Mobile deposit failures are frustrating — especially when you need the money quickly. Here are the 12 most common reasons a mobile deposit is rejected and exactly how to fix each one.
The 12 Most Common Reasons for Mobile Deposit Rejection
1. Poor Photo Quality
Problem: Blurry, dark, or glare-affected images of the check. Fix: Retake photos in a well-lit area, on a solid dark background at arm’s length. Ensure all four corners of the check are visible and no edges are cut off.
2. Missing Endorsement
Problem: You didn’t sign the back of the check. Fix: Sign the back. Most banks now also require you to write “For Mobile Deposit Only” below your signature.
3. Missing “For Mobile Deposit Only” Notation
Problem: Your bank requires this notation and it wasn’t included. Fix: Write it clearly below your signature on the back of the check. Some banks ask you to include the last 4 digits of your account number.
4. Daily Limit Exceeded
Problem: The check amount exceeds your mobile deposit daily limit. Fix: Wait until the next business day, split over multiple days if multiple checks, call your bank for a temporary limit increase, or visit a branch.
5. Duplicate Check Detection
Problem: Your bank detected that this check was already deposited (by you or someone else). Fix: Verify you haven’t already deposited the check. If your first attempt failed but left a pending trace, wait 24 hours and contact your bank before trying again.
6. Stale Check
Problem: The check is older than 6 months (sometimes 90 days for some issuers). Fix: Contact the check writer and request a new check. Stale checks can sometimes be deposited at a teller branch if the issuer confirms it’s still valid.
7. Postdated Check
Problem: The check has a future date on it. Fix: Wait until the date on the check has passed, then deposit. Alternatively, ask the sender to issue a current-dated check.
8. Altered or Damaged Check
Problem: The check has visible corrections, is torn, or is water damaged. Fix: Ask the issuer for a replacement check. Damaged checks with missing routing numbers or amounts cannot be processed electronically.
9. Amount Mismatch
Problem: The amount you entered doesn’t match what’s printed on the check. Fix: Re-enter the correct amount. Include cents (e.g., $1,250.00 not $1,250). The bank’s OCR compares your entry to the printed amount.
10. Check From a Non-US Bank
Problem: The check is drawn on a foreign bank or in a foreign currency. Fix: You generally cannot mobile deposit foreign checks. Visit a branch to deposit — foreign check processing takes 2–8 weeks and involves additional fees.
11. New Account Restrictions
Problem: Your account is too new (often less than 30–90 days) and mobile deposit is not yet fully enabled. Fix: Wait for the restriction period to expire. Some banks enable full mobile deposit after your first direct deposit or after 30–60 days of account activity. Call your bank to check.
12. Poor Internet Connection
Problem: The upload failed mid-transfer. Fix: Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection before submitting. If the app shows a submission error, check your “pending deposits” — do not resubmit until you confirm the first one didn’t go through.
What to Do After a Rejection
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Read the rejection reason in your bank’s app or email |
| 2 | Fix the specific issue listed above |
| 3 | Take fresh photos — do not reuse the same images |
| 4 | Resubmit within the same business day if the cutoff allows |
| 5 | If rejected again, visit a branch or ATM |
When to Go to a Branch Instead
If mobile deposit fails twice, go directly to a branch or bank ATM. This avoids:
- Risk of duplicate deposit detection if the bank shows the first as “pending”
- Further delays if the check has a time-sensitive need
- Any additional application-level errors