Once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away called the 90’s, I was working at an agency that booked female models for auto shows and the like. Some were quite smart, others … not so much. As a courtesy to our clients, we offered group health insurance. One day one of the not as swift clients called and said she was going to fax in a check for her monthly premium. My response was something along the lines of “Huh?” followed quickly by a “Please hold” so that I could burst into fits of laughter.
Once I re-gained my composure, I got back on the phone and explained r-e-a-l-l-y s-l-o-w-l-y to the client that you cannot fax checks. She said, “I know, but I thought you could just cut it out with scissors and then take that to the bank.” She was sure it would work; I was sure she was legally insane.
Fast forward twenty some odd years and look what you can do with checks.
This particular example is from Chase Bank, but all the larger banks have similar mobile banking apps. I am not sure what, if any, the fee is but banks sure are fee-happy lately so ask first!
The idea is that you can snap a picture (with your smart phone) of the front of the check including the account and routing info as well as a picture of your endorsement and account number on the back. Then …. well, then you just hit send. *poof* Welcome to the 21st century!
Can you imagine how this will help cash flow for small businesses?! Let alone the reduction-in-paperwork time as well as waiting-in-line-at-the-bank time as well as waiting-for-it-to-clear time… the possibilities are exciting!