How to deposit checks online using your phone: 2 tips for online check deposit.

You have a check but no time to go to the bank? The good news is that many banks now offer online check deposit options from the comfort of your home via their websites or mobile apps. With just a few simple steps, you can deposit checks and receive funds into your account without queuing or waiting.

This article will guide you on how to deposit checks online quickly, safely, and easily , suitable even for first-time users. Although each bank has slightly different regulations, the general process is quite similar and very easy to do if you follow the steps correctly. After reading, you will know exactly what to prepare, how to do it, and what to pay attention to in order to avoid unnecessary mistakes.

Tip 1: How to send a check via a smartphone banking app

Step 1: Check if your phone supports online check submission.

Identify the phone's operating system.

• Most banks now support iPhone (iOS) and Android phones.

• Older operating systems or older phones may not be able to use the online check deposit feature.

Check your operating system version.

• Some banks require a minimum iOS or Android version.

• If your operating system is too old, you may not be able to install banking apps.

Confirm directly with the bank.

• Access the official website or banking app.

• Look for the option "mobile deposit", "deposit check online" or "pay check online".

• Alternatively, contact customer service to check if your phone is supported.

Step 2: Register to use the online check deposit service.

Check the service registration status.

• Log in to your online banking account or banking app.

• Check if the mobile check deposit feature is enabled.

• Many banks automatically open accounts for eligible customers.

Download the banking app to your phone.

• Whether you register or not, you are still required to have a banking app on your phone.

• Access the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).

• Find the app by its exact bank name to avoid downloading fake apps.

Initial setup complete.

• Log in using your personal bank account.

• Grant necessary permissions such as camera access and network access.

• Check the online check deposit option to get ready to use it.

Step 3: Sign the back of the check (endorse the check).

Sign your name exactly as it appears on your bank account.

• Use a pen (usually a blue or black ballpoint pen).

• Sign with the signature that is registered with the bank.

• Do not sign outside or over other documents.

Provide additional information if requested by the bank.

• Some banks require you to add the following information:

  • Bank account number

  • Customer code or member code

• Each bank has different regulations, so you should check before making a payment.

Sign in the designated area on the check.

• Sign only in the “Endorse here” area or the signature area on the back.

• Do not write outside the box as this may cause the check to be rejected when submitting it online.

Step 4: Log in to your bank account on the mobile app.

Open the banking app on your phone.

• Choose the official app of the bank you are using.

• Make sure your phone has a stable internet connection.

Log in using your personal information.

• Enter your online banking username and password.

• Alternatively, you can use biometrics such as fingerprints or Face ID if you have already set them up.

Confirm account access

• The system will display your account after you successfully log in.

• From here, you can find and select the mobile check deposit feature.

Step 5: Find the online check deposit feature (mobile deposit).

Observe the application's home screen.

• Many banks place the online check deposit feature directly on their homepage.

• It is often displayed with names such as “Mobile Deposit”, “Deposit a Check”, or “Deposit a Check”.

Check the function menus.

• If you don't see it on the home screen, look in sections like:

  • Deposits

  • "Tools"

  • "Services" or "Utilities"

• This is where banks consolidate additional functions, including depositing checks via phone.

Use the search bar (if available).

• Some applications allow for quick feature searching.

• Simply enter keywords related to online check submission to access the site directly.

Step 6: Take photos of the front and back of the check with your phone.

Follow the instructions in the app.

• The application will require you to take a picture of the front of the check first , then the back.

• Typically, you need to confirm that the front-facing photo meets the requirements before proceeding to the next step.

Multiple shots may be needed.

• If the image is blurry, missing angles, or poorly lit, the system will prompt you to retake it.

• This is normal, especially for those who are submitting a check online for the first time.

Place the check on a dark, flat surface.

• Many apps automatically recognize checks better when placed on a dark background.

• Avoid patterned or reflective backgrounds.

Take a complete and neat photo.

• Make sure the entire check fits neatly within the frame.

• The checkerboard is straight, not tilted or angled.

• Do not obscure the letters, numbers, or signatures on the check.

Step 7: Enter or confirm the amount on the check.

Enter the amount manually (if required).

• Some banks require you to manually type the exact amount as it appears on the check.

• You need to enter each number accurately, including any fractional parts (if applicable).

Confirm the amount automatically detected by the system.

• Many apps will automatically read the amount from a check image.

• Your task is to double-check if the displayed amount is correct.

Check carefully before proceeding.

• Compare the amount displayed on the screen with the amount written on the check.

• If they don't match, correct them immediately or take a new photo of the check if necessary.

Step 8: Submit the check and track the results of online check submission.

Send checks via app

• Double-check the front and back photos and the amount one last time.

• Press the “Submit”, “Send”, or “Deposit Check” button as displayed on the application.

• The system will record your request to submit a check online.

Wait for the bank to process it.

• Some banks require time to review checks before crediting the account.

• Some other banks may deposit money into the account almost instantly.

• Processing time depends on each bank's policy, so you should check beforehand to be prepared.

Check your confirmation email.

• After sending a check, the bank usually sends an email notifying the check that it has been received and processed.

• This email is proof that you have successfully submitted your check online.

Monitor the account if you don't see the notification.

• If you don't receive the email after 1-2 days, log into your bank account to check your balance.

• If the funds have not been credited, you should contact the bank directly for prompt assistance.

Step 9: Cancel the check after successfully submitting it online.

Make a note on the processed check.

• Write "void" or "processed" clearly on the front of the check.

• Use the exact terminology as defined by your bank.

• Do not tear or damage a check without permission.

Keep the check for the required period.

• Most banks require you to retain checks deposited online for a certain period of time.

• The typical duration is around 2 months.

• The purpose is for comparison in case any issues arise related to the transaction.

Only cancel checks after the retention period has expired.

• After the time period requested by the bank has expired, you can safely destroy the check.

• It should be torn into small pieces or destroyed securely to avoid disclosing personal information.

Tip 2: How to deposit checks online via the bank's website

Step 1: Check if the bank supports online check deposits.

Check on the bank's official website.

• Access the website of your bank.

• Look for items like “Mobile Banking”, “Online Deposit”, “Remote Check Deposit”, or “Deposit Checks Online”.

• Information regarding conditions and usage is usually published quite clearly.

Note regarding supported account types

• Some financial institutions only allow online check deposits with:

  • Business account

  • Accounts with high minimum balances

• Regular personal accounts may not be activated by default.

Check the accompanying conditions.

• Some banks require:

  • Customers who meet certain credit standards

  • The account has been active long enough.

  • No history of risky transactions.

• These conditions are intended to limit fraud when depositing checks online.

Step 2: Register for the online check-deposit program with the bank.

Complete the registration as required by the bank.

• Log in to your online banking or mobile banking app.

• Find the section for registering for online check deposit/mobile deposit services.

• Follow the instructions to submit your registration request.

The bank may conduct a credit check.

• Some banks require customers to pass a basic credit check.

• The purpose is to assess the risks and limit fraud when depositing checks online.

• The approval time can range from a few minutes to several days, depending on each bank's policy.

Waiting for service activation confirmation

• Once approved, the bank will notify you via email or through the app.

• Once the service is activated, you can start depositing checks online right away.

Step 3: Prepare a scanner to scan the check clearly.

Prioritize the use of personal scanners.

• Using a home scanner helps ensure the security of personal information.

• Proactively control scan quality and avoid data leakage risks.

Scanners can be used in public places when needed.

• If you don't have your own scanner, you can use the scanners available at:

  • Library

  • Company office

• You need to double-check the scanned file and delete the data after use.

Ensure the scan is clear and complete.

• Scan the entire check, ensuring no corners are missing.

• Letters, numbers, and signatures must be clear, not blurry, and free from glare.

• Do not edit the contents of the check after scanning.

Step 4: Sign and confirm the check before submitting it online.

Sign on the back of the check.

• Most banks require at least a signature in the endorsement area.

• The signature must match the signature registered with the bank.

• Sign only within the designated area; do not write in other areas.

Enter the bank account number for receiving payments if requested.

• Some banks require you to also write the account number where you want to deposit the check.

• The account number is written directly below or next to the signature, in the signature confirmation area.

• This helps the bank accurately record the money in the correct account.

Add your membership code (if required by the bank).

• Some financial institutions require an additional membership code alongside the signature.

• This rule typically applies to credit unions.

• You should carefully check the bank's instructions before adding any further information.

Step 5: Select the correct receiving account when depositing checks online.

Log in to the bank's official website.

• Access the website of your bank.

• Log in using your personal online banking account.

Find the online check deposit option.

• Go to the Account tools or Account services section.

• Look for the option "Online deposit", "Deposit check" or "Deposit check online".

• This is where you send checks online.

Choose the receiving account

• The system typically displays a list of accounts as a dropdown menu.

• Select the correct account you want the money to be deposited into.

• Double-check everything before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Select the correct scanner to submit your check online.

Identify the connected scanner.

• Typically, a computer only connects to one scanner , so the selection is fairly simple.

• If you only see one option, you can select it and continue.

In the case of multiple scanners

• Make sure you select the correct scanner that is turned on and running.

• Check the scanner name displayed on the screen.

• The scanner's name is usually printed on the front or top of the device.

Check the scanner before continuing.

• Make sure the scanner is powered on.

• Stable connection to the computer (USB or network)

• The scanner is ready to scan to avoid errors when submitting checks online.

Step 7: Scan the front and back of the check properly.

Perform the scan according to the bank's procedure.

• Online check-depositing software usually automatically activates the scanner when you reach this step.

• Just follow the steps shown on the screen.

Scan both sides of the check completely.

• Scan the front of the card so the bank can read the amount and issuer information.

• Scan the back to verify the signature and signature confirmation information.

Place the check neatly on the scanner glass.

• Some banks require checks to be placed flat and perpendicular.

• If the image is distorted, missing corners, or blurry, you may need to rescan it.

• Banking software typically checks image quality before allowing it to be sent.

Note regarding scanner connection

• Some banks require the computer to be directly connected to a scanner during login.

• You are not allowed to scan checks first and then save the image to submit later.

• Conversely, some banks allow uploading photos of checks that have already been taken or scanned.

Check the bank's specific regulations.

• Each bank has different policies regarding direct scanning or uploading of photos.

• You should check the instructions in your online banking account to get it right from the start.

Step 8: Enter the amount on the check when depositing a check online.

Enter the correct amount as written on the check.

• Enter the exact amount that the check issuer wrote.

• Include any fractional amounts if the check contains decimal numbers.

Double-check before continuing.

• Compare the amount you just entered with the amount shown on the check.

• Ensure there are no errors, not even a single digit.

Continue the check deposit process.

• After entering and checking the information, you can proceed to the next step.

• If the bank doesn't require you to enter an amount, the system will process it automatically.

Step 9: Send the check and check the credit status.

Press the send check button.

• Click “Submit”, “Send”, or “Deposit Check” as displayed on the website or app.

• After submission, the check will be moved to the pending review status by the system.

Wait for the bank to check and process.

• Most checks will be reviewed by the bank after they are deposited.

• Some banks offer instant credit.

• Others are credited on the next business day.

• You should check the bank's policy on processing online checks beforehand to proactively plan your finances.

Check your confirmation email.

• If the funds are not automatically credited, the bank will usually send an email notification when the check is accepted.

• This email confirms that the online check deposit transaction has been completed.

Proactively check your account if you haven't received a notification.

• If you haven't received the email, please log in to your account to check your balance.

• If the money hasn't been credited to your account, you should contact the bank by phone for immediate assistance.

Step 10: Cancel and destroy the check after submitting it online.

Only process checks after confirmation.

• Make sure you have received an email or notification confirming that the check has been credited.

• Do not cancel checks until you have received official confirmation from the bank.

Make notes on the check as requested by the bank.

• Some banks require you to write "void".

• Some other banks require you to write "processed".

• Clearly and legibly written on the front of the check.

Keep the check for the specified period.

• Many banks require you to keep checks deposited online for at least two months.

• The purpose is for comparison in case of disputes or transaction errors.

Properly destroy checks after the storage period.

• After the required time has elapsed, you can destroy the check.

• It should be torn into small pieces or destroyed securely to avoid disclosing personal information.

References

1. https://www.bankofamerica.com/online-banking/mobile-check-deposit.go
2. https://www.dcu.org/dcu-support-center/remote-deposit.html
3. http://www.findabetterbank.com/mobile_check_deposit.html
4. https://www.usaa.com/inet/pages/int_deposithome_tour_module

Translated by: Sidney Bailey Hoang .