Mastering Mobile Check Deposits: Tips for Success
Imagine effortlessly depositing checks from the comfort of your home—snap a photo, hit a couple of buttons, and voilà, the money is on its way to your account. However, this modern convenience can occasionally hit a snag, leaving you frustrated. To ensure your deposits breeze through without a hitch, here are seven expert tips to keep in mind.
Keep it Steady: The Art of Photography
When capturing a photo of your check, the last thing you want is a shaky image. Place the check down before snapping the picture to ensure clarity. Eliminate distractions from the frame, like stray papers or that Lego piece lurking in the background. Bob Meara, a senior analyst at Celent, emphasizes keeping your fingers clear of the account number line at the bottom—attention to detail matters!
Let There Be Light
Lighting is crucial! Avoid harsh shadows obscuring your check to make sure every detail is legible. Marek Helcl, a mobile deposit expert at Mitek Systems, reminds us that good lighting can make all the difference when your bank processes the image.
Capture All Corners
To ensure a successful deposit, be mindful to capture all four corners of the check. Mitek's Marek Helcl suggests an innovative trick: mark small dots on each corner. They won't damage the check and can enhance readability, aiding in a smoother deposit.
Keep Things Neat and Tidy
If your check is part of a larger document, like a paycheck with pay stubs, make sure to detach everything extraneous. Helcl advises you to maintain a tidy rectangle—any attachments like stubs or vouchers can confuse the scanning process and lead to rejection.
Avoid Cluttered Backgrounds
Background matters! A light check resting atop a busy surface can be difficult for scanning software to process. Take one rejected check as an example; it was photographed on a patterned tablecloth, causing reflection and chaos. Opt for a simple, uncluttered background for your check images.
Embrace the Latest Technology
Many banking apps are evolving to include advanced features like automatic image capture, responding to optimal conditions. Big names like Bank of America and Wells Fargo are onboard with this tech, allowing apps to guide users for the perfect shot. David Albertazzi from Aite Group notes that users need only hold their device over the check, making the process smooth even for first-timers. Don’t forget to update your banking app for the best experience!
Check Your Signal Strength
Before you hit send on that check image, ensure your cell phone signal is strong. A weak connection can hinder the image’s journey to your bank's server, causing delays or rejections. Meara advises waiting for a better signal to increase the chances of a successful deposit.
Stay Informed About Your Deposits
Even with the best preparations, some checks may be rejected due to poor images or missing info. Double-check your account to confirm successful deposits, particularly for smaller amounts that might go unnoticed. Meara shares that his Wells Fargo app notifies him almost instantly when a deposit is made and verified—so patience pays off!
Avoid Duplicate Deposits
Communication is key! If someone else in your household deposits a check, it’s easy to accidentally deposit it again, leading to potential charges. To stay organized, take a moment to note “Deposited by mobile app” on the physical check once you’re finished. In January, check printer Harland Clarke introduced a helpful tick box on check backs for users to mark mobile deposits, perfect for avoiding confusion.
Conclusion: Embrace Effortless Banking
Using these insightful strategies, you can ensure your mobile check deposits sail through smoothly each time, granting you more time for what really matters—whether that’s enjoying a good book or catching up with friends instead of making trips to the bank or ATM!
