How To Endorse a Check for Mobile Deposit
Mobile deposits offer a convenient way to deposit checks without ever visiting a bank in person. But before you snap a picture and tap submit, you need to take one key step: endorse the check. An incorrect endorsement can delay your deposit or lead to a rejection. Understanding how to properly endorse a check can help you ensure your money is swiftly and securely transferred to your account.
How To Endorse a Check for Mobile Deposit
To endorse a check, you sign the back of it to let the bank know it belongs to you. Use the same signature applied when you opened your bank account because your signature gives the bank permission to cash the check or transfer the funds into your account. It’s a simple process, but following a few steps can help you avoid errors that delay the deposit.
Step 1: Double-Check Endorsement Details
Before you sign the check and prepare to take pictures in your mobile app, check for the following:
Accurate information: Verify your name, the date and the amount on the check. If the check is written to you and someone else, note whether one or both of you have to endorse the check.
Check validity: Make sure the date on the check is within the last six months.
Valid signature: The check should be signed by an authorized person, and some business checks require two signatures.
Step 2: Sign the Back of the Check in the Endorsement Area
Sign your check in the designated endorsement box on the back. Use a clear and legible signature in blue or black ink, and follow any instructions such as not signing below a certain line.
Step 3: Add “For Mobile Deposit Only” Under Your Signature
Some banks require you to write “For Mobile Deposit Only” below your signature. For example, Bank of America, Member FDIC, asks customers to write “For deposit only at Bank of America.” Wells Fargo prefers “For mobile deposit at Wells Fargo Only.” Capital One suggests using “For Capital One mobile deposit.” You also can include your checking account number.
How To Submit an Endorsed Check for Mobile Deposit
After you’ve endorsed the check, you’re ready to submit it for deposit through the mobile app. Start by signing into your account. Then take clear photos of both the front and back of the check. Follow these tips for high-quality photos:
Use a dark background: Place the check against a dark background for better contrast.
Choose a flat surface: Ensure the check is on a flat surface to avoid blurriness.
Frame the check: Make sure the check is the only object in the frame.
Find good lighting: Use a well-lit area and turn off the flash to avoid shadows.
Then follow the in-app prompts to submit the check for deposit. Hold on to your check until the deposit has cleared, typically about five days. Then securely destroy it.
Benefits of Mobile Check Deposit
Mobile check deposit is convenient, secure and easy to use. All you need is a smartphone and an internet connection. You don’t have to go to a bank or ATM in person to complete the deposit, so you can take care of banking on your terms when it fits into your schedule. The security features used by most banking apps and financial services platforms protect your information.
Security Tips for Mobile Check Deposits
Mobile banking is generally safe, but you can add additional layers of protection to keep your personal information and account details out of the wrong hands. Here’s how:
Use strong passwords: Choose a unique password that others cannot easily guess. Strong passwords have a combination of letters, numbers and symbols and should be different from your user ID. Avoid using personal information.
Enable extra security measures: Prevent unauthorized access to your smartphone by locking it. Consider using features like facial recognition, fingerprint scanning or a unique PIN code for added security.
Set up multi-factor authentication: Multi-factor authentication is an additional layer of security to protect your account if someone guesses or acquires your password. You’ll need to answer a security question, provide a verification code sent to an email or phone number on file or let the phone scan your fingerprint.
Keep your phone and app updated: Developers regularly update apps to improve performance, add new features and install current security measures. Consider turning on the automatic updates feature on your phone if you don’t want to do this manually.
Use secure internet connections: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when making mobile deposits. Instead, use a secure, private internet connection to protect your personal and financial information.
Final Take
Mobile deposit is a quick, convenient and modern way to deposit checks anytime, anywhere. Properly endorsing a check before submitting it to a banking or financial platform app ensures that the funds are transferred to your account without delays or rejections.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about checks and mobile deposits.
Can I deposit any type of check?
Banks typically accept personal, business and government checks for mobile deposits as long as they are written to the account holder and from a U.S.-based bank. This includes birthday checks from a sibling, a check from a maturing CD and a tax refund check. However, rules can vary, so ask your bank about its mobile deposit policy.
What if I make a mistake in endorsing a check?
If you make an error, the bank may reject your deposit and return the check to you with a written notice. Correct the mistake or contact your bank for guidance.
How long does it take for funds to be available after a mobile deposit?
Availability varies by bank. Here are a few examples:
U.S. Bank makes up to $225 of the deposit available immediately and releases the rest the following business day in most cases.
Wells Fargo usually gives you access to the money the next business day.
However, the bank may place a hold on the funds if there is an indication that the check may not clear. The bank may flag a check for review if it's written for a large sum of money, appears to be fraudulent or is being deposited into an account that has been overdrawn in the past.
What should I do if my deposit is rejected?
Mobile deposits can fail if the connection is poor, you're logged out of the app for inactivity or the photo is blurry. When that happens, try depositing the check again. If that doesn't work or your bank rejects your mobile deposit, contact the bank for support.
Is mobile deposit safe?
Yes, mobile deposit is secure with proper precautions. Follow security best practices to protect your information, including keeping your phone and app updated and destroying the check after it clears.
What is mobile check deposit?
Mobile check deposit is a feature offered by banks, credit unions and financial services platforms that allows you to deposit paper checks into your bank account using a mobile app on your smartphone. It's a convenient option, as you can deposit checks anytime, anywhere, without needing to visit a bank.
How does mobile check deposit work?
To use mobile check deposit, you can follow these steps:
Open and sign in to the app you want to use.
Navigate to the mobile deposit screen and choose the checking or savings account you want the money to go to.
Follow the instructions to take a picture of the front and back of the endorsed check.
If prompted, enter the amount written on the check, and then submit the deposit for review.
Information is accurate as of May 23, 2024.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How To Endorse a Check for Mobile Deposit
