5 Pro Tips for a Successful Mobile Deposit

Depositing a check is easier than taking the perfect selfie.

With SouthState’s mobile banking app, you can deposit a check without ever making a trip to the bank – saving you time and money. To help your mobile deposit experience go smoothly, we’ve asked our digital banking experts to provide a few tips and tricks to guide you through your first successful mobile deposit.
 

What is Mobile Deposit?

Mobile deposit is a digital tool within SouthState’s banking app that allows you to deposit paper checks into your checking or savings account – without making a trip to the bank. Instead of using an ATM or waiting in line at the drive-thru window, you can deposit your checks at work, home, or on vacation. Using remote deposit capture technology, you enter the check amount, take a picture of your check(s) with the camera on your smartphone and upload it to your mobile banking app. From there, your check is encrypted and sent to the bank for standard processing and clearing procedures.

When you make a mobile deposit with your SouthState mobile app, you can rest assured knowing your data is secure as your information is encrypted and the pictures are never stored on your mobile device. To find important information like what types of checks are not accepted through mobile deposit, funds availability and more, visit our mobile deposit frequently asked questions page.
 

Tips for Using Mobile Deposit

Mobile deposit is a safe, convenient, and easy way to deposit checks. However, there are a few things you should know that will make for a more streamlined experience. With these tips from our digital banking experts, you will be on your way to a successful mobile deposit – even as a first-timer.

Make sure you properly endorse your check 

When you conduct a mobile deposit, you first must endorse the check. To do this, just sign your name on the back of each check you’re depositing and write “SouthState Mobile Deposit” along with the current date (MM/DD/YY).
 

Have a clear understanding of mobile deposit funds availability

Funds are generally available the next business day if deposited by 9 PM EST unless a hold is placed on the check. Mobile deposits submitted after 9 PM EST, on a weekend, or bank holiday are typically available the second business day after the deposit. If a hold is applied to a deposit, SouthState will notify you via e-mail and advise when the funds will be available.
 

Know your mobile deposit limits

Mobile deposit limitations can vary between financial institutions. At SouthState, you are permitted to use mobile deposit to deposit as many checks as you please, as long as the total doesn’t exceed $15,000 per day.
 

Use a plain, dark background

Since mobile deposit relies on remote deposit capture, it’s important to take a clear, quality picture of your check(s). Some checks are light colors, while others might have bright geometric prints. To give yourself the smallest margin of error, place your check on a plain, dark background and center it in the middle of the photo. The room should be well lit so the information on the check can easily be read by the computer. You don’t want a poor photo to be the reason for a failed deposit.
 

Retain the check

Mobile deposit is a convenient, fast, and secure way to deposit money. Sometimes, however, an error may occur causing the check to be rejected, such as entering the incorrect amount of the check. A check may also be returned unpaid by the paying bank. To avoid any unnecessary frustration, retain the check for 14 calendar days. After 14 calendar days, securely destroy or shred the check.



There are many benefits to using mobile deposit, but convenience is at the top of the list. Once you learn how to use it, you might even wonder how you lived without it. If you’re still on the fence, step into one of our locations near you and our bankers can give you a step-by-step tutorial on how to use your next favorite banking tool.

About the Author, Jessica Jeffords: Jessica has been with SouthState bank for more than ten years, where she has held positions in many departments from deposit processing, customer care, and digital consumer banking. When she worked in the call center, she discovered a passion for digital banking when she realized the convenience and ease it brought to the lives of her customers. She has a strong desire to enrich the lives of her customers, and especially enjoys assisting those with financial burdens.