You’ve probably heard that mobile deposit is an amazing online banking tool, allowing you to deposit paper checks straight from your smartphone or device remotely anytime, anywhere. It’s quick, safe, and convenient—plus mobile deposit saves you lots of time because there’s no need to stop into a branch or find an ATM.
According to the 2023 Mobile Deposit Benchmark Report, 79% of users described mobile deposit as “critical,” rating it as the second most important feature of mobile banking, behind being able to turn a card on/off remotely or report it lost.
But if you’ve never used it before, you might be wondering how to make a mobile check deposit. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of making mobile deposits so that you’re informed in advance.
The 7 Steps to Making a Successful Mobile Deposit
In the following 7 steps, you can complete a successful mobile deposit—in less than a minute!
1. Download Your Financial Institution’s App to Your Smartphone or Smart Device
If you have an Apple device like an iPhone or iPad, you can find the Radiant app in the Apple Store. If you own Android devices, you’ll find the app in Google Play. Once you download the app, its icon will appear on your phone or device’s home screen.
2. Open the App and Log In
Tap once on the app icon to open it. A window will appear that will ask you to create a username and password. Enter that information and click on “Log In” or “Submit.” You’ll now be logged into your account. Check with your particular financial institution, this initial setup can differ from place to place.
3. Endorse the Check for Mobile Deposit
Endorsing a check means you’re claiming ownership of it so that you can properly deposit the money in your account. But how do you endorse a check for a mobile deposit? It’s quite easy. On the back side of the check, you’ll see “Endorse here” or “Sign here” with a line extending from those words. This is the line where you write your signature.
Underneath that will be another blank line. On this one, you should write a restrictive endorsement such as “For Mobile Deposit Only,” so the financial institution knows you want the check to be deposited remotely from your smartphone or device. This is essentially a way to protect your check from being used by someone else.
TIP: Use only blue or black ink pens when signing and endorsing a check.
4. Search the Menu Bar for the Mobile Deposit Option
While specifics might vary based on your financial institution’s app, most of the steps below are universal.
Once logged in, look for the mobile deposit tab and click on it to get started with making your deposit. If you have more than one account, be sure to choose the one that you want the money deposited into (typically savings or checking).
- The app will ask you to type in the amount of the check. You must enter the numbers exactly as they appear on the check—do not round up or down. For example, if the check is written for $25.78, do not type in $25.00 or $26.00—enter $25.78 exactly.
- If you don’t enter the amount precisely, then you will delay processing.
5. Snap a Photo of the Check
- Lay the check on a flat surface in a well-lit area. In the Mobile Deposit tab, there are typically 2 camera icons, one that is labeled “Front” and the other “Back.” Click on the “Front” icon. The app will ask for access to your camera, which you permit.
- Line up your camera over the front side of the check. A yellow or white rectangle border could appear, helping you align the check properly. Take a photo of the front side of the check. Then flip the check over, click on the “Back” icon, and snap a picture of the check’s backside.
- Make sure to use only crisp, clear photos because Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) might not be able to scan blurry ones, which could result in processing delays.
- Most apps have a feature that lets you know at the moment if a photo is grainy or not bright enough so that you can retake it to meet the requirements.
6. Confirm the Deposit Details
- Review and confirm all deposit details, such as the amount of the check and which account you would like it deposited into.
7. Hit the “Deposit” Button and Send Away!
- Don’t forget to press the “Deposit” button, which is usually at the bottom of the screen! This is the final step for depositing your check.
- Hold onto the paper check until you see that the funds are fully deposited in your account
- Once it’s been cleared, shred the check to protect your personal information.
FAQs About Making a Mobile Check Deposit With Your Radiant App
Here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions about mobile deposit.
Who is eligible for mobile deposit?
If your Radiant Credit Union account meets the criteria below, you’re eligible to use our Mobile Check Deposit tool:
- You are enrolled in eBanking
- Your account is in good standing (no delinquent loans, credit cards, or other obligations)
- Your account has no restrictions
You can contact Radiant Member Services at 352-381-5200 if you have more questions about eligibility.
What checks are not eligible for mobile deposit?
Only complete, (full MICR) single-party, domestic checks made payable to the owner(s) of your Radiant Credit Union account are accepted.
- Checks may be rejected if they are incomplete, post-dated, or stale-dated, made payable to a third party, or stamped with a “non-negotiable” watermark.
- You should only use Mobile Deposit for domestic checks not drawn on your own account.
- Checks must be made payable to an owner of the share and must have an endorsement on the back.
- Be sure your checks have no evidence of alteration or contain a restrictive endorsement.
How long does it take for my money to be accessible?
That depends on your financial institution. Generally speaking, it can take a few hours to a few business days for the funds to appear in your account.
As part of Radiant’s Mobile Deposit process, you will be notified if your deposit is immediately posted or if a portion is being held for review. The review process should not take longer than 1 business day. You will receive an email notification (to the email address Radiant has on file) when the deposit is accepted and posted to your account.
Can I throw away the paper check once I’ve deposited it?
No, you should securely store the check for 14 days after you’ve verified that your deposit was accepted. After that time, you should shred the check to protect your personal information.
How many checks can be included in one deposit?
At Radiant, one check per deposit is allowed at this time.
Make Mobile Deposit Part of Your Banking Routine
Now that you know how to make a mobile check deposit, you can quickly and securely deposit your checks from your smartphone or smart device.
Click below to access Radiant Credit Union’s mobile app and get started today!