What is mobile deposit, and how does it work?

Even with all of the tap-to-pay options out there, paper checks haven’t completely disappeared. Your kids might receive a check in the mail along with a birthday or holiday card from grandparents or family. Teens might still get them for part-time jobs, scholarships, school reimbursements, or whenever someone prefers pen, paper, and a checkbook over digital transfers. 

But then the question becomes, what do I do with it? If you're not near a local bank branch or simply don't want to make the trip, many banking institutions offer the ability to deposit a check directly from your phone using their app.

That’s what mobile deposit is. And it makes depositing checks easier and much faster for families, especially when you’re trying to figure out how to find enough time for everything else you need to do. So, how does mobile deposit actually work, and when should you use it?

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What is mobile deposit?

Mobile deposit is when you deposit a check using your mobile device (a phone or tablet). A lot of banks let you deposit checks this way through their mobile apps. We use our phones for everything else, so why not use them to deposit a check, too!  Instead of going to the bank to deposit the check, mobile deposit lets you use your banking app to take photos of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and hit submit.

The amount of money written on the check is added to your account, typically a checking account or debit card balance, once it clears. 

How mobile deposit works

Mobile deposit is easy to use. Here’s how it usually works:

• The first step is to endorse the check (this means signing your name on the back of the check). Some banks also ask you to write “For mobile deposit only” under your signature.

• Open your bank’s app on your device, and look for the mobile deposit or check deposit option.

• Take a photo of the front of the check, and make sure the app accepts it (you may need to adjust the phone position to center the check perfectly).

• Flip the check over and take another photo of the back.

• Enter the amount written on the check.

• Click "Submit" and wait until the app confirms that the check has been accepted.

If the app indicates an issue, you’ll want to go through the process again. Once it’s submitted, don’t throw the check away! It’s a good idea to hold onto it for a couple of weeks, just in case anything needs to be verified.

When will the money be available?

This really depends on the bank. Sometimes you’ll see the money in your account within a few hours. It might also take a day or two, especially if it’s a significant dollar amount or the first time you’re depositing a check.

You can check the bank’s website for typical deposit timing so you know what to expect. If it seems like it’s taking way too long, call your bank’s customer support number to ask.

Is mobile deposit safe?

When you use a secure banking app, yes, mobile deposit is safe. Just ensure you’re using a private Wi-Fi connection (not public) and don’t share your login information with anyone. 

Mobile deposit can also serve as a valuable introduction to banking and money management for kids. Next time a check comes in the mail or they earn their first paycheck, walk through the mobile deposit process together. It’s a great time to teach them safe banking habits!

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