Free Your Time with Mobile Check Deposits

A business owner using her mobile phone to deposit a check at her desk.
Photo credit: Andrey Popov

One cleaning business routine I was stuck in for years was a weekly trip to my bank or ATM to deposit customer checks.

Even though I saved time by batching weekly deposits with other errands, it was still a time consuming chore with a lot of driving then waiting in line to make the deposit. 🫤

That’s time I could have saved if mobile check deposits had been around then.

What Is Mobile Check Deposit?

Mobile check deposits allow you to deposit checks using your smartphone’s camera and an app from your bank.

A mobile deposit can be done from anywhere: your home, your customer’s home, your car or any location.

Plus mobile check deposits can be done any time of day or night.

No more standing in line at the bank or rushing to deposit checks before the bank closes for the day.

How To Use Mobile Check Deposit

Mobile check deposit is simple to use. All you need is your mobile phone, an app from your bank or credit union and a check.

Start by endorsing (signing the back) your check. Have both parties endorse the check if it’s made out to two payees like you and your business partner.

Sign the back of the check in blue or black ink. Then write “for [your bank name] mobile deposit only” under your signature.

Example of the back of a check endorsed for mobile deposit.
Example of a check endorsed for mobile deposit. Photo source

Mobile Check Deposit Photo Tips

  • Hold the phone directly above the check in a well-lit area.
  • Lay the check on a dark background.
  • Smooth out your check so that it lies flat.
  • Verify all four corners of the entire check is visible and the writing on the check is easy to read.
  • Stand or sit directly over the check. Don’t try to take a picture of the check from an angle.
  • Take a picture of the front of the check, then the back.
  • Hold the phone as steady as possible.
  • Keep the default flash on for better lighting
  • Turn off auto-capture if it’s not working. Use manual capture by tapping the camera icon.

See how easy it is to use mobile check deposit with this short video tutorial from Vibrant Credit Union based in Illinois and Iowa.

Checks That Don’t Work With Mobile Deposit

Many banks don’t accept by mobile deposit with these types of checks:

  • Money orders
  • Traveler’s checks
  • U.S. savings bonds
  • Third-party checks
  • Checks from foreign banks
  • Checks not payable in U.S. dollars
  • Image Replacement Documents (IRDs)
  • Checks with a cluttered front design

After The Deposit

Avoid a duplicate deposit by writing “Deposited” on the back – be sure to also include the deposit date.

Mobile check deposits take a few minutes to appear in your account and do not show up immediately.

If you have problems with a mobile check deposit, send your bank a message using the bank’s chat or support line.

Keep the check for 30 days in case there are questions about your deposit.

If you need to divide a check between multiple accounts, first deposit the check into your checking account. Then transfer money to other accounts.

Avoid depositing checks into savings. Many banks or credit unions add fees if you have more than six transfers per month from savings accounts.

Related: Why Your Cleaning Business Needs It’s Own Bank Accounts—And How To Get Started

How Long Should You Keep The Paper Check?

If there are issues like the check writer’s account not having enough money or possible fraud, the bank will ask you to bring the paper check into the bank to help fix the problem.

So keep the original paper check for at least 2 weeks in case there are problems with the deposit.

Or play it safe and keep all mobile deposited checks for a full month.

A person shredding a paper document in a shredder to keep information secure.
Photo credit: Nataliya Korchmar

How To Safely Dispose Of The Check?

Then after 2-4 weeks shred or find some way to completely destroy the paper check so a criminal is not able to use the check.

Don’t just toss the paper check into the trash or recycling bin.

How Secure Is Mobile Check Deposit?

Most banks and credit unions are pretty serious about security, both in their buildings and online.

Their mobile deposit apps will have built-in features that allow you to connect with the bank without worry.

However, there are 3 steps you can take to make your mobile deposit more secure:

  • Put a lock code on your smartphone to prevent someone from easily getting to your banking account and mobile app in case your phone is lost or stolen.
  • Avoid storing your username and password in your banking app.
  • Only log in to mobile banking services using a secure connection.
Tips for how to bank online and stay safe.

Stay Safe When You Bank Online

Tap to get more secure online banking tips.

What About Fees and Delays?

Most banks don’t charge additional fees for mobile check deposits. Check with your bank to be sure of their policies.

While most banks make your money available the next business day, other banks delay making your money available for days after you’ve done a mobile check deposit.

A few banks will make all of your funds available immediately for a fee based on a percentage of the check amount.

Talk with someone at your bank before you start depositing checks with a mobile phone.

Find out exactly how long funds can be delayed, so you’re not caught by surprise.

Some banks have monthly limits on the number of checks you can deposit.

With those limits, you won’t be able to deposit another check until the limit is re-set the following month.

Free Your Time

Used with care, mobile bank deposit can help you:

  • save time traveling to a bank or ATM
  • avoid standing in a teller line or an ATM line
  • avoid contact in this post Covid world

When you run your own house cleaning business, one less time-consuming chore is a great thing!

Mobile check deposit can free you up to do something else——like relax after a long week of work.

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