Remote Deposit Capture: Depositing Cheques Using Mobile Banking

Table of Contents

What is Remote Deposit Capture?

Remote Deposit Capture (RDC) allows you to deposit cheques by taking photos with your smartphone or using a scanner, without visiting a bank branch or ATM. The digital images are transmitted to your bank for processing through the cheque clearing system.

How Mobile Deposit Works

The Technology

Image Capture:- Smartphone camera captures front and back of cheque - App guides proper positioning and lighting - Multiple images may be taken for quality

Image Processing:- App analyzes image quality - MICR data extracted from image - Amount may be read automatically (OCR) - Image compressed and encrypted

Transmission:- Encrypted images sent to bank servers - Data validated against account information - Cheque enters clearing system - Confirmation sent to customer

Step-by-Step Mobile Deposit

Before You Start

Requirements:- Bank's mobile app installed - RDC feature enabled on account - Smartphone with working camera - Good lighting conditions - Endorsed cheque

The Process

Step 1: Prepare the Cheque - Endorse with "For Mobile Deposit Only" - Include your account number - Ensure cheque is flat and clean

Step 2: Open Banking App - Log in securely - Navigate to deposit function - Select mobile cheque deposit

Step 3: Capture Front Image - Place cheque on dark, flat surface - Align within on-screen guide - Ensure all corners visible - Hold steady until captured

Step 4: Capture Back Image - Flip cheque over - Capture endorsement area - Ensure signature is visible

Step 5: Enter Details - Verify or enter cheque amount - Select deposit account - Add memo if desired

Step 6: Submit and Confirm - Review all information - Submit deposit - Save confirmation number

Image Quality Best Practices

Lighting

Do:- Use natural or bright indoor light - Ensure even lighting across cheque - Avoid shadows

Don't:- Deposit in dim conditions - Use flash (causes glare) - Have light source behind cheque

Background and Surface

Ideal Setup:- Dark, solid-colored background - Flat, non-reflective surface - No patterns or text visible

Common Problems:- Busy backgrounds confuse the app - Glossy surfaces cause reflections - Uneven surfaces create shadows

Cheque Condition

Acceptable:- Clean, unwrinkled cheques - Clear printing and writing - Legible MICR line

Problematic:- Torn or taped cheques - Heavily creased cheques - Faded or smudged writing

Common Rejection Reasons

Image Quality Issues

Problem	Solution
Blurry image	Hold phone steady, tap to focus
Too dark	Improve lighting
Glare/reflection	Adjust angle, remove flash
Cropped edges	Ensure full cheque in frame
Shadows	Change light position

Cheque Issues

Problem	Solution
Missing endorsement	Sign the back
Wrong endorsement	Add "For Mobile Deposit"
Amount mismatch	Re-enter correct amount
Stale date	Request fresh cheque
Already deposited	Check deposit history

Account Issues

Problem	Solution
Deposit limit exceeded	Wait or visit branch
Feature not enabled	Contact bank
Account restricted	Resolve account issues

Mobile Deposit Limits

Typical Limits

Limit Type	Consumer Account	Business Account
Per cheque	$2,500 - $10,000	$25,000 - $100,000
Daily	$5,000 - $25,000	$50,000 - $250,000
Monthly	$25,000 - $50,000	$250,000 - $500,000

Increasing Limits

Factors that may increase limits: - Account tenure - Deposit history - Account balance - Business relationship - Request to bank

Fund Availability

Typical Timelines

Deposit Time	Availability
Before cut-off	Next business day
After cut-off	Following business day
Weekend/holiday	Next business day after

Factors Affecting Availability

Cheque amount
Deposit history
Account standing
Cheque source
Bank policy

Security Considerations

Protecting Your Deposits

During Deposit:- Use secure WiFi or cellular data - Ensure app is official bank app - Log out after completing

After Deposit:- Mark cheque as deposited - Store cheque for required period - Shred after retention period - Monitor account for credit

Retention Requirements

Most banks require: - Keep cheque for 14-30 days - Destroy securely after period - Never deposit same cheque twice

Business Mobile Deposit

Additional Features

For Business Accounts:- Higher deposit limits - Multiple user access - Desktop scanner integration - Batch deposit capability - Detailed reporting

Best Practices for Businesses

1Establish deposit procedures
2Train authorized depositors
3Maintain deposit logs
4Reconcile deposits daily
5Secure cheques until destroyed

Troubleshooting

App Issues

Problem:App crashes during deposit **Solution:** Update app, restart phone, try again

Problem:Cannot access deposit feature **Solution:** Check enrollment status, contact bank

Problem:Repeated rejections **Solution:** Try different lighting/background, use branch deposit

Deposit Problems

Problem:Deposit pending too long **Solution:** Contact bank customer service

Problem:Amount credited incorrectly **Solution:** File dispute with bank

Problem:Cheque returned after deposit **Solution:** Contact original issuer

Conclusion

Remote deposit capture offers convenience and efficiency for handling cheques. By following best practices for image capture and understanding your bank's policies, you can successfully deposit cheques without visiting a branch.

Quick Tips for Success

1Endorse properly with "For Mobile Deposit"
2Use good lighting and dark background
3Ensure entire cheque is in frame
4Hold phone steady while capturing
5Verify amount before submitting
6Keep cheque until confirmed cleared