How to Deposit Checks From Your Phone

Depositing a check used to mean driving to a branch or stopping at an ATM before it got too late in the day. Mobile deposit makes that step unnecessary. As long as you have your phone and the credit union’s app, you can deposit most checks from home, from work, or anywhere in between.

The process itself is simple. Most problems happen because of small mistakes that are easy to avoid. If you follow a few basic best practices, your deposit is more likely to go through smoothly and without delays.

How Mobile Check Deposit Works

When you open the mobile deposit option in the OnPath Credit Union mobile app, you will be prompted to take a photo of the front and back of your check with your phone. The image is securely sent to the credit union for review. Once it is accepted, the funds are made available according to the account’s deposit policy.

How to Deposit a Check the Right Way

1. Sign the Back of the Check

Before you open the app, turn the check over and endorse it.

• Sign your name in the endorsement area
• Write “For mobile deposit only” under your signature

A missing signature is one of the most common reasons mobile deposits are rejected. Make sure your endorsement is clearly written and fully visible.

2. Place the Check on a Dark, Flat Surface

Set the check on a solid, dark background. A plain table, desk, or countertop works well. Avoid patterned surfaces, bright glare, or clutter.

Make sure:

• The check is flat and not folded
• All four corners are visible
• Nothing is covering the routing and account numbers at the bottom

3. Use Good Lighting and Avoid Glare

Lighting matters more than most people realize:

• Avoid heavy shadows across the check
• Do not use flash if it creates glare on the paper
• Make sure the numbers and written amount are easy to read

Blurry or dark images can delay your deposit because the system may not be able to read the information properly.

4. Hold Your Phone Steady

Position your phone directly above the check. Keep your hands steady until the photo is taken. After the image is captured, look at it before submitting. Double-check that:

• The entire check is visible
• The endorsement is clear
• The numbers at the bottom are readable

If anything looks cut off or blurry, retake the photo.

5. Enter the Correct Deposit Amount

Type in the deposit amount carefully when the app asks for it. Double-check to make sure the number you enter matches the written amount on the check before submitting. Even a small mistake can cause processing delays or require correction later.

How Long Does It Take for a Mobile Deposit to Show Up in My Account?

In most cases, your mobile deposit will show up in your account fairly quickly, often the same day, as a pending deposit. Once it’s pending, you may have access to part of the deposit. The remaining funds often become available within one to two business days, depending on the check and your account history.

Delays in check approval are more common with:

• New accounts
• Large check amounts
• Out-of-state checks
• Unusual or unexpected deposits
• Accounts with frequent overdrafts

Is Mobile Deposit Faster Than an ATM?

They usually take about the same amount of time to clear. The main difference is convenience. With mobile deposit, you do not need to drive to a branch or ATM.

However, depositing a check earlier in the day can sometimes help it begin processing sooner. Late-night deposits, whether by phone or ATM, may be processed the next business day.

What to Do After You Submit the Deposit

Once your deposit is accepted, keep the paper check for a short period of time. Do not throw it away immediately. It is a good habit to:

• Write “Deposited” and the date on the front of the check
• Store it in a safe place for a few weeks

After you see that the deposit has cleared and the funds are fully available, you can safely destroy the check by shredding it or tearing it thoroughly so your name, address, and account number aren’t readable.

Take Advantage of a Highly Rated Mobile Banking App With OnPath Credit Union

OnPath members really like our mobile app. It currently has a 4.8 star rating on the Google Play Store and a 4.9 star rating on the Apple App Store. If you’re looking for a dependable financial partner that offers competitive rates on loans, great yields on checking and savings accounts, and top-tier online and mobile banking, become a member of OnPath Credit Union.