BMO’s mobile deposit feature allows you to photograph and deposit eligible Canadian cheques through the BMO mobile app. Standard limits are $5,000 per cheque, $10,000 per day, and $50,000 per 30-day rolling period — consistent with limits at RBC, TD, and Scotiabank.
US dollar and foreign-currency cheques are not eligible for mobile deposit and require a branch visit. For clients who regularly receive USD cheques, BMO’s US dollar account (included with the Premium Plan) is worth considering.
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 returned item history. Call BMO at 1-877-225-5266 if your limits are lower than expected or to request an increase.
How BMO Mobile Deposit Works
- Open the BMO mobile app and log in
- Tap Deposit Cheque
- Select the account to deposit into
- Enter the cheque amount
- Photograph the front of the cheque, then the back
- Review and submit — you will receive a confirmation immediately
After depositing: Write “DEPOSITED” and the date on the front of the cheque. Keep the physical cheque for at least 5 business days, then shred it securely.
Cheque Eligibility
| Cheque Type | Eligible for Mobile Deposit? |
|---|---|
| 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 cheque date |
| Money order | No — branch required |
| Traveller’s cheque | No — branch required |
| Third-party cheque | No — branch required |
Hold Policy
BMO is subject to the federal Cheque Hold Policy under the Canadian Payments Act, which requires the first $100 of any deposited cheque to be made available immediately.
| Cheque Type | Typical Hold Period |
|---|---|
| Government cheque | 1 business day |
| Certified cheque or bank draft | 1 business day |
| Personal or business cheque (established account) | 4–5 business days |
| Personal or business cheque (newer account) | Up to 15 business days |
If a hold seems unreasonably long for your account standing, call 1-877-225-5266 — in some cases holds can be reduced for established clients.
Mobile Deposit Fees by Account
| Account | Mobile Deposit Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Plan | $1.25 after 12 transactions | Counts as a transaction |
| Plus Plan | $0 | Unlimited transactions |
| Premium Plan | $0 | Unlimited transactions |
| Student Account | $0 | Unlimited transactions |
Alternatives to Mobile Deposit
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| BMO ATM deposit | Many BMO ATMs accept cheque deposits; same holds apply |
| Branch teller deposit | No per-cheque limit; teller processes immediately |
| BMO night deposit | Drop envelope at branch after hours |
Mobile deposit vs ATM deposit at BMO
| Factor | Mobile Deposit | BMO ATM Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Per-cheque limit | $5,000 | Higher — varies by ATM |
| Daily limit | $10,000 | Higher — no standard cap |
| Hold policy | Same (4–5 business days) | Same as mobile |
| Convenience | Anywhere, anytime | Must be at BMO ATM |
| Ineligible cheques | Foreign, post-dated, 3rd-party | Same restrictions |
| Fee | Included in plan | Included in plan |
For cheques above $5,000, a BMO ATM that accepts deposits is often the best option — ATM per-item limits are typically higher than the mobile deposit cap.
How to get holds released faster
BMO’s standard hold (4–5 business days) follows FCAC regulations. To minimize hold impact:
- Deposit early in the day — Deposits made before the daily cutoff (varies by BMO, typically 11 PM ET) are processed the same business day
- Use certified cheques — Certified cheques are considered lower-risk and may receive shorter holds
- Maintain account history — Long-standing accounts in good standing often see holds released within 2–3 days rather than 4–5
- Call BMO — For urgent situations, 1-877-225-5266 can sometimes expedite a hold release for established customers
- Request e-Transfer instead — When possible, ask payers to send an Interac e-Transfer — funds are available within minutes with no hold