Scotiabank’s mobile deposit feature — called ScotiaDeposit — allows you to photograph and deposit eligible Canadian cheques through the Scotiabank app. The standard limits are $5,000 per cheque, $10,000 per day, and $50,000 per 30-day rolling period, which is consistent with limits at RBC and TD and sufficient for most personal banking needs.
The key exceptions: foreign-currency cheques, US dollar cheques, and post-dated cheques cannot be deposited via mobile and require a branch visit.
Mobile Deposit Limits
| Limit Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Per cheque | $5,000 |
| Per day | $10,000 |
| Per 30-day rolling period | $50,000 |
Limits may be lower for recently opened accounts or accounts with a history of returned items. Call Scotiabank at 1-800-472-6842 if your limits are lower than you expect or to request an increase.
How ScotiaDeposit Works
- Open the Scotiabank mobile app and log in
- Tap Deposit Cheque (ScotiaDeposit)
- Select the account to deposit into
- Enter the cheque amount
- Photograph the front and back of the cheque
- Confirm and submit — you will receive a confirmation message immediately
After depositing: Write “DEPOSITED” and the date on the front of the cheque. Keep the physical cheque for at least 5 business days in case of any processing issues, then destroy it securely (shred).
Cheque Eligibility
| Cheque Type | Eligible for ScotiaDeposit? |
|---|---|
| Personal cheque (CAD) | Yes |
| Business cheque (CAD) | Yes |
| Government cheque (CAD) | Yes |
| Certified cheque (CAD) | Yes |
| Bank draft (CAD) | Yes |
| US dollar cheque | No — branch required |
| Foreign-currency cheque | No — branch required |
| Post-dated cheque | No — wait until the date on the cheque |
| Money order | No — branch required |
| Traveller’s cheque | No — branch required |
| Third-party cheque | No — branch required |
Hold Policy
Scotiabank is subject to the federal Cheque Hold Policy under the Canadian Payments Act. The policy requires that financial institutions release the first $100 of any deposited cheque immediately. Beyond that:
| Cheque Type | Typical Hold Period |
|---|---|
| Government cheque | 1 business day (or next day) |
| Certified cheque or bank draft | 1 business day |
| Personal or business cheque (established account) | 4–5 business days |
| Personal or business cheque (newer/lower-balance account) | Up to 15 business days |
Holds may be extended for large cheques, accounts with recent overdraft activity, or if Scotiabank has reason to believe the cheque may not clear. If a hold seems unreasonably long, call 1-800-472-6842 — in some cases holds can be reduced for established clients.
Mobile Deposit Fees by Account
| Account | Mobile Deposit Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day to Day Banking | $1.25 per deposit | Counts as a transaction |
| Basic Bank Account | $1.25 after 12 transactions | First 12 transactions free |
| Preferred Package | $0 | Unlimited transactions |
| Ultimate Package | $0 | Unlimited transactions |
| Student Account | $0 | Unlimited transactions |
Alternatives to Mobile Deposit
If your cheque exceeds the mobile deposit limit or is not eligible:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Scotiabank ATM deposit | Many Scotiabank ATMs accept cheque deposits; same holds apply |
| Branch teller deposit | No limit; teller processes immediately; holds still apply |
| Scotiabank night deposit | Drop cheque in sealed envelope at branch after hours |