RBC’s mobile cheque deposit feature — available through the RBC Mobile app — allows you to photograph and deposit most personal and business cheques without visiting a branch or ATM. Deposit limits control how much can be deposited per cheque, per day, and per month. Most personal banking clients will rarely encounter these ceilings; small business owners depositing multiple large client cheques are more likely to need a limit review.
RBC Mobile Deposit Limits at a Glance
| Limit Type | Standard Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per cheque | $5,000 | Higher for premium accounts |
| Daily | $10,000 | Resets midnight ET |
| Monthly | $50,000 | Rolling 30-day period |
| Immediate availability | $100 | Remainder subject to hold |
| Hold period | 4–5 business days | Varies by account history |
Limits by Account Type
| Account | Per Cheque | Daily |
|---|---|---|
| Day to Day Banking | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| No Limit Banking | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| VIP Banking | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Signature No Limit Banking | $10,000 | $25,000 |
| RBC Business Banking | Higher (negotiated) | Higher |
These are typical defaults. Your account’s limits may differ based on relationship history. Verify in the RBC Mobile app under deposit settings or by calling 1-800-769-2511.
How to Deposit a Cheque with RBC Mobile
- Open the RBC Mobile app and log in
- Tap Deposit Cheque (or find it under Transactions)
- Select the account to deposit into
- Enter the cheque amount
- Photograph the front of the cheque — ensure all four corners are visible in good lighting
- Photograph the back of the cheque — sign it and write “For RBC Mobile Deposit Only” above your signature
- Review the details and confirm the deposit
- Keep the physical cheque for at least 5 business days before destroying it
The app confirms the deposit immediately. An email confirmation is sent to your registered address.
Cheque Hold Policy
RBC’s cheque hold policy follows the rules under the Canadian Payments Association guidelines. Holds allow the bank time to verify that the cheque will clear from the issuer’s account.
| Situation | Typical Hold |
|---|---|
| Standard personal cheque (account in good standing) | 4–5 business days |
| New RBC account (less than 90 days) | 7–10 business days |
| Large cheque (over $1,500) | 4–7 business days |
| Government cheque (federal, provincial) | 1 business day |
| Certified cheque or bank draft | Generally no hold |
| History of NSF or returned cheques | Extended holds may apply |
The first $100 of any cheque deposit (including mobile) is always made available immediately by law under the Canadian Payments Act. For certified cheques and bank drafts, the full amount is typically available immediately.
When to Use ATM or Branch Deposit Instead
Mobile deposit is convenient but has limitations:
- Cheque over per-cheque limit: Deposit at an RBC ATM (higher limits apply) or a branch teller
- Damaged or torn cheque: Mobile scanning may fail — bring to a branch
- Money order or bank draft: Mobile deposit is generally supported, but branch is more reliable for guaranteed instruments
- Same-day funds needed: Branch teller deposit of a certified cheque may release funds faster
RBC ATM deposits also have limits, but they are typically higher than mobile limits for premium accounts. In-branch deposits have no technology-imposed limit.
Tips for a Successful Mobile Deposit
- Photograph the cheque on a dark, non-reflective surface
- Ensure all four corners are visible — cropped corners are the most common cause of rejection
- Sign the back and write “For RBC Mobile Deposit Only” before photographing
- Do not fold the cheque before taking the photos
- Wait for the app confirmation before closing — do not submit the same cheque twice
- Keep the physical cheque until the deposit clears (5 business days)