What's Mobile Check Deposit? Can You Explain How It Operates?
Jan 31, 2023 By Kelly Walker

With a mobile check deposit, you may save on making a trip to the bank only to deposit money. You may use your mobile device's camera to deposit any paper check you've received, whether it's from your work, a rebate or refund agency, or someone who owes you money.

Concerned about the security of mobile check deposits or wondering if you should even bother with them? Take a look at this convenient mobile banking function.

Does Mobile Check Deposit Work?

The use of remote deposit capture technology enables mobile check deposits. Taking a picture of your check is the digital equivalent of scanning an image or document into your computer. This is a basic outline of how mobile check deposits work:

  • If you haven't already, download the mobile banking app your financial institution offers and establish a personal login.
  • Open the app and select mobile check deposit.
  • After that, sign the back of the check the same way you would if you were going to deposit it at a bank.
  • Choose the account to deposit the cheque.
  • Type in the total amount you want to pay.
  • Utilize the camera on your mobile device to snap a snapshot of the front and back of the check.
  • Double-check the information, and if it's all good, click the "Submit" button to complete the deposit.

The Precise Method of Endorsing a Check for Mobile Deposit

A mobile check deposit requires a signature on the reverse of the check. This works the same way as endorsing a paper check you deposit at a bank or ATM. However, you need to include one more detail.

If your bank or credit union requires it, put "for mobile deposit only" or a similar phrase underneath your signature on the check's back. The CC Federal Regulation mandates this augmentation. If you don't provide it, your bank might not approve the mobile check deposit, meaning the money won't get into your account.

Benefits of Depositing Checks Via Mobile Device

The ease of use is only one benefit of using the mobile check deposit option at your bank. Mobile check deposits might be more convenient and practical than visiting a bank or ATM. Additionally, mobile check deposit is typically quicker than sending in a check, which is especially useful if banking with an online-only bank that lacks physical offices.

The Downsides of Mobile Check Deposit

There are a lot of benefits to using a mobile app to deposit checks, but there are also some possible drawbacks to consider. If there is a problem with your mobile check deposit app, for instance, you won't be able to utilize it. And if the check you need to deposit exceeds the bank's maximum, you may not be able to use mobile check deposit.

Is it Safe to Deposit a Check Using a Mobile App?

You may have wondered if mobile check deposit is secure if you're worried about keeping your financial data private. In a nutshell, yes, a mobile check deposit is as safe as all of your other online and mobile banking activities.

This means that the same encryption and security measures your bank or credit union uses to secure your information should also be in place for mobile check deposits.

The same security issues that affect online and mobile banking also pose a significant danger to mobile banking. However, fraudsters can also get information via mobile phones.

Fake Mobile Bank Deposits

Mobile deposit check fraud may take several forms. For instance, you may fall for a remote deposit capture scam in which a counterfeit check is presented for deposit. This is a type of fraud that frequently targets financial institutions. If you want to avoid being a victim of a mobile deposit check scam, the best defense is to accept paper checks you know and trust.

Troubleshooting Mobile Check Deposit

Need help depositing a mobile device? The check's deposit was rejected due to an issue on your end. In such a situation, you should examine your check photographs, confirm the amount you submitted for the deposit, and verify your signature and endorsement.

A fresh image of the front and back of the check and resubmitting the mobile check deposit might be all needed to have it processed. If you've followed the instructions to a T but still can't deposit a check using mobile banking, the fault may lie with the app itself.

Get in touch with your financial institution to find out if the app is down and, if so, when the mobile check deposit will be back up and running. You can also inquire about other deposit methods if you need to deposit the check into your account immediately.