Online Deposit License Premium is a fee some banks charge for digital check deposits
Online Deposit License Premium is a charge that appears on some bank statements when you use your bank's mobile app or website to deposit checks remotely. It is not a standard fee — most major banks do not charge it — but some regional banks, credit unions, and online-only banks do. The fee typically ranges from a few cents to a dollar per deposit, though the exact amount depends on your bank and account type.
This fee exists because banks must pay licensing fees to the companies that provide the technology that lets you photograph a check and deposit it without visiting a branch. The bank passes some or all of that cost to you. Whether you see this charge depends on which bank you use and which account you hold with them.
If you see "Online Deposit License Premium" on your statement, it means your bank is charging you for the convenience of remote deposit. You can usually avoid it by depositing checks in person at an ATM or branch, though that defeats the purpose of using the service.
Key Takeaways
- Online Deposit License Premium is a per-deposit fee charged by some banks when you use their mobile app or website to deposit checks.
- The fee is not universal — most large national banks do not charge it, but many credit unions and smaller regional banks do.
- You can find out whether your bank charges this fee by checking your account agreement or calling customer service and asking about remote deposit fees.
- If the fee bothers you, you can deposit checks in person at an ATM or branch, or switch to a bank that does not charge for online deposits.
Which banks charge this fee and which do not
Major national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank generally do not charge a separate Online Deposit License Premium. Their remote deposit service is included in most checking accounts at no extra cost.
Credit unions are more likely to charge this fee. Many credit unions add a small per-deposit charge (often 25 cents to $1) to cover the licensing cost. Some credit unions waive it for members who maintain a minimum balance or have direct deposit set up.
Online-only banks and smaller regional banks vary widely. Some charge nothing; others charge per deposit. The only way to know for certain is to read your account agreement or call your bank's customer service line and ask specifically about remote deposit fees.
How to learn about your bank charges this fee
Check your most recent bank statement. Search for the words "Online Deposit," "Remote Deposit," "License," or "Premium." If you see a charge with any of those words, that is the fee.
If you do not see it on your statement but want to know before you start using remote deposit, call your bank's customer service number (usually on the back of your debit card) and ask: "Does your bank charge a fee for mobile check deposits?" Be specific — some banks charge for mobile deposits but not for deposits made through their website, or vice versa.
You can also log into your online banking account and look for the terms and conditions for the mobile app or remote deposit service. Banks are required to disclose all fees in writing, though the language is often buried in a longer document.
Whether this fee is worth paying
If you deposit checks only occasionally, the fee may be negligible — a dollar or two per month. If you deposit checks multiple times a week, the charges add up. A 50-cent fee on five deposits per week is $10 per month, or $120 per year.
Compare that cost to the time and gas it would take to visit a branch or ATM in person. For some people, paying the fee is worth the convenience. For others, especially those who deposit frequently, it makes sense to either switch banks or use in-person deposit.
If you receive your paycheck by direct deposit instead of by check, you can avoid this fee entirely. Direct deposit goes straight into your account with no deposit step required and no fee.
How to avoid the fee
The simplest way to avoid Online Deposit License Premium is to deposit checks in person. Most banks offer free in-person deposits at branches and ATMs during business hours. This takes longer than a mobile deposit, but it costs nothing.
If you want to keep using mobile deposits, switch to a bank that does not charge for them. Before opening an account, ask the bank directly whether they charge for remote deposits. Many online banks and some credit unions offer free remote deposit as a way to attract customers.
If you have a choice, set up direct deposit for paychecks and other regular deposits. Direct deposit bypasses the check deposit process entirely, so there is no fee and no delay. Your employer or the organization sending the payment can set it up for you.
What happens if you dispute the charge
If you see an Online Deposit License Premium charge on your statement and believe it is wrong — for example, if you were told the fee would be waived — contact your bank's customer service and explain the situation. Banks can reverse individual fees if there is a genuine error or if you were promised a waiver.
If your bank refuses to reverse the charge and you believe you were misled about the fee, you can file a complaint with your state's banking regulator or with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB accepts complaints online at consumerfinance.gov.
Keep copies of any written promises the bank made about fees, such as promotional materials or emails. These documents help if you need to dispute the charge later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Online Deposit License Premium the same as a mobile deposit fee?
Yes, they are the same thing. "Online Deposit License Premium" is the name some banks use for their remote deposit fee. Other banks call it "Mobile Deposit Fee," "Remote Check Deposit Fee," or simply "Deposit Fee." The name varies, but the concept is identical.
Can I get the fee waived if I have direct deposit?
Some credit unions and banks waive remote deposit fees for members who have direct deposit set up. It depends on the bank's policy. Call your bank and ask whether they offer a waiver for direct deposit customers. If they do, you may need to request it or switch to a specific account type.
Do I have to use mobile deposit if my bank charges this fee?
No. You can always deposit checks in person at a branch or ATM for free. Mobile deposit is optional. If the fee bothers you, use in-person deposit or switch to a bank that does not charge for remote deposits.
Will switching banks cost me money?
Switching banks itself is free. You may have fees if you close an account early (some banks charge a fee if you close within a certain period), so check your account agreement. Once you open a new account, you can transfer your direct deposit and set up new payment methods at no cost.