It's happened to the best of us. You're swiftly making a mobile check deposit, feeling like a banking pro, when suddenly, darn it! You realize you've made a mistake. Maybe you entered the wrong amount, forgot to endorse it, or the image was blurry. Don't panic! While mobile deposits are designed for convenience, errors can occur, and thankfully, there are often ways to rectify them.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the common scenarios where you might need to "edit" a mobile deposit check (though direct editing after submission is usually not possible, we'll cover what to do instead!), provide step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting, and empower you to handle future mobile deposits with confidence.
Understanding Mobile Deposit Checks: Why "Editing" is Tricky
Before we dive into solutions, it's crucial to understand why directly "editing" a mobile deposit after you've hit submit is generally not an option. When you submit a mobile deposit, you're essentially sending images of the check and the entered amount to your bank for processing. This is an automated system designed for speed and security. Once the data is transmitted, it enters a processing queue, and direct user modification is typically not allowed to prevent fraud and maintain the integrity of the transaction.
Think of it like mailing a letter. Once it's in the mailbox, you can't just open it up and change the contents. However, you can contact the postal service if there's an issue. Similarly, with mobile deposits, you'll need to intervene or contact your bank to correct an error, rather than making changes yourself within the app.
The "Oh No!" Moment: Common Mobile Deposit Mistakes and What to Do
Let's break down the most frequent errors and the actions you should take.
Step 1: Identify the Specific Error – What Went Wrong?
The first and most crucial step is to pinpoint exactly what went wrong. Did you:
Enter the wrong amount? (e.g., entered $100 when the check was for $1,000)
Forget to endorse the check? (No signature or "For Mobile Deposit Only")
Take a blurry or incomplete picture? (Corners cut off, poor lighting, unreadable text)
Attempt to deposit a restricted check? (e.g., third-party check, post-dated check, foreign check)
Try to deposit the same check twice? (Duplicate deposit)
Deposit into the wrong account? (Less common, but possible if you have multiple accounts)
Knowing the specific error will guide your corrective actions.
Step 2: Act Immediately – Time is of the Essence
The sooner you realize an error, the better your chances of a smooth resolution. Mobile deposits often go through an initial automated review before manual human intervention. If you catch it quickly, you might be able to prevent the incorrect deposit from fully processing.
Step 3: Consult Your Bank's App or Website – Your First Resource
Many banking apps and websites have dedicated "Help" or "FAQ" sections for mobile deposits. These are excellent first stops for troubleshooting common issues. You might find answers to specific error messages you received or guidelines on how to proceed.
Step 4: Addressing Specific Mobile Deposit Errors – Your Action Plan
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of how to handle each common mistake.
Sub-heading: Scenario A: Incorrect Amount Entered
This is one of the most common and frustrating errors.
Do NOT Try to Re-deposit the Check Immediately: If you attempt to re-deposit the check with the correct amount, you risk flagging it as a duplicate deposit, which can cause further complications.
Check Your Bank's Policy: Many banks will automatically detect a discrepancy between the entered amount and the amount on the check image during processing. If they do, they will usually:
Correct the amount themselves: Some banks will simply adjust the deposit to the correct amount shown on the check. You might see a notification in your app or receive an email confirming the corrected amount.
Hold the deposit and contact you: They might put the deposit on hold and reach out to you for clarification or to confirm the correct amount.
Reject the deposit: In some cases, especially if the discrepancy is large, they might reject the entire deposit.
Contact Your Bank's Customer Service: If you're unsure or want to be proactive, this is your best course of action.
Have your details ready: Account number, date of deposit, check number, and the incorrect/correct amount.
Explain the situation clearly: State that you made a mobile deposit and accidentally entered the wrong amount.
Follow their instructions: They will guide you on the next steps, which may involve:
Waiting for their system to auto-correct.
Waiting for the deposit to be rejected so you can re-deposit it (with correct amount and endorsement).
Manual adjustment by a representative.
Sub-heading: Scenario B: Missing or Incorrect Endorsement
Proper endorsement is crucial for mobile deposits. Many banks require:
Your signature
"For Mobile Deposit Only" written below your signature (or checking a pre-printed box for mobile deposit)
Sometimes, your account number
Check for Rejection Notification: Most banks will reject a mobile deposit if it lacks the proper endorsement. You'll likely receive a notification (in-app, email, or text) stating the reason for rejection.
If Rejected: Re-endorse and Re-deposit:
Retrieve the physical check.
Properly endorse the back of the check as per your bank's specific requirements. This often includes your signature and "For Mobile Deposit Only."
Ensure the endorsement is clear and legible in the photo.
Re-submit the deposit through your mobile banking app, making sure all details are correct this time.
If Not Yet Rejected (but you realize the mistake):
Contact your bank immediately. Explain that you forgot to endorse the check. They might be able to intercept the processing and advise you to wait for a rejection or provide alternative instructions. It's rare for them to be able to "add" an endorsement to an image, so a re-deposit after rejection is the most likely outcome.
Sub-heading: Scenario C: Blurry or Incomplete Check Image
Poor image quality is a common reason for mobile deposit rejection.
Check for Rejection Notification: Your bank's system is usually adept at detecting poor image quality. You will likely receive a rejection message.
If Rejected: Retake Photos and Re-deposit:
Ensure optimal conditions for taking the photos:
Good, even lighting (natural light is best, avoid shadows).
Flat, dark, contrasting background (helps the camera focus and delineate the check).
All four corners of the check visible within the camera frame.
Hold your phone steady and directly above the check, not at an angle.
Ensure the image is in focus before capturing.
Re-submit the deposit with the new, clear images.
Sub-heading: Scenario D: Deposited into the Wrong Account
This is less common as most mobile deposit features only allow you to select from your pre-existing accounts. You typically can't type in a random account number.
Verify the Account: Double-check your transaction history to confirm which account the deposit went into.
If the Funds are Available: If the funds are available in the incorrect account (but still your account), you can usually transfer the funds to the correct account through your mobile banking app or online banking.
If Funds are Not Available or to a Non-Owned Account: Immediately contact your bank's customer service. Explain the situation. They will investigate and guide you through the process of correcting the deposit. This might involve a transfer or reversal depending on the situation.
Sub-heading: Scenario E: Duplicate Deposit Attempt
Most mobile deposit systems have built-in detection for duplicate checks.
Expect Rejection: If you try to deposit the same check twice (e.g., after a previous error), the system will almost certainly detect it and reject the second attempt.
Do Not Keep Trying: Repeated attempts could flag your account for suspicious activity.
Confirm Original Deposit Status: Before attempting to re-deposit any check, always verify the status of the original deposit in your transaction history. Has it cleared? Is it pending? Has it been rejected?
If rejected, follow the bank's instructions for re-depositing (e.g., correct endorsement, clear image).
If it appears to have gone through, do not re-deposit. Contact your bank if you have any doubts.
Step 5: Keep Records and Follow Up – Your Due Diligence
Retain the Physical Check: Most banks recommend holding onto the physical check for a period (e.g., 7-14 days) after the deposit has been confirmed and the funds are available. This is crucial in case of any processing issues or if the deposit is rejected.
Monitor Your Account: Keep an eye on your account activity to ensure the deposit processes correctly and the funds become available.
Confirmation is Key: Look for confirmation messages from your bank after a successful mobile deposit. This might be an in-app notification, an email, or a text message.
Step 6: Prevention is the Best Medicine – Tips for Smooth Mobile Deposits
To minimize the chances of needing to "edit" a mobile deposit in the first place, cultivate these good habits:
Prepare Your Check Properly:
Endorse it completely and clearly before taking any photos.
Ensure all fields on the check are filled out correctly by the payer.
Use Optimal Photo Conditions:
Good lighting, no shadows.
Dark, contrasting, flat surface.
Ensure all four corners are within the frame and the image is sharp and focused.
Check the image preview carefully before submitting.
Double-Check the Amount: Always verify the amount you type into the app matches the written and numeric amount on the check before submitting.
Review Everything Before Submitting: Take a moment to review all the details – selected account, entered amount, and image quality – before finalizing the deposit.
Understand Your Bank's Limits and Policies: Be aware of your daily or monthly mobile deposit limits and any specific endorsement requirements your bank may have. This information is usually available on their website or within the app's help section.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my mobile deposit went through?
You can check the status of your mobile deposit by logging into your mobile banking app or online banking portal and looking at your transaction history or pending deposits. Most banks will show "pending," "processing," or "completed" statuses.
How to re-deposit a returned mobile check?
If your mobile deposit is returned, properly endorse the check (if that was the issue), ensure the check is flat and has no new marks, take clear photos again, and then re-submit it through your mobile banking app. Always confirm the reason for the initial return to avoid repeating the mistake.
How to cancel a mobile deposit after submission?
Generally, you cannot directly cancel a mobile deposit after submission. Once the transaction is initiated, it's in the bank's processing queue. If you've made an error, you must contact your bank's customer service immediately and explain the situation. They may be able to intercept or reverse the transaction depending on its processing stage.
How to fix a blurry mobile deposit photo?
To fix a blurry mobile deposit photo, ensure you have good, even lighting, place the check on a flat, dark, contrasting surface, hold your phone steady directly above the check, and make sure all four corners of the check are visible and in focus before retaking the picture.
How to properly endorse a check for mobile deposit?
For most banks, a proper mobile deposit endorsement includes your signature and the phrase "For Mobile Deposit Only" written below your signature. Some banks might also require your account number. Always check your specific bank's requirements.
How to avoid mobile deposit errors?
To avoid mobile deposit errors, always endorse the check completely and clearly before starting, ensure excellent lighting and a contrasting background for photos, double-check the amount entered against the check, and review all details before submitting.
How to deposit a check if mobile deposit isn't working?
If your mobile deposit isn't working, you can still deposit the check in person at a bank branch, use an ATM that accepts check deposits, or mail the check to your bank (though this is the slowest option).
How to know if my bank has mobile deposit limits?
Most banks have daily, weekly, or monthly limits on mobile check deposits. You can typically find information about these limits in your bank's mobile app settings, on their website's FAQ section for mobile banking, or by contacting customer service.
How to deal with a delayed mobile deposit?
If your mobile deposit is delayed, first check your bank's stated processing times. If it's beyond that window, review your transaction history for any rejection notices. If there's no clear reason for the delay, contact your bank's customer service to inquire about the status.
How to ensure a mobile deposit is secure?
Mobile deposits are generally secure. To ensure your security, always use your bank's official app, ensure your device has strong security measures (passcode, biometrics), deposit checks in a private setting, and shred the physical check after the funds have cleared your account.
