"Unusable Image" rejection — what it means and how to fix it

Updated May 19, 2026

The scanning software rejected the photo even if it looks legible. Fix: Place the check on a solid dark, unpatterned surface (dark desk, dark folder — no patterns). Flatten completely — even a slight curl causes this. Hold your phone directly above (not at an angle). Make sure all 4 corners are visible. Use good lighting with no glare. Background pattern is the #1 cause of unusable image rejections.