Marco Arment made this assertion in his latest blog post, Photo check deposits.
I happen to disagree. I think new technology is always progress for someone; it’s a matter of perspective. If I understand Marco, he’s stating that Chase has failed to deliver a more convenient use experience to him via their app. While he views this as a step backward from the convenience he derives at the ATM, he’s neglected other use cases.
I, too, have experienced some issues with the Chase app. However, the experience has improved and it’s now the sole reason I maintain an account at Chase. First, I found that personal checks were accepted more often than business checks. Second, the more checks I deposit, the faster they are accepted, usually within hours.
I overcame the physical/mental burden of remembering deposits-in-process by writing “deposited” on the checks and maintaining them in a stack next to my shredder.
For me, the ATM is not more convenient. I have to drive out of my way to go to one. I have to be concerned about my safety. I don’t like carrying cash.
For getting cash, I prefer to use the Allpoint network through my other direct bank. They have over 35,000 cash withdrawal only ATMs at Target, Costco, and many gas stations.
I understand Marco’s perspective. If I needed to deposit several business checks, the ATM probably is more convenient. But for those of us that don’t have an ATM across the street from the deli, the remote deposit feature is a huge convenience.