Depositing a Cheque Using the NAB App
Visiting a physical branch during business hours can be difficult when you receive a paper cheque. To save you a trip, the NAB app includes a scanning feature that lets you process domestic cheques using your smartphone camera. What this means is you can initiate the clearance process from home or work, rather than waiting in line at a teller counter.
Generally, this digital service allows personal customers to deposit funds directly into an eligible transaction account. Understanding the weekly dollar limits and how the bank processes these images helps ensure your funds clear without unnecessary delays.
Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Available Methods | Processed exclusively through the secure NAB mobile banking app. |
| Processing Time | Funds typically clear and become available within three business days. |
| Eligibility | Available for personal customers with an active NAB transaction account. |
| Key Requirements | An Australian dollar cheque, the physical paper document, and a mobile device with a working camera. |
Step-by-Step Deposit Guide
Processing a physical cheque digitally requires clear images so the bank's software can accurately read the handwritten or printed details. Here is how you typically complete the deposit.
- Log in to the NAB App: Open the NAB mobile banking app on your smartphone and log in using your credentials.
- Access the Deposit Feature: Navigate to the menu and select Cheque Deposit from the options available.
- Enter Deposit Details: Choose the account into which you wish to deposit the cheque. Enter the cheque amount and a description (optional).
- Capture Images of the Cheque: Using your phone's camera, scan both the front and back of the cheque. Ensure the entire cheque is within the scanning frame for optimal image quality.
- Review and Confirm: Verify the details and images of the cheque. Once confirmed, tap Confirm cheque deposit to complete the process.
Troubleshooting Common Access Issues
Technical glitches or poor image quality can occasionally pause your digital deposit. Here is how to handle typical problems.
- App camera crashes or image rejected. This often happens if the app lacks camera permissions in your phone settings, or if poor lighting causes the scanner to misread the numbers. The simplest fix is to move into natural light, flatten the cheque, and verify your device camera permissions. If the app continues to reject the image, you will need to deposit the cheque at a Smart ATM or physical branch.
- MFA or login codes not arriving. When logging in from a new device, mobile network delays can prevent the authentication SMS from reaching you. Toggling your phone's flight mode on and off usually refreshes the network connection. If the code still does not arrive, contact the NAB support desk to confirm your registered mobile number is correct.
- Locked account or profile access issues. Entering the wrong passcode multiple times triggers an automatic security lock on your digital profile. You can typically regain access by selecting the 'forgot passcode' option and verifying your identity with your debit card details. If the system remains locked due to suspected fraud, you generally have to call the fraud team or visit a branch with physical photo ID.
Pro-Tip: To avoid having your deposit rejected by the automated scanner, place the cheque on a dark, non-reflective background before taking the photo. High contrast helps the software accurately read the BSB, account numbers, and handwritten amount, reducing the chance of a manual review delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why hasn't my cheque cleared after three days?
Sometimes a deposit takes longer than the standard three business days if the cheque originates from a smaller regional credit union, or if the handwritten amount requires manual staff review. The digital clearing system relies on the issuing bank confirming the funds are available before NAB can release them to your account. A limitation to keep in mind is that if you submit the image after the evening processing cut-off time, the three-day timer only starts on the following business day. If the transaction is still pending after five days, check your account for a 'dishonoured' notice and ask the person who wrote the cheque to verify their balance.
Why won't the app let me deposit my $6,000 cheque?
When you try to process a large payment, the app will block the transaction because personal accounts have a rolling mobile deposit limit of $5,000 over any seven-day period. This security measure reduces the bank's financial exposure to fraudulent or bounced cheques being processed without a teller's physical inspection. An exception is that this limit applies strictly to the mobile app feature, not your overall account capabilities. For amounts exceeding $5,000, your practical next step is to take the physical cheque to a NAB Smart ATM or hand it directly to a branch teller.
What happens if I accidentally scan the same cheque twice?
If you forget you have already processed a cheque and attempt to scan it again days later, the banking software cross-references the cheque's unique serial number and BSB against your recent deposits. The duplicate attempt will be automatically rejected during the nightly batch processing. However, repeatedly submitting identical cheques can trigger an automated security hold on your account. To prevent confusion, write 'Deposited' and the current date lightly in pencil on the front of the paper cheque right after your first scan, and securely shred it after the retention period.
