Check Deposit Declined: Unusable Image

Last updated: November 21, 2025

What does "Unusable Image" or "Non-compliant Image" mean?

When your mobile check deposit is declined with an "Unusable Image" or "Non-compliant Image" reason, it means the photo of your check didn't meet the technical standards required for electronic bank processing. Even if the image looks clear to you, the system wasn't able to convert it into the black and white X9 file format that banks use for check processing.

The good news: you can resubmit your check by following the image capture guidelines below.

How to Take a Quality Check Photo

The key to a successful mobile check deposit is capturing a crisp, high-contrast, properly aligned image that automated scanning software can read.

Camera Setup

Use Landscape Mode
Always capture your check in landscape (horizontal) orientation. Make sure rotation lock is disabled on your phone so the camera app can function correctly.

Position Your Camera
Hold your camera parallel to the check—not at an angle. Align the check within the guidelines shown on your screen.

Background & Lighting

Choose the Right Background
Use a dark, solid-colored, non-reflective surface. Avoid patterns like wood grain, marble, or fabric textures that can confuse the optical reader. If you only have a light-colored surface, place the check on a dark sheet of paper for better contrast.

Get Good Lighting
Use even, natural lighting when possible. Avoid shadows falling across the check.

Don't Use Flash
Camera flash can wash out the image and reduce the contrast needed for processing.

Check Positioning

Keep It Flat
The check must lie completely flat with no folds or creases. Even small folds can warp the image and make it unreadable.

Match the Guidelines
Center the entire check within the capture guidelines on your screen. Make sure all four corners are visible.

Pro Tip: Place a small dot (about the size of a pencil eraser) in each corner of the check before photographing. This helps the optical character recognition (OCR) software properly detect the check's borders.

Technical Details

Why Color Doesn't Matter

The full-color image you see on your screen isn't what gets processed. Your image is automatically converted to a black and white X9 file—the industry standard format for electronic check processing. If this conversion fails, your deposit will be declined even if the color image looks fine.

Standard Check Sizes

While the software auto-detects check size, it helps to know the standards:

  • Personal checks: Approximately 6" × 2.75"

  • Business checks: Approximately 8.5" × 3.5"

Next Steps

You can resubmit your check for deposit right away. Just retake the photo following the guidelines above, paying special attention to:

  • Using a dark, contrasting background

  • Ensuring the check is completely flat

  • Capturing in landscape mode with good, even lighting

  • Keeping the camera parallel to the check

If you continue to experience issues after following these guidelines, please contact support for assistance.