One in seven Americans has deposited a check using a mobile device within the past year — up from one in eight last year, according to a recent survey by the American Bankers Association.

Of those who have used mobile deposit, 54 percent report using it at least once per month, an ABA press release said.


"Mobile deposit continues to attract more consumers because this bank service is incredibly convenient," said Nessa Feddis, ABA senior vice president and deputy chief counsel for consumer protection and payments. "In the short time it takes to post an Instagram, you've deposited your check."


This is the second year the question was asked as part of ABA's annual survey. Of respondents who said they had used mobile deposit within the past year:

• 

27 percent used it once per month (46 percent in 2014);
• 
12 percent used it twice per month (23 percent in 2014);
• 
15 percent used it three or more times per month (11 percent in 2014)
;
• 45 percent used it less than once per month (19 percent in 2014); and
• 
1 percent were unsure whether they had used it (1percent in 2014)

.

Notably, while the overall number of mobile deposit users increased this year, the number of people who used the feature at least once per month declined from 80 percent to 56 percent.

Increases in direct deposit and electronic payments likely contributed to the change, Feddis said.



"People are receiving checks less frequently, but when they do they're increasingly turning to mobile banking to deposit them," said Feddis. "Mobile has become a bigger part of how people interact with their bank, and we expect banks to continue to expand and enhance customer services available through mobile devices." 



The telephone survey was conducted July 8–13 by Ipsos on behalf of ABA, and included a national sample of 1,000 adults aged 18 and older. Weighting was employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the universe.