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Mobile Check Deposit Limits for the Top U.S. Banks (2023 Update)

Published by
Camilla Smoot
Edited by
Sammi Toner
Fact checked by
Kirsten Schmitt
    • Article Summary:

    A banking app’s mobile check deposit feature allows customers to deposit checks through the app itself. Most major financial institutions in the United States offer customers this banking feature, though there are limits to the amount you can deposit. Deposit limits depend on the institution and how long your account has been open.

    Arguably one of the best things about online banking is the ability to manage your finances from home. Instead of going to a financial institution’s branch, you can now manage your money from your own couch. This includes making deposits.

    Most financial institutions in the U.S. offer customers the option to deposit their checks through their app as opposed to in person. However, there is a limit to the amount of money you can deposit online. Keep reading to see what that amount is, as well as how safe mobile check deposit actually is.

    What is mobile check deposit and how does it work?

    Mobile check deposit is the ability to direct deposit your checks using the mobile banking app on your phone. Mobile check deposits are very convenient, as you can deposit money into your bank account without leaving your home. Most major financial institutions offer this feature on their mobile app, and the steps are fairly easy as well.

    Here’s a basic rundown of how to deposit a check using your mobile device:

    1. If you haven’t already, download your institution’s mobile banking app.
    2. Endorse the check by signing the back.
    3. Open your institution’s mobile app.
    4. Select “Deposit a check.”
    5. Choose which account you want to deposit the check into.
    6. Type in the total amount of the check.
    7. Carefully take a picture of both the front and the back of the check. The app should tell you which side to take a picture of first.
    8. Double check the details, then select “Deposit.”

    Mobile check deposit has proven to be a valuable banking feature for many people. Online banking allows you to deposit checks in a matter of minutes, instead of going out of the way to visit your local branch.

    If you don’t have this option with your current financial institution, consider opening a checking account with one of the institutions below. Each checking account listed offers mobile check deposits without the check deposit fees.

    Pro Tip

    It’s best to use a dark background when taking a picture of the front and back of your check. Also, be sure to hold the camera completely still and have good lighting. The check should not be folded or have any creases.

    How much can you deposit with a mobile check?

    Each financial institution has different mobile check deposit limits, but they generally range from $500 to $2,500 per day. Some banks have a limit on the amount of money you can deposit in a month.

    For example, Bank of America has a monthly limit of $10,000 for some personal banking customers. Most people can find out their deposit limits through their online accounts.

    Do you need to hold onto the check after making the deposit?

    It can take a few days for a mobile deposit to process, so it’s best to hold onto the check for five to seven business days to make sure that the funds made their way to your bank account. Once that money is safely in your account and cleared, you can shred the check.

    IMPORTANT! Do not shred a check for an amount that is still pending. Keep in mind that it usually takes a business day or two for your money to get into your account.

    Pros and cons of mobile check deposit

    Why would you choose to deposit a check online instead of in person? And, are there instances where it’s better to deposit your check directly at the bank? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of mobile check deposits.

    WEIGH THE RISKS AND BENEFITS

    Here is a list of the benefits and drawbacks to consider.

    Pros
    • Convenience. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of mobile check deposit is how convenient it is. Instead of having to visit a financial institution in person to deposit a check, you can do it from your phone. This saves you a lot of time and even money for transportation.
    • Easy to use. Depositing a check through a mobile app is not just convenient, but it’s pretty straightforward, too. Financial institutions give clear instructions on their mobile app on how to deposit the check. You’ll be done in a matter of minutes.
    • Safe and secure. Financial institutions take extra precautions to keep banking and customer information safe online by using encryptions and security policies. Thanks to these measures, you can have peace of mind while depositing your check online.
    Cons
    • Delayed funds. One of the biggest downfalls of using mobile check deposits is that it will take some time for your funds to hit your account. It generally can take one to two business days for the money to show up in your account. If it’s a weekend or a holiday, your funds likely won’t show up until the next business day. If you need those funds straight away, it’s best to deposit your check in person rather than over the app.
    • Denial of deposit. Your deposit may be denied even after confirmation. This means that your check can still bounce even if it’s deposited online. If this happens, you could be charged a fee.
    • Deposit limits. Most financial institutions have a limit to the amount of money you can deposit online. Depending on how much you need to deposit, you may need to visit an institution in person to do so. Mobile check deposit limits vary by institution and can range from anywhere from $500 to $3,000. Some financial institutions also have a monthly limit on how much you can deposit.

    Mobile check deposit limits at top U.S. banks

    Most financial institutions have both a monthly and a daily deposit limit. Mobile deposit limits vary by institution and member. Here’s a brief overview of what the limits are for some of the customers at the top U.S. banks.

    Financial institutionMobile check deposit limits
    Bank of America
    • Accounts open for at least three months: $10,000 per month.
    • Accounts opened less than three months: $2,500 per month.
    • Customers who have been members of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program for at least three months: $50,000 per month.
    • Customers who have been members of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program for less than three months: $25,000 per month.
    BB&T
    • Accounts opened for at least 90 days: $2,500 per day, $5,000 every 30 days.
    • Accounts opened for less than 90 days: $500 per day, $1,000 every 30 days.
    • Members who are a BB&T wealth management client: $25,000 each month.
    Capital One
    • All customers: $5,000 per day.
    Chase
    • All customers: $2,000 per day and $5,000 every 30 days.
    Citibank
    • Accounts opened at least six months: $1,000 per day, $3,000 per month.
    • Accounts opened less than six months: $500 per day, $1,500 per month.
    PNC Bank
    • Accounts opened at least 30 days: $2,500 per day, $5,000 per month.
    • Accounts opened less than 30 days: $1,000 per day, $2,500 per month.
    SunTrust Bank
    • Accounts opened less than six months: $1,000 per check, $5,000 per month.
    • Accounts opened more than six months: $8,000 per month.
    • SunTrust private client accounts: $25,000 per month
    TD Bank
    • Accounts opened three to six months: $1,000 per day, $2,500 every 30 days.
    • Accounts opened six to 12 months: $2,500 per day, $3,500 every 30 days.
    • Accounts opened for more than 12 months: $2,500 per day, $6,000 every 30 days.
    Wells Fargo
    • All Wells Fargo customers: $2,500 per day and $5,000 every 30 days.
    U.S. Bank
    • All customers: $500 to $2,500 per day depending on the account.

    Is mobile check deposit safe?

    The short answer is yes, using online banking to deposit a check is nearly as safe as taking the check directly to the bank. Banks and credit unions take many steps to ensure that their customer’s information is safe and protected. This usually involves multiple security measures and using encryption.

    While this method of online banking is highly secure, it can also be a target for potential scammers. Mobile deposit scams are generally fake payday loans, nonexistent job postings, and fake dating profiles. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself from scams is to consistently keep an eye on your accounts and never give your personal or bank account information to another person.

    How to keep your account secure

    Here are a few things you can do to keep your online bank account safe and secure:

    • Use a unique password
    • Change passwords regularly
    • Avoid using public Wi-Fi
    • Use a VPN
    • Lock your mobile device using a unique pin code, facial recognition, or touch ID
    • Use multifactor authentication on your bank accounts

    FAQs

    Can mobile deposits bounce?

    A mobile deposit does not exempt a check from the possibility of bouncing. Even if you’ve received a confirmation that that check has been deposited, it could still bounce. If this happens, you could end up paying a fee.

    Do you need to endorse a mobile check?

    Checks must always be endorsed before being deposited online. This is super easy to do and can be done in just a few seconds — you just need to sign the endorsement line on the back of the check.

    Can I mobile deposit a check over $5,000?

    The amount of money you can mobile deposit depends on the financial institution and how long your account has been open. However, many major institutions like Chase and Capital One have a mobile deposit limit of $5,000.

    How do I deposit a large check?

    Many institutions allow you to mobile deposit a large check if you have a specific account. But, if your account has not been open long enough or if you don’t have a premium account, you’ll likely have to go to the bank in person to deposit a large check.

    How do banks verify mobile deposits?

    Banks verify mobile deposits through the endorsement signature located on the back of the check. This should be visible in the picture you take of the back of the check.

    Why would a mobile deposit be declined?

    A mobile deposit would be declined if the check was not endorsed, or if there were insufficient funds. Another reason, though less common, is because of an unreadable or invalid account number and information.

    Key Takeaways

    • Mobile check deposit is a banking feature that allows customers to deposit checks through their banking app, as opposed to in person.
    • A mobile check deposit works by endorsing the check, taking a picture of the front and back of the check, and submitting the information through the institution’s mobile app.
    • The mobile check deposit limit varies by financial institution and account but can range anywhere from $500 to $2,500 per day.
    • Some banks also have a limit to the amount of money you can deposit in a month, which can range from $2,500 to $50,000.
    View Article Sources
    1. Mobile Deposit FAQs — Capital One
    2. Pros and cons of mobile check deposit — Consumer Reports
    3. Can You Deposit a Money Order at an ATM? — SuperMoney
    4. How To Cash a Cashier’s Check — SuperMoney
    5. What is Direct Deposit? How To Deposit Your Paycheck Safely — SuperMoney
    6. How to Fill Out Deposit Slips — SuperMoney
    7. Can I Write a Check to Myself? — SuperMoney
    8. Daily ATM Withdrawal Limits: The Complete Guide — SuperMoney
    9. Upgrade Rewards Checking — SuperMoney
    10. Porte Mobile Banking — SuperMoney
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