Israel Launches Mobile App for Depositing Post-Dated Checks

Starting next week, Israeli bank customers will be able to deposit post-dated checks of up to 100,000 shekels and up to 13 months in advance directly through their bank's mobile application. This new digital service, announced by the Bank of Israel, aims to revolutionize the banking system by saving customers time and eliminating the need for physical branch visits and associated fees. The service will be gradually rolled out to most Israeli banks, including Bank Hapoalim, Leumi, Discount, Mercantile, Mizrahi Tefahot, International Group, Bank Yahav, One Zero, and Post Finance, with full implementation expected by October.

The new system allows for the deposit of "crossed" and "account payee only" checks. The check image will be stored in the bank's systems and automatically presented for payment on the specified date. Previously, depositing post-dated checks required a physical visit to a branch and often incurred unnecessary fees.

This initiative addresses the continued significance of checks as a payment method in Israel. In 2025 alone, check activity is projected to reach approximately 640 billion shekels, representing about 5% of total payment activity. This highlights the importance of checks, particularly for business owners and the self-employed.

Ofer Golan, head of the Payments and Clearing Department at the Bank of Israel, stated that the new service integrates an established payment infrastructure with advanced digital capabilities, contributing to process efficiency, improved public service, and enhanced payment system effectiveness. Bank Jerusalem is not included in the initial rollout and will announce its launch date later. This move is part of a broader trend in the banking sector to digitize services and reduce reliance on physical branches, with this particular service expected to significantly alter how business payments are managed.