Mobile Check Deposit: How to Cash Checks Online

What is an Online Check Deposit?

Online check deposit, also known as mobile check deposit, is a convenient banking feature that allows you to deposit checks directly to your account by simply taking photos of them using your computer or smartphone through your bank's mobile application. This digital banking service eliminates the need to physically visit bank branches and wait in long lines.

In the Philippines, this service has gained significant traction as part of the country's growing digital banking ecosystem. According to the Digital Bank Association of the Philippines (DiBA PH), the digital banking sector saw impressive growth in 2023, with a 27-percent increase in their depositor base by the end of December 2023 compared to the previous quarter. This growth outpaced the overall banking system's four-percent increase during the same period, reflecting Filipinos' increasing preference for accessible and user-friendly financial services.

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How Does Online Check Deposit Work?

Prepare Your Check

Before starting the deposit process, properly prepare your check by:

1. Signing the back of the check (endorsement)
2. Writing your bank's name and account number above the payee name on the front
3. Writing the date of mobile deposit on the back
4. Adding "For Mobile Deposit Only" on the back (required by most Philippine banks)

Accessing the Mobile Deposit Feature

1. Open your bank's app on your computer or smartphone
2. Log in using your credentials
3. Look for the check deposit feature (may be labeled as "Check Deposit," "Mobile Check Deposit," or under the "Services" menu)
4. Tap on the feature to begin the process

Entering Check Information

1. Select which of your accounts you want the check deposited into
2. Enter the check amount exactly as it appears on the check
3. Input the check date as written on the check (required by banks like BPI)
4. Some banks may ask for the check number or additional details

Capturing Check Images

1. Position your check on a dark, non-reflective surface with good lighting
2. When prompted, take a photo of the front of the check
   • Ensure all four corners are visible within the frame
   • Make sure the check details are clear and readable
   • Follow the on-screen guides provided by the app
3. If the image is unclear, use the option to retake the photo
4. Next, take a photo of the back of the check showing your endorsement and required information

Reviewing and Submitting

1. Review all entered information and check images for accuracy
2. Confirm that the amount and account details are correct
3. Some banks may require you to enter a one-time password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number
4. Submit your deposit by tapping the "Submit," "Deposit," or similar button

After Submission

1. You'll receive a confirmation message with a reference number
2. Note that checks deposited after cut-off time (typically 3:00 PM), on weekends, or holidays will be processed on the next banking day
3. Track the status of your deposit through the app's transaction history
4. Wait for the clearing period (usually 1-2 business days for most Philippine banks)
5. You'll receive a notification when funds are credited to your account

Important Reminders

• Keep the physical check safe for the required retention period (varies by bank: BPI requires 12 months, EastWest Bank 180 days)
• Do not re-deposit or cash the same check elsewhere
• Check your account balance to confirm the deposit was successful
• Contact your bank's customer service if the deposit doesn't appear after the expected clearing time

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Check Deposit Clearing Time

Most Philippine banks process mobile check deposits within 1-2 banking days. Checks deposited after 3:00 PM, on weekends, or holidays will be processed on the next banking day.

The Philippine Clearing House Corporation's Check Image Clearing System has significantly improved processing times, with most checks now clearing by the next banking day. This is much faster than the traditional 3-5 day clearing cycle.

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Banks with Online Check Deposit in the Philippines

UnionBank

UnionBank offers a user-friendly mobile check deposit feature that allows customers to deposit checks directly through their smartphone app.

Pros:

• Accepts both UnionBank and non-UnionBank checks
• Clear in-app guidance for properly photographing checks
• Relatively quick processing time (as little as 2 hours to see updated balance)
• Integrated with their comprehensive mobile banking platform that includes cardless withdrawals and other convenient features

Cons:

• Non-UnionBank checks deposited after 3:00 p.m., during weekends, or holidays will be cleared within two banking days
• Requires checks to be placed against a dark background for proper imaging
• May have specific endorsement requirements
• Potential for rejected deposits if images are unclear or information is missing

NextPay accepts account deposits done via Unionbank's mobile check deposit service

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BPI

BPI's Mobile Check Deposit feature provides a convenient way for select customers to deposit checks without visiting a branch, with processing typically completed within two banking days.

Pros:

• Available at no additional fees for BPI Preferred, BPI Gold, and BPI Private Wealth clients
• Accepts local checks below PHP 500,000
• Includes deposit status monitoring as an added feature
• Business clients using BPI's BizLink app enjoy faster processing, with some checks clearing the same day

Cons:

• Limited availability to premium account holders only
• Requires specific endorsement details on the back of the check (bank name, date, account number, signature)
• Physical copy of the check must be kept for 12 months
• Checks deposited after 3PM, on weekends, or holidays will be processed on the next banking day

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RCBC

RCBC's Online Check Deposit feature eliminates the need to visit branches for check deposits, streamlining the process through their mobile banking app.

Pros:

• Simple process requiring only clear photos of the front and back of the check
• Integrated within their comprehensive online banking platform
• Enhanced security with biometrics login and device registration
• Real-time email and SMS notifications for transaction monitoring

Cons:

• Initially only accepted RCBC checks, though this has expanded
• Requires additional verification steps including one-time passwords
• May have specific endorsement requirements
• Processing times vary depending on when the check is deposited

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Is Online Check Deposit Safe?

Yes, online check deposit is generally safe for Filipino users when proper precautions are followed. Banks operating in the Philippines implement multiple security measures to protect your transactions:

• End-to-end encryption protects your data during transmission
• Biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) verifies your identity
• Real-time monitoring systems detect suspicious activities
• Transaction limits (typically PHP 100,000-500,000 per check) minimize potential fraud losses

The Philippine Clearing House Corporation (PCHC) has established strict guidelines that banks must follow, including the upcoming April 1, 2025 requirements for specific information to be written on checks for mobile deposits.

To maximize security when using mobile check deposit:

• Only use your banking app on a secure, password-protected device
• Keep your banking app and device operating system updated
• Never deposit checks in public places where others might observe your information
• Always log out of your banking app after completing transactions
• Keep the physical check for the required retention period (typically 6-12 months)
• Regularly monitor your account for any unauthorized activities

By following these practices and your bank's specific requirements, mobile check deposit offers a safe and convenient alternative to visiting physical branches—particularly valuable as more Filipinos embrace digital banking solutions.

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Conclusion

Mobile check deposit has transformed banking for Filipinos, offering a secure and convenient alternative to branch visits. By simply using your smartphone camera and banking app, you can deposit checks from anywhere, saving valuable time and avoiding long queues. As digital banking continues to evolve in the Philippines, this technology represents an important step toward financial inclusion and accessibility.

While each bank has specific requirements and processing times, the overall convenience and efficiency of mobile check deposit make it worth adopting. By following proper security practices and your bank's guidelines, you can confidently manage your finances on your own schedule. As more Filipinos embrace digital banking solutions, mobile check deposit stands as a practical tool that helps us navigate our increasingly digital financial landscape with ease and confidence.

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