USAA bank has launched an application that enables customers to deposit cheques by taking photos of them with an iPhone.
The Deposit@Mobile feature lets eligible members snap a photo of both sides of a signed cheque with their iPhone's built-in camera, and then transmit the image to USAA through the phone.
USAA systems immediately verify the deposit information and signature to complete the transaction.
USAA has around 7.2 million members - mostly military personnel and their families that are stationed around the world - but only one physical branch.
This has led to a focus on online and mobile services. It rolled out a service enabling members to scan and deposit cheques using their home computer back in 2006 and claims around 14% of customers use its various mobile banking options, which include an iPhone app launched in May.
Wayne Peacock, EVP, enterprise business operations, USAA, says: "Nearly 50 percent of our 1 million mobile users are active-duty military, who may be deployed anywhere. The convenience of mobile access is essential to delivering the highest possible level of customer service."