What is mobile check deposit — and which banks offer it?

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Imagine never having to visit a bank branch or ATM to deposit a check again. With mobile check deposit, you can save time and effort by depositing checks at any time using your phone. In many instances, you won’t have to wait several days for the funds to clear your account. 

Mobile check deposit has become popular in recent years, with more and more banks offering this service. According to research by CI&T, more than half (54%) of mobile banking customers used the feature in the past year. In addition, 52% said depositing a check was one of the most important mobile banking features.

Here’s what you need to know about how mobile check deposit works and which banks offer this feature. We'll also provide tips for using mobile check deposit so you can take full advantage of this banking tool.

How does mobile check deposit work? 

Mobile check deposit is a feature that allows you to deposit checks directly into your checking or savings account using your phone. Instead of visiting a branch or ATM, you can snap photos of the front and back of the endorsed check and submit them through your bank's mobile app.

To deposit a check:

1. Log into your bank's mobile app and navigate to the mobile deposit option
2. Select the account where you want the funds deposited
3. Enter the check amount and desired funds' availability date (if applicable)
4. Take clear, well-lit photos of the front and back of the endorsed check
5. Review and submit the deposit

Once the bank processes your mobile deposit, the funds will be posted to your account. When that happens depends on the bank's availability timeline, which typically ranges from the same day to a few business days.

The types of checks eligible for mobile deposit depend on the financial institution. Most personal checks, cashier’s checks, and checks issued by state and federal governmental entities are allowed. You can also use mobile deposits for business checks, but restrictions may apply for checks from foreign individuals or companies. 

Benefits of using mobile check deposit 

Mobile check deposit offers several key benefits for bank customers:

• Time-saving: No more waiting in line at the bank or searching for an ATM to deposit checks. With mobile deposit, you can complete the process in just a few taps from your phone.
• 24/7 availability: Physical bank branches often have limited hours. But mobile check deposit is accessible 24/7 through your bank's app, allowing you to deposit checks whenever you need.
• Increased security: Mobile check deposit offers a secure way to process checks without the risk of losing them or having them stolen en route to the bank.
• Faster access to funds: Many banks offer same-day or next-business-day availability for mobile check deposits. This means you can access your money sooner than with some traditional deposit methods.

Top banks that offer mobile check deposit 

Many banks now offer mobile check deposits as a standard feature. However some banks stand out for their exceptional mobile deposit services. Here’s a list of our top picks: 

• Bank of America 
• Chase 
• Citi®
• Wells Fargo 
• Ally Bank 
• Capital One 
• Discover 
• SoFi

Big banks with mobile check deposit 

The largest U.S. banks generally offer mobile check deposits at no cost. Among the major national banks, Bank of America, Chase, Citi, and Wells Fargo stand out.

That said, depending on the account, you may have daily, weekly, and monthly limits on how much you can deposit. 

Online banks with mobile check deposit 

Online banks have become more popular due to their robust features, which mirror those offered by traditional banks. Though there are no physical branches, you enjoy lower fees, higher interest rates, and fee-free mobile check deposits. 

Ally Bank stands out for its high deposit limits, allowing you to deposit up to $50,000 per day and $250,000 per month. Ally also offers an eCheck Deposit feature, which allows you to deposit checks from your computer by scanning them with a printer or scanner.

While online banks offer convenience, it's important to remember that they lack physical branches. If you have any issues with your mobile deposit, you may need to rely on mailing in physical checks, which can result in processing delays.

Some notable online banks offering mobile deposit include:

Tips for using mobile check deposit 

To ensure a smooth and successful mobile check deposit experience, follow these tips:

• Familiarize yourself with your bank's policies, including deposit limits, eligible check types, and funds' availability timelines.
• Endorse the check properly by signing the back and writing "For Mobile Deposit Only" beneath your signature.
• Capture clear, well-lit images of the front and back of the check, ensuring all information is legible.
• Double-check the deposit amount entered to avoid processing errors or delays.
• Keep the physical check until the funds have been deposited into your account.
• Protect your financial information by using strong passwords, avoiding public Wi-Fi when accessing your bank app, and enabling multi-factor authentication when available.

The bottom line 

If you regularly deposit checks, mobile check deposit is a feature that can save time. Most banks and credit unions offer it via mobile apps for free. By understanding the benefits and best practices of mobile check deposits, you can make the most of this tool.

Editorial disclosure: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.