch or ATM. This digital service, available through most bank mobile applications, allows individuals to submit checks using their smartphone or tablet cameras. It provides ease and flexibility, enabling users to manage finances from nearly any location at any time, streamlining banking tasks.

Preparing Your Check for Mobile Deposit

Before initiating a mobile deposit, prepare the physical check carefully for a smooth transaction. Most banks accept common check types like personal, business, government, and cashier’s checks, provided they originate from a U.S. financial institution, are in U.S. dollars, and are made payable to the account holder. Checks not accepted include foreign, third-party (those initially made out to someone else and then endorsed to you), post-dated, or checks over six months old. Altered, incomplete, or checks lacking a nine-digit U.S. routing number will also be rejected.

Proper endorsement is required for mobile deposit due to banking regulations. This involves signing your name on the back of the check within the endorsement area and writing “For Mobile Deposit Only” directly below your signature. Some financial institutions may require “For Mobile Deposit at [Bank Name] Only.” Simply checking a pre-printed box is insufficient and does not fulfill the endorsement requirement.

Achieving optimal image quality is another step. Place the check on a flat, dark surface in a well-lit area for clear photos of both the front and back. Ensure all four corners are visible within the camera frame, avoiding shadows or glare. A clear picture helps the bank’s system accurately read the check’s information, such as routing and account numbers, and the amount. Banks impose daily or per-item deposit limits, which vary based on your banking relationship.

Making the Mobile Deposit

After preparing your check, use your bank’s mobile application to complete the deposit. Log into your bank’s official mobile app using secure credentials. Navigate to the mobile deposit feature, labeled as “Deposit Checks” or “Mobile Deposit” within the main menu.

The app guides you through capturing images of your check. You will be prompted to take a photo of the front of the endorsed check, then the back. Many apps include an auto-capture feature that automatically takes the picture once the check is properly aligned, ensuring image clarity and positioning.

After image capture, accurately input the check’s amount into the app. Select the specific account for deposit, such as your checking or savings account. Before finalizing, the application presents a review screen to verify all entered details, including the amount and selected account. After confirming, submit the deposit. Upon successful submission, you will receive an on-screen confirmation message, accompanied by a confirmation number or email notification from your bank.

After the Mobile Deposit

Once a mobile deposit is submitted, understanding subsequent steps and processing times is important. Funds are not available for immediate withdrawal. Banks make a portion of the deposit, such as $225 to $275, available on the first business day. Remaining funds are available the next business day, provided the deposit was made before the bank’s daily cutoff time, which can range from late afternoon to early evening.

For larger deposits or new accounts, banks may place extended holds, delaying full availability for up to several business days or longer, with some institutions holding funds for up to seven business days. Your bank will notify you of the specific fund availability schedule.

Managing the physical check after a mobile deposit requires careful attention. Retain the original paper check for a period after the deposit is confirmed and funds post to your account. Retention periods vary, ranging from 7 to 30 days, with some suggesting up to 60 days. This allows for research if there is an image quality issue or if the original item is required.

After the retention period and confirmation of full fund availability, securely destroy the physical check. Shredding, particularly with a cross-cut shredder, prevents sensitive information compromise or accidental redeposit. Do not discard the check immediately or place it in the trash without proper destruction. Retaining digital confirmations, such as screenshots or email notifications, serves as proof of deposit.