How Safe Are Mobile Deposits Of Checks? - Sentry Bank (2024)

How Safe Are Mobile Deposits Of Checks? - Sentry Bank (1)

Mobile deposit or remote deposit is a relatively recent method of cashing your business and personal checks. Through our mobile app – Touch Banking – you can deposit your checks simply by opening the app, choosing which account it will go into, endorsing the check and taking a photo.

While it might seem scary to make a mobile deposit of your check through your phone, the process isn’t too far from depositing it through an ATM – as long as the hardware and software on your phone aren’t compromised, there shouldn’t be any problems.

If you don’t already have an account with us, contact us today to get set up and start using mobile deposit!

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SECURITY ISSUES WITH MOBILE DEPOSIT

Depositing a check through a smartphone app is a lot like using an ATM:

  • An image of the check is taken, and character recognition or manually entered numbers are used to record the amount.
  • Your bank then verifies the account numbers on the check to make sure everything is accurate, the check isn’t being deposited more than once and the account it’s coming from has enough money.

Even if a thief were able to grab your information in transit from your phone to the bank, the information is encrypted. The image of your check also isn’t stored on your phone, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally sending it to someone else later.

The biggest threat to mobile deposit is if your phone contracts malware from downloading unofficial apps – apps which aren’t from the Google Play or Apple stores. Still, it is a good idea to hold onto the physical check for about two weeks to ensure nothing was misinterpreted by the computer.

SAFE SENTRY BANK MOBILE DEPOSIT INSTRUCTIONS

Remember, only deposit one check at a time, up to a maximum of $2,500/day. Deposit time for same-day deposit is 3 p.m. CST; otherwise your deposit will be made on the following business day. The cost is 50¢/deposit.

  1. Log into Sentry Bank’s Touch Banking app. Select the “deposit” icon.
  2. Choose the bank account you want the check to deposit into. Enter the amount of the check.
  3. Take a photo of the front and back of the check with your phone. The back must be endorsed by you and have “For Mobile Deposit” written below your endorsem*nt. Make sure the image is clear and contains all four corners of your check. If not, select “Retake.”
  4. Confirm your deposit information is correct.
  5. View the results screen.
  6. View your deposit history as confirmation.
How Safe Are Mobile Deposits Of Checks? - Sentry Bank (2024)

FAQs

How Safe Are Mobile Deposits Of Checks? - Sentry Bank? ›

Even if a thief were able to grab your information in transit from your phone to the bank, the information is encrypted. The image of your check also isn't stored on your phone, so you don't have to worry about accidentally sending it to someone else later.

How safe is mobile check deposit? ›

These transactions are convenient and safe. They're processed directly through the bank's digital platform, and the data you send is protected by encryption. Plus, unlike in-person check deposits, you receive an immediate electronic confirmation or receipt after making a mobile check deposit.

Is it better to deposit a check in person or online? ›

If you deposit your check via the bank's mobile app or at the bank branch, the money should be available more quickly than if you deposited it via mail or an offsite ATM. If your check exceeds $225, you may also access your money more quickly by cashing the check and depositing the cash itself into your account.

What is the safest way to deposit a check? ›

Writing For Deposit Only in the endorsem*nt box above your signature is called a restrictive endorsem*nt. This is a more secure way to endorse checks since it ensures that the check can only be deposited into an account bearing the payee's name.

Can you rip a check after mobile deposit? ›

Keep the check until you've made sure the deposit has gone through — which may take several days — and that the bank doesn't need the original check for any reason. Once the check has been cleared in your account, it's best to shred it. 4.60%

Can a mobile check deposit be denied? ›

There are a number of reasons why checks may not be able to be deposited using the mobile app: Folded or torn corners. The front image is not legible. The amount entered doesn't match the amount read by the scanning software.

What happens if I mobile deposit a bad check? ›

Many people who deposit fake checks are unknowing victims. But depositing a fake or washed check, even if you didn't realize it, can have serious consequences: You may have to pay back the full amount of the check. In most cases, once a check is found to be fraudulent, the amount will be charged to your bank account.

Can someone mobile deposit a check into my account? ›

You can deposit a check for someone else using a mobile bank app, but you'll need the person's account information. Typically, when making a mobile deposit, you have to log in to the bank account, take pictures of the front and back of the check, and indicate the amount being deposited.

When you mobile deposit a check, what happens? ›

Mobile check deposit works by using a service called remote deposit capture. Think of it like scanning a document onto your computer. Essentially, remote deposit capture lets you take a digital image of your check. Your financial institution will then collect the images and process your deposit.

How long does it take for a check to clear through mobile deposit? ›

When you submit your check through a mobile deposit, you may be able to have access to some of the funds within a few minutes to the next day, depending on your bank or credit union. Some banks will allow a small amount of the money to be available before a check is cleared, usually around $200.

Are checks safer than online banking? ›

Banks, without question, recommend their online bill-payment platforms over paper checks. These systems are highly secure, particularly when they already have your payees in their system and can send an electronic payment directly to them.

What check is most secure? ›

Cashier's checks and certified checks are both official checks issued by a bank. Both are easy to get, relatively inexpensive and considered more secure and less susceptible to fraud than personal checks.

How can I make my checks safer? ›

To make using checks more secure, banking customers can purchase secure checks with more safety features. In addition to choosing checks with a higher level of security, be sure to always use black ink when writing a check and to write out the full name of the payee in large print.

What is the disadvantage of mobile check in? ›

One of the primary cons of hotel contactless check-in is that it eliminates the opportunity for human and personalized customer service at the front desk. Hotel staff may not be able to greet guests or assist with any special requests when a guest checks in through their device.

Is it better to deposit a check online or ATM? ›

Speed. Mobile phone banking generally affords you quick access to your funds than ATMs. Why? Because with ATM deposits, a banker may have to retrieve checks from the machine, then manually digitize them.

What happens if you try to mobile deposit a fake check? ›

The bank will typically debit your account for the amount of the fake check, and may also charge you a processing fee. You'll lose any money you sent to the scammer.

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