Bethpage Federal Credit Union, a $4 billion Long Island institution, today announced it has augmented its mobile banking tools by adding a mobile check deposit feature to its iPhone app.

Using the smartphone's camera and the app, available via itunes.com, a Bethpage member can scan and deposit checks via phone.

Bethpage's iPhone app also lets members get account alerts, manage and pay bills, transfer money between checking and savings accounts, and view transaction history.

“Providing progressive and convenient banking solutions to our members is a priority for Bethpage. We know that any service which enables members to bank anywhere at anytime, is valued,” said Jim Breen, SVP information technology at BFCU, in a prepared statement. “Bethpage's iPhone app combines the power of mobility, a camera and an internet connection to easily deposit your checks.”

The iPhone app takes a picture of the front and the back of a check, then deposits it in the member's account.  Breen, in an interview, said the app resulted from a collaboration of two vendors that had been serving Bethpage FCU.

Members without an iPhone can use Windows-based computers and a scanner to make deposits, said Breen.

Breen added that both Andoid and BlackBerry mobile apps are in test phases, with a 2012 release expected.