​​10 Common Mistakes People Make with Mobile Check Deposits (and How to Avoid Them)

In today's fast-paced digital world, mobile check deposits offer incredible convenience, saving time and bank trips. 

However, many users face challenges that can lead to frustration and delays. 

In this blog, we’ll help you identify common mistakes made during mobile check deposits and provide actionable tips to ensure a seamless experience.

1. Not Endorsing the Check Properly

Many people forget to sign their checks or neglect to add "For Mobile Deposit Only" under their signatures. This oversight can result in the rejection of their deposit.

Solution: Always check the endorsement section twice before you begin the deposit process. Endorse it correctly by signing your name and writing "For Mobile Deposit Only" to ensure it meets bank requirements.

2. Poor Lighting Conditions

Deposits may fail if your check images are unclear due to poor lighting. This is a common issue when depositing checks after business hours.

Solution: Place your check on a dark, plain surface and ensure you're in a well-lit area. Your phone camera should be able to capture clear images without shadows or glare.

3. Cropping or Cutting Out Parts of the Check

Incomplete check images occur when users accidentally crop or cut out essential parts of the check while trying to capture an image.

Solution: Use your bank app's built-in check-capture tool rather than the phone's camera app to take photos. Frame the entire check within the guidelines for full coverage before capturing.

4. Incorrect Check Amounts

Entering the wrong check amount during the deposit can cause discrepancies and delay processing.

Solution: Double-check the amount on your check and ensure it matches the amount you entered in the app. This simple verification can prevent unnecessary complications.

5. Outdated Banking Apps

Using an outdated banking app can lead to glitches and unsupported features, hindering the deposit process.

Solution: Regularly update your banking app to the latest version. This ensures you have access to the latest features and security updates, which support a smooth deposit process.

6. Overlooking Check Hold Policies

Sometimes, users are unaware of the check hold policies, leading to misunderstandings about when funds will be available.

Solution: Familiarize yourself with your bank's check hold policies. Understanding these can help set realistic expectations for fund availability after deposits.

7. Exceeding Mobile Deposit Limits

Depositing checks that exceed your bank's mobile deposit limits can result in failed transactions.

Solution: Be aware of your bank's deposit limits by checking your account terms or consulting your bank's customer service. If you have a check that exceeds these limits, consider visiting a branch instead.

8. Not Retaining the Check After Deposit

Destroying a check immediately after the deposit can be risky if there are issues with the transaction. This could leave you without a backup.

Solution: Retain the deposited check for at least two weeks or until you confirm the deposit was successful. This provides a safety net in case any issues arise.

9. Depositing Non-Eligible Checks

Some users attempt to deposit checks that aren't eligible for mobile deposits, such as foreign currency checks.

Solution: Review your bank's guidelines on eligible checks for mobile deposits. If a check isn't eligible, you must deposit it in person.

10. Ignoring Error Messages

Many users dismiss error messages, assuming the deposit went through. This can lead to missed notifications about failed deposits.

Solution: Pay close attention to your banking app's notifications and follow up on any error messages to ensure your deposit is complete and successful.

Implementing these tips can significantly streamline your mobile check deposit experience, ensuring quick and hassle-free transactions. Ready to make the most of your banking app? Remember these strategies the next time you deposit a check, and enjoy the convenience of mobile banking to its fullest.

Trust SeamlessChex For Instant Mobile Check Deposit

Mastering mobile check deposits is critical to enhancing your banking experience and managing your finances efficiently.

By understanding and avoiding common pitfalls — from staying informed about deposit limits to ensuring your checks are eligible — you can significantly reduce errors and improve the success rate of your transactions.

Additionally, being attentive to app notifications and retaining checks for verification are vital steps that ensure your deposits are processed without hitches.

By implementing these strategies, you'll safeguard your funds and enjoy the convenience of mobile banking, making it an indispensable tool in today's fast-paced world.

Want to take your due diligence one step further? Partner with SeamlessChex for industry-leading merchant services and simple, easy access to check-by phone and eCheck processing functionalities.

Contact us today to learn more about our solutions and how we can help you.