Remote deposit capture is a service that lets a business deposit a paper check by submitting an image of it electronically, using a scanner or a mobile app, instead of taking the check to a branch.
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
How remote deposit capture works
Remote deposit capture, sometimes shortened to RDC, lets a business deposit paper checks without visiting a branch. The business captures an image of the front and back of an endorsed check, using a desktop scanner or a banking app, and submits it to the bank electronically. The bank then uses the image to collect the funds through the check clearing system, so the physical check does not need to be presented in person. In the United States this image based clearing is supported by federal check law that allows a properly created substitute image to be used in place of the original paper check.
What a business should check
Banks often set limits on remote deposit capture, such as a maximum amount per check or per day, and funds availability follows the bank's hold policy rather than being immediate. The service may carry a fee or require a particular scanner or app, and the business is usually responsible for endorsing checks correctly, securely storing or destroying the original for a set period, and not depositing the same check more than once. Eligibility, limits, and fees vary by bank, so confirm the current terms with the provider before relying on the service.
Why it matters to a business
For a business that still receives paper checks, remote deposit capture can remove trips to a branch and bring forward when deposits are submitted, which can help cash flow and record keeping. It is most useful where customers or suppliers continue to pay by check. A business that rarely handles checks may gain little from it. Whether the service is offered, and on what terms, depends on the bank, so verify availability, limits, and fees before depending on it.
Frequently asked questions
What is remote deposit capture?
How does remote deposit capture work?
Are there limits on remote deposit capture?
Is remote deposit capture safe?
Definitions, fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 23 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.