What Are Mobile Check Deposit Limits? Know Before You Bank
- Mobile check deposit limits vary widely across banks and can depend on factors like account age, relationship status, and history.
- Online banks typically offer higher mobile deposit limits due to their reliance on digital banking features.
- Banks can adjust mobile deposit limits at any time, so it’s essential to check with your specific institution about their policies.
Mobile check deposits, which let you deposit checks by simply taking photos of them, have become one of the most sought-after features in mobile banking — so much so that you might even consider switching banks to access it.
To deposit a check using the mobile deposit feature, you need a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet with a camera and the bank’s mobile app, which you can download from your device’s app store. Open the app, select the mobile deposit option, and follow the prompts to capture clear images of both the front and back of the check. For best results, lay the check flat on a dark background and ensure good lighting to produce sharp check images. Endorse the back of the check with your signature and write “For Mobile Deposit Only” as required by your bank’s policies. After entering the check amount and reviewing all details, submit the deposit through the app. Once submitted, you should receive immediate confirmation—either via email or an in-app notification—that your deposit was received.
However, the deposit limits on this feature can influence your choice of bank.
Unlike check deposits made in person at a teller or ATM, mobile check deposits are subject to limits due to the increased risk of check fraud.
Since customers retain possession of the original check after depositing it via smartphone, there is a possibility of attempting to deposit the same check multiple times at different institutions.
If you need to deposit checks exceeding these limits, you will have to visit a branch or ATM. These limits are an important factor to consider when selecting the best checking account for your needs.
Explore Top Checking Accounts
Mobile Check Deposit Limits at the Top U.S. Banks
Bank of America
The Bank of America mobile check deposit limit is $10,000 per month for accounts opened for three months or longer; for accounts opened for fewer than three months, the limit is $2,500 per month.
For customers in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program for more than three months, the monthly mobile check deposit limit is $50,000. For accounts in the program for fewer than three months, the limit is $25,000 per month.
Chase
The Chase mobile check deposit limit for all customers is $2,000 per day and $5,000 over 30 days.
Wells Fargo
The Wells Fargo mobile check deposit limit for all customers is $2,500 per day and $5,000 over 30 days.
Citibank
The Citibank mobile check deposit limit for customers with accounts opened for six months or longer is $1,000 per day and $3,000 per month; for customers with accounts opened for fewer than six months, the limit is $500 per day and $1,500 per month.
U.S. Bank
The U.S. Bank mobile check deposit limit for personal accounts varies from $500 to $2,500 per day, depending on the account relationship.
Capital One
The Capital One mobile check deposit limit varies for each customer account. According to Capital One branch bankers, the typical limit is $5,000 per day.
PNC Bank
The PNC Bank mobile check deposit limit for customers with accounts opened for 30 days or longer is $2,500 per day and $5,000 per month; for customers with accounts opened for fewer than 30 days, the limit is $1,000 per day and $2,500 per month.
TD Bank
The TD Bank mobile check deposit limit for customers with accounts opened for three to six months is $1,000 per day and $2,500 per rolling 30-day period; for customers with accounts opened for six to 12 months, the limit is $2,500 per day and $3,500 per rolling 30-day period; for customers with accounts opened for more than one year, the limit is $2,500 per day and $6,000 per rolling 30-day period.
Online Banks For Higher Limits From The Start
Online banks don’t operate large branches or ATM networks. Therefore, online bank customers tend to rely heavily on mobile banking and mobile check deposits to manage their accounts and deposit checks.
Online banking allows customers to deposit a paper check into a checking or savings account using a mobile device. Financial institutions may have different account types and banks’ policies that affect eligibility and deposit limits. Deposited funds are generally available within a certain timeframe, but access to funds may be delayed if there are issues such as insufficient funds, duplicate deposits, or if the check is not payable to the person or account holder. Financial institutions may not accept certain items for mobile deposit, such as money orders, savings bonds, or business checks, and restrictions apply based on the bank’s policies. Fees may apply for certain services, and data rates or message and data rates may be charged by your service provider when using mobile banking features. Always review the details of your payment, check the eligibility of the original check, and be aware of other restrictions that may apply to your account or deposit.
If limits are too low, customers may face difficulties when they receive larger checks that exceed their mobile deposit allowance.
Fortunately, many online banks recognize this issue and offer significantly higher mobile deposit limits compared to traditional banks with physical branches, providing greater flexibility and convenience for their customers.
See the mobile deposit limits of some of the largest online banks:
Mobile Deposit Limits – Online Banks
Mobile Deposit Limits – Online Banks
| Online bank | Mobile deposit limit(s) |
|---|---|
| Capital One 360 | $5,000 or 20 checks per day or $10,000 per month |
| Ally Bank | $50,000 per day or $250,000 in a 30-day period |
| Bank of Internet | $10,000 per day or $50,000 per 30-day period |
| TIAA Direct | $30,000 per day or up to 6 checks per day |
| PayPal | $5,000 per day or $10,000 per month |
Note that many online banks will accept check deposits through the mail if you ever exceed their mobile check deposit limits.
Mobile Deposit Limits Can Always Change and Differ By Account
It is important to note that the actual mobile deposit limits on your accounts can vary from the limits above.
The process for mobile deposits may vary by account type and by bank. Funds from checks deposited are generally available on the next business day if the deposit is made before the bank’s cutoff time on a business day.
Most banks reserve the right to change these limits for whatever reason. The factors may include account age, relationship status, activity, account balances, check amount, and account history. Understanding how mobile deposit works—including the process of submitting check images, verifying the check amount, and waiting for funds availability—can help you avoid delays.
If you’ve made multiple attempts to deposit bad checks, your bank may lower your mobile deposit limit and require you to visit a branch or ATM for future deposits.
In the worst-case scenario, you could lose your mobile deposit privileges entirely.
Customers with multiple accounts and higher balances may qualify for increased mobile deposit limits.
Additionally, if you consistently use mobile deposit responsibly, your bank may gradually raise your limits over time.
FAQs
What happens if you try to deposit a check over $10,000?
If it is a legitimate check with adequate funds in the payer’s account, the check should be deposited into your bank account as usual. There is much less of a concern depositing a large check than depositing a large sum of cash over $10,000.
How do I increase my mobile deposit limits?
You can increase your bank account’s mobile deposit limits by contacting the bank and requesting a limit increase, whether temporary or permanent. Your chances of a mobile deposit limit increase are higher if you’ve owned the account for many years without incidents.
Why do mobile deposits have limits?
Banks impose limits on mobile check deposits to minimize the losses to the banks in the case of check fraud. For checks with amounts exceeding the mobile check deposit limits, the checks should be deposited at a branch or an ATM.
