USAA is offering its consumer banking customers remote deposit. The new service is called Deposit@Home and enables consumers to make deposits from their home or office using a desktop scanner. A java applet recognizes the consumers scanner and imports the image directly to the USAA site where the consumer is directed to crop the image.

Deposit@Home has the potential to expand USAA's checking and savings customer base because until now USAA has relied on mail deposits. The company partnered with UPS on an expedited deposit program, but it is being replaced by Deposit@Home. USAA banking customers are reimbursed for fees when they use other banks ATMs.

It's easy and quick to use and deposits are posted immediately before 8:00 PM Central and the next day after 8:00 PM Central. The consumer receives a receipt with both front and back images of the check and is instructed to VOID and then destroy the item.

USAA offers banking, insurance, and brokerage services to military members and their families. I've had their insurance for years and recently moved my brokerage accounts over. With the new Deposit@Home service there is no reason not to move my checking account. I just wish they offered business banking services!