If you have a smart phone your bank may already have an app that allows you check deposits by just taking a photo of it with your phone’s camera and then transmitting the image to your bank where it is usually credited to your account immediately. If your bank does not yet have an app for that, it is likely that it will shortly.
Banks large and small have already adopted this technology for both their own and customer convenience. Large banks using it include:
- JPMorgan Chase
- Bank of America
- Citibank
- Ing
Some small banks and credit unions are:
- WV United Federal Credit
- Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union
- USAA Bank
- Texas Security Bank
Things to be Aware Of
Each bank has different rules governing the use of “remote deposit capture” which is the actual name of the technology supporting the iOS and Android apps.
Most financial institutions limit the amount of check deposits as well as a total amount each month. Some may even limit the number and amount of checks each day.
At times the camera on smart phones may not be able to capture a check image clearly enough (usually this happens with hand written checks) forcing a visit to the bank to make the deposit.
Most banks credit your account with the full amount of the deposit as soon as it is transmitted. However, most also customers to keep their checks for at least 14 days before destroying them. Check with your bank for how long they take to credit your account and how many days they suggest you keep your checks.
Some banks have incorporated the deposit feature as part of their overall online banking app while some have not integrated the deposit feature just yet.
Develops of applications (apps) are happy that banks are moving quickly to provide smart phone deposits as each bank has to have their own app. While this is good for developers, not so much for customers.
Bank customers with accounts at more than one bank will have to load an app for each bank. This is inconvenient for customers and can even be confusing as to keeping track of account limits on deposit activity.
While mobile banking apps have been in use for some time, they are only used by about 3 percent of all bank customers. As the use of deposit by apps becomes more widespread there seems to be no reason why a multi-bank cannot be developed.
Some apps allow for transfer of funds between accounts at the bank.
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