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Mobile Deposits: How Do They Work & How Long They Take

May 7, 2024
6 min read
M

obile banking is a modern financial tool that helps customers conduct financial transactions more conveniently through easily accessible platforms.

A very significant feature of this service is mobile deposit, which lets you deposit checks using your phone. But how long do mobile deposits take to process exactly? 

This article examines mobile check deposits, examining the factors that impact processing time and the benefits of embracing this technology. 

What Is a Mobile Deposit?

Mobile Deposit removes the added hassle of going to the bank to deposit checks and allows you to perform the task using just your smartphone. All you have to do is take photos of the front and back of your endorsed check in your banking app.

Wherever you are, your smartphone will be your bank - it will let you make mobile deposits and allow you to do it almost anywhere, anytime. It is one of the modern conveniences that makes our financial life run smoothly.

How Does Mobile Deposit Work? 

Mobile deposit empowers you to deposit checks effortlessly using your smartphone. The process is simple: You sign the check as you would always do and take clear pictures of both sides within your bank’s app. When taking the photo, ensure details such as your account number and signature are clearly visible in good lighting.

After submitting them, your deposit will be received for processing. However, wait for confirmation to avoid future problems. Mobile deposit artfully combines today’s technology with banking needs, allowing you to govern your money nearly anywhere and anytime it suits you.

Can You Deposit a Check Online?

Nowadays, one can deposit checks from their mobile devices without visiting bank branches or locating networks’ ATMs. The process is ordinarily simple and fast. In brief, after signing on the back part of their check, they just need to open their banking apps, verify themselves using their credentials, and then snap both sides of the check.

Different financial institutions may have various ways of depositing checks through their apps; nevertheless, most of them are easy to use and take less time.

The Expected Time to Deposit

The turnaround time for mobile check deposits is remarkably swift. Once you have successfully uploaded the check images through your mobile app, the deposit could take only minutes, just like a cash deposit. 

There are cases where banks could use more time to validate the check that may take multiple business days. There are several factors such as the amount on it, and this depends on the financial institution’s own policies and procedures which may determine how long it will take to process it. On average though, customers should expect their mobile check deposits to clear within two business days.

How to Conduct a Mobile Check Deposit?

Depositing a check to your account using a mobile check deposit is a typically straightforward process. Here are the general steps:

  • The first step is to open your mobile banking app using the same login details you use to log into your bank’s website.
  • Browse through the home page and click on Mobile Deposit, Deposit Check, or similar.
  • Enter your deposit details, such as the amount, and follow the instructions to photograph the front and back of your certified check.
  • For better quality, take a photo of the front of the check against a dark, solid background.
  • After endorsement in the space provided, take a photo of the back of the check.
  • After providing the required photos and following the instructions, submit and confirm the transaction.

What Factors Might Cause Mobile Deposit Delays?

In such a fast-paced world, mobile check deposits are a game-changer in terms of convenience. However, some processes may give you a headache and keep you waiting for your money if you’ve made mistakes.

Firstly, many individuals forget to sign on the back of their checks before depositing them, a simple mistake that can halt the entire process. Ensure to endorse it before taking that picture and consider including the account number or “for mobile deposit only” for more safety.

Secondly, if a check has two payees’ names listed, both must sign off on it. Without both signatures, the deposit will be declined.

Then, before entering the check amount, ensure that the number is accurate to the words written on the check. A slight difference may cause a delay in processing or even rejection of the funds.

Furthermore, you should ensure your name is written properly as a payee on the “Paid to the Order of” line. If this section is empty or has incorrect information, depositing it becomes impossible. Pause and glance through the details of the check first.

Lastly, presenting the same check twice can be confusing and create delays. If the bank error message appears, contact the bank immediately to resolve the issue.

What Are the Benefits of Mobile Banking?

In this digital age, mobile banking is regarded as a matchless channel that gives absolute convenience and real-time control of all financial matters. The benefits of this technology are more than what meets the eye. Let’s unveil to you an array of benefits linked with mobile banking:

Convenience 

Mobile banking allows users to manage several bank accounts through a mobile phone. Unlike traditional methods, which require clients to visit banks for services, users can now transact any business at their convenience using their mobile phones. 

With this service, clients can perform fund transfers and check deposits from their homes or anywhere else without struggling or wasting time. You can check your account balances online, transfer money between accounts, and even pay for goods and services online without having to physically go somewhere and wait in long queues.

Time efficiency 

In our society today, everyone is always rushing against time. In a nutshell, mobile depositing aims to make banking more convenient. You can now perform banking functions using your mobile or computer instead of visiting the bank through a long process that many people find difficult and time-consuming.

Not only has this become a thing of the past, but one does not have to spend precious hours at the cashier’s desk or waiting for cash withdrawals from ATMs

With mobile banking, your financial institution is always within your reach, no matter where you are. As long as you have a smartphone and internet connection, you can access your accounts from nearly everywhere. 

Closing Thoughts

If you are mindful of possible delays and follow the right processes, depositing checks through your smartphone or tablet can become a thoughtless part of your financial routine, thereby saving time and energy. Adopt this modernized way of life and sense what it means to be free as far as keeping finances in place is concerned.

Novo Platform Inc. strives to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee that this content is correct, complete, or up-to-date. This page is for informational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice nor an endorsement of any third-party products or services. All products and services are presented without warranty. Novo Platform Inc. does not provide any financial or legal advice, and you should consult your own financial, legal, or tax advisors.

Novo is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A.: Member FDIC.

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Written by: Novo
Novo is a fintech, not a bank. Banking services provided by Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A. Member FDIC.