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Mobile deposits to your account usually take around one or two business days to clear. This can make it a fast and convenient method to get funds into your bank account simply by using an app on your mobile device.
If you are experiencing delays, there could be an easy explanation for why thatās happening. Read on to learn more about how mobile deposits work and how to avoid delays in their clearing.
Key Points
ā¢ Mobile deposits generally take about one or possibly two business days to clear, providing a quick way to access funds in a bank account.
ā¢ Delays in the mobile deposit process can occur due to factors such as improper endorsement, unclear images, or entering incorrect amounts.
ā¢ Ensuring that all required signatures and details are correctly filled out on the check is crucial for a successful mobile deposit.
ā¢ Large checks, duplicate submissions, and deposits made after cutoff times can also extend the clearing process for mobile deposits.
ā¢ It is important to retain the physical check until confirmation of clearance has been received from the bank to avoid issues with bad checks.
How Long Does a Mobile Check Take to Deposit?
Mobile deposit involves snapping a photo of a check and depositing it via your financial institutionās app. That means no visit to a bank branch or ATM is required to deposit a check. Once the account holder uploads their check to the mobile app, the funds usually do not become immediately available (as is the case with depositing cash). It typically takes one or possibly two business days for the funds to clear and become available for use.
In some cases, it can take a few days for the bank to verify the check. The amount of the check can impact this timeline, as can the rules and processes each bank has surrounding mobile deposits.
Typical Processing Times by Bank
How long does mobile deposit take? It varies. Here is the processing time for mobile deposit for several banks:
• Bank of America: For those in Eastern and Central time zones, deposits by 5pm ET on a business day should be available the next business day; for those in Mountain and Pacific time zones, deposits by 8pm PT on a business day should be available by the next business day.
• Chase Bank: Chase Bank’s cutoff time for processing mobile deposits is 11pm ET on business days, with funds generally available the next business day. Deposits submitted after 11pm ET or on a non-business day are processed the following business day.
• Citi: For Citi Mobile deposits, the cut-off time is 6pm ET on a business day. Deposits made before this time are typically processed the same day, while those made after 6pm ET or on a non-business day (weekends or holidays) will be processed the next business day.
• PNC Bank: Deposits made before 10pm ET on a business day are typically available the next business day. Thereās also a PNC Express Funds option for immediate access, but it involves a fee of 2.50% of the check amount, with a minimum of $2 each for checks under $100.
• SoFi: For mobile deposits of checks deposited by 5pm ET, a portion will be available the next business day and the remainder no later than the third business day. For large checks, a portion will be available on the next business day; the remainder will be available no later than the fifth business day.
• Wells Fargo: For mobile deposit, Wells Fargo has a 9pm PT cutoff time. Deposits made before that should be available on the next day after the deposit; otherwise, expect the day after the deposit credit date or possibly longer.
What Factors Might Cause Mobile Deposit Delays?
As briefly noted, certain factors can slow down the mobile deposit process. Knowing how to avoid these delays with future deposits can help speed up the timeline.
Here are a few factors that can slow down deposits (or stop them all together if not fixed):
Deposit Limits and Bank Policies
Checks for large denominations, whether deposited to checking or savings accounts, often take longer to clear than a check that is for a smaller amount. It can require more time to verify that the check is good. You may find that checks in amounts over $5,000 or $5,500 take more time to become available. Exactly how long it takes for a large check to clear typically varies from bank to bank.
In addition, banks may only accept mobile deposits up to a certain limit per day or month. For instance, some banks cap mobile deposits at $7,500 per month for some types of accounts, while others may have up to $20,000 deposited via app in a given month.
Time of Deposit and Business Days
Your banking app and/or website will likely tell you what the cutoff time is for mobile deposits to be processed. For example, if you are making a mobile deposit at 10:15pm ET on a Monday night and the app says the processing cutoff time is 10pm ET, your deposit probably wonāt be available on Tuesday. Rather, it will probably be available on Wednesday, one full business day later.
Recommended: How to Manage Your Money
Check Amount and Source
As noted above, checks in excess of $5,000 can take longer to process than smaller checks. You may also find that international and third-party checks take longer to be verified and be processed than standard domestic checks.
Also, delays may occur if your account is new or not in good standing.
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The Takeaway
Mobile deposits typically clear in one or two business days if deposited before a bankās cutoff time. Every institution is different, so it might be smart to confirm with your bankās customer service. And by following a couple of quick checkpoints, you can likely avoid any hitches that could cause a delay. Because in todayās impatient world, thereās usually no need to wait very long to get access to your money.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, youāll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
FAQ
Are mobile check deposits available immediately?
It usually takes around one or two business days for deposits to go through. Following instructions from the bank carefully and noting deadlines regarding uploads can help you avoid delays.
How long does it take for a mobile deposit to go in?
How long it takes for a check to clear by mobile deposit is usually one or two business days via mobile deposit. However, this can be delayed if the check is for a large amount, is deposited after a bankās cutoff time, or has issues with the way in which it was submitted.
Why is my mobile deposit taking so long?
Mobile deposit delays can be caused by a variety of factors such as using a blurry photo of the check, entering information incorrectly, or not endorsing the check properly. Double-check all key details before submitting the deposit to speed up the timeline. Also, international and third-party checks usually take longer to clear.
Are there limits to how much money can be deposited using mobile?
Some banks do have limits on how much money can be deposited via mobile in a given time period. In some cases, this will vary with the specific type of account you hold or it might be specific to your own banking profile. For instance, some banks allow for up to between $7,500 and $20,000 in mobile deposits monthly depending on a clientās particulars. Check with your financial institution for details.
What should I do if my mobile deposit doesnāt clear?
Contact your bankās customer service and ask about the situation. This is why itās always important to keep the paper check until you are sure it has cleared via mobile deposit. The bank can let you know whether there was an issue (say, with the upload of the image, the signature, or the checkās funding) and recommend next steps.
About the author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/RyanJLane
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