New Rules for Mobile Deposits
The change is designed to help ensure that mobile banking app users aren't able to deposit a check online and then again at a brick-and-mortar bank.
When you use your bank or credit union's mobile app to deposit checks, you may have to start adding more-detailed wording below your signature to ensure that your check will be accepted. The change is designed to address concerns that customers may deposit a check via mobile app with one bank and later deposit the original check at a second institution. In a rule issued this summer, the Federal Reserve said the first bank can avoid taking a loss if the customer writes "for mobile deposit only" or similar phrasing on the check. The Fed hopes the rule will minimize fraud and accidental double deposits.
If your bank is updating its preferred language for endorsements, it may notify you by e-mail or post an announcement on its website. Or check its app—instructions may pop up as you are making a deposit.
If your endorsement doesn't match the bank's model, it may reject the deposit. But many banks will accept the check and later tell you how to write the endorsement, says Matt Kriegsfeld, of Mitek, a mobile-deposit software developer.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Lisa has been the editor of Kiplinger Personal Finance since June 2023. Previously, she spent more than a decade reporting and writing for the magazine on a variety of topics, including credit, banking and retirement. She has shared her expertise as a guest on the Today Show, CNN, Fox, NPR, Cheddar and many other media outlets around the nation. Lisa graduated from Ball State University and received the school’s “Graduate of the Last Decade” award in 2014. A military spouse, she has moved around the U.S. and currently lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and two sons.
-
Take Charge of Retirement Spending With This Simple Strategy
To make sure you're in control of retirement spending, rather than the other way around, allocate funds to just three purposes: income, protection and legacy.
By Mark Gelbman, CFP® Published
-
Here's How To Get Organized And Work For Yourself
Whether you’re looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own. Here is our guide to navigating working for yourself.
By Laura Petrecca Published
-
Fed Sees Fewer Rate Cuts in 2025: What the Experts Are Saying
Federal Reserve The Federal Reserve cut interest rates as expected, but the future path of borrowing costs became more opaque.
By Dan Burrows Published
-
CPI Report Casts Doubt on Rate Cuts in 2025: What the Experts Are Saying About Inflation
CPI November Consumer Price Index data sealed the deal for a December rate cut, but the outlook for next year is less certain.
By Dan Burrows Published
-
Rebound in Jobs Growth Keeps Fed on Track: What the Experts Are Saying
Jobs Report No nasty surprises in the November payrolls data leaves a quarter-point cut in play.
By Dan Burrows Published
-
October CPI Report Hits the Mark: What the Experts Are Saying About Inflation
CPI While the current pace of rising prices appears to have leveled off, the expected path of rate cuts has become less certain.
By Dan Burrows Published
-
Fed Cuts Rates Again: What the Experts Are Saying
Federal Reserve The central bank continued to ease, but a new administration in Washington clouds the outlook for future policy moves.
By Dan Burrows Published
-
Market Reaction to Election Results: What the Experts Are Saying
Jobs Report Election uncertainty has been removed from the list of investors' worries, helping equities soar.
By Dan Burrows Published
-
Jobs Growth Stalls Amid Hurricanes and Strikes: What the Experts Are Saying
Jobs Report A dismal October payrolls print supports the case for a slow and steady pace of rate cuts.
By Dan Burrows Published
-
CPI Report Points to Gradual Pace for Rate Cuts: What the Experts Are Saying
CPI Inflation surprised to the upside last month but the disinflation trend remains on track.
By Dan Burrows Published