Most banks cap mobile deposits between $2,000 and $10,000 per check, but the limit depends on your bank, your account type, and how long you've been a customer

The size of check you can deposit through your phone varies by institution. Chase allows up to $5,000 per check for most customers, but $10,000 if you've been with them for 30 days or longer. Bank of America caps mobile deposits at $2,500 per check for standard accounts. Wells Fargo permits $5,000 per check. Credit unions often set their own limits — some allow $5,000, others $10,000 or more. Your bank's app or website will show your specific limit under the mobile deposit section or in your account settings.

The limit is per check, not per day. You can deposit multiple checks in a single day as long as each one stays under your limit. Some banks also set a daily total — for example, $25,000 across all checks deposited that day — but the per-check limit is what stops you from depositing one large check.

Limits often increase after you've held the account for a certain period. New customers frequently face lower caps (sometimes $500 to $1,000) that rise to the standard limit after 30 to 90 days. If you're new to a bank and need to deposit a large check, call the bank directly or visit a branch instead of using the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks allow mobile deposits of $2,500 to $10,000 per check, with the exact amount depending on your bank and account age.
  • New account holders typically face lower limits that increase after 30 to 90 days of account ownership.
  • The limit applies to each individual check, not to the total you deposit in a day, though some banks also set a daily cap across all checks.
  • If your check exceeds your bank's mobile limit, you can deposit it in person at a branch or ATM, or contact the bank to request a temporary increase.
  • Checks that fail image quality standards (blurry, cut off, or illegible) may be rejected regardless of amount, so photograph both sides clearly.

Why banks set limits on mobile deposits

Mobile deposits carry more fraud risk than in-person deposits because the bank cannot physically inspect the check or verify your identity in real time. A blurry photo or a doctored image is harder to catch than a check handed across a counter. Banks use deposit limits as one tool to manage that risk — the lower the amount, the smaller the potential loss if a fraudulent check slips through.

Limits also reflect the bank's technology and staffing. Processing mobile deposits requires image analysis software and manual review of flagged items. Banks with older systems or smaller fraud teams often set lower caps. As technology improves and banks gain confidence in their screening, some have raised limits in recent years.

How to find your specific limit

Log into your bank's mobile app and look for the mobile deposit or check deposit section. Most apps display your limit prominently before you take a photo. If you don't see it, check the app's settings or FAQ section under "mobile deposit" or "check deposit."

You can also call your bank's customer service line — they can tell you your limit in seconds and explain whether it will increase after a certain date. If you're considering opening an account at a new bank, ask about mobile deposit limits before you sign up. Some banks advertise high limits as a feature; others bury the information. Knowing the limit matters if you regularly deposit large checks.

What to do if your check exceeds the limit

You have three main options. First, deposit it in person at a branch or ATM. ATM deposits often have higher limits than mobile deposits — some banks allow $10,000 or more at an ATM. Second, contact your bank and ask for a temporary increase to your mobile limit. Banks sometimes grant one-time raises for customers with good account history, though they may ask why you need the increase. Third, ask the check issuer (your employer, a client, whoever wrote the check) to split it into two checks, each under your limit.

Do not attempt to photograph and deposit a check in multiple pieces or deposit the same check twice. Banks track check serial numbers and will catch duplicate deposits. Splitting a check into fake pieces is fraud.

Image quality requirements that can block deposits

Even if your check is under the limit, the bank may reject it if the photo is too blurry, cut off, or dark to read. The bank's system scans the image for the check amount, routing number, account number, and signature. If any of those are illegible, the deposit fails. Take photos in good lighting, keep the entire check in frame, and make sure the text is sharp. Most banks let you retake the photo and resubmit immediately.

Some banks require photos of both the front and back of the check. The back usually just needs the signature line, but the app will tell you what it needs. If you skip the back photo when the bank requires it, the deposit will be rejected.

Limits for business accounts and high-balance customers

Business accounts often have higher mobile deposit limits than personal accounts — sometimes $25,000 or more per check. If you own a business or manage a business account, ask your bank about business-specific limits. Some banks also raise limits for customers who maintain high balances or have been with the bank for many years. These increases are not automatic; you usually have to request them or the bank offers them as part of a premium account tier.

If you deposit checks regularly as part of your business, a business account or a premium personal account may save you trips to the branch.

How long it takes for a mobile deposit to clear

Mobile deposits typically clear within one to two business days, the same as in-person deposits. Some banks offer next-business-day clearing for customers who deposit before a certain time (often 2 p.m. or 5 p.m.). The limit does not affect clearing time — a $500 check and a $5,000 check clear on the same schedule.

However, if the bank's system flags the check for manual review (because the image is unclear or the amount is unusually large for your account), clearing may take longer. You will see the hold time in your app once the deposit is submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check larger than my limit if I ask the bank first?

Sometimes. Call your bank and explain why you need to deposit a large check. They may grant a one-time increase or walk you through an in-person deposit instead. New customers are less likely to get an exception than long-standing customers.

What happens if I try to deposit a check over the limit?

The app will reject it before you submit. You will see an error message saying the check exceeds your limit. You cannot force the deposit through the app — you have to use another method.

Do ATM deposits have the same limit as mobile deposits?

No. ATM deposits usually allow higher amounts — often $10,000 or more per check. Check your bank's website or ask at a branch for your specific ATM limit, as it varies by bank and machine type.

Will my limit increase if I've been a customer for a long time?

Many banks raise limits automatically after 30 to 90 days, but some do not. Log into your app or call the bank to confirm whether your limit has changed. You can also request a manual increase if you have been a good customer.

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else through mobile deposit?

No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. Banks verify that the name on the check matches the account holder. If the check is made out to someone else, they must deposit it themselves or sign it over to you (third-party deposit), which many banks no longer allow.