What’s the Largest Check You Can Deposit Without a Bank Hold?

If you’ve ever deposited a check and had to wait to access your money, you’ve likely encountered a bank hold. But what triggers these holds, and is there a maximum check deposit amount you can make without having to wait days to access your funds?

The short answer: Up to $6,725 per day is the current federal threshold for check deposits that won’t trigger a special hold. But as always with banking, there’s more to understand—especially for personal and business account holders who need reliable access to their funds.

Let’s break down the full picture in simple terms.

What Is a Bank Hold?

A bank hold is a temporary delay placed on deposited funds, mainly to protect against bounced checks and fraud. Even if a check shows up in your account, that doesn’t mean you can spend the money immediately.

Banks are legally allowed to delay access to your funds to make sure the check clears, especially if:

• The deposit is large

• The account is new

• There’s a history of overdrafts

• The check looks suspicious

• It’s a mobile or ATM deposit

So, What’s the Largest Check You Can Deposit Without a Hold?

As of July 1, 2025, the federal threshold for large deposits is $6,725. That means:

If you deposit checks totaling more than $6,725 in one business day, your bank is legally allowed to place a longer hold on the amount over $6,725.

So, if you’re wondering what the maximum check amount is that you can deposit without triggering a special hold, the answer is:

Up to $6,725 per day.

This applies whether you’re depositing:

• A single large check (e.g., one check for $6,725)

• Multiple smaller checks that total $6,725 in a day

Any amount above that may be subject to an exception hold, which can delay access to the remaining funds by up to 5 business days.

How Do Holds Work for Personal and Business Accounts?

The rules apply to both personal and business accounts. However, banks often assess risk differently based on the type of account, your relationship with the bank, and account history.

Personal Accounts:

• New accounts may face stricter holds, especially for first-time check deposits.

• Older accounts in good standing may get faster access, especially for small checks.

Business Accounts:

• Business owners may deposit larger check volumes regularly.

• Some banks offered deposit services or accelerated clearing for business customers.

• Holds still apply for large or suspicious checks, especially from new or first-time clients.

Standard Check Hold Timeline: –

Here’s a simplified view of how funds availability usually works in the U.S.:

Check Deposit Type	Funds Availability
First $275 of any check deposit	Next business day
Up to $6,725 total in a single day	Available in 1–2 business days
Amount over $6,725 (in one day)	Held up to 5 business days
U.S. Treasury, certified, cashier’s checks	Often the next business day

Note: Holds can vary based on how the deposit is made—mobile, ATM, or in-person.

What Triggers a Longer Hold?

Banks are allowed to extend holds under certain conditions. Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. Large check deposit (over $6,725 in one day)
2. New account (less than 30 days old)
3. Frequent overdrafts
4. Doubt about collectability (e.g., bad check history)
5. Deposit method (ATM and mobile app deposits often take longer)
6. Non-local or foreign checks 

How to Avoid or Minimize a Bank Hold: –

You may not always be able to avoid a hold, but you can often reduce the risk by taking these simple steps:

✔ Deposit Early in the Day:

Most banks have a cut-off time (usually 2–5 PM). Deposits made before that time are processed the same business day.

✔ Use In-Person Teller Deposits:

Depositing with a live teller often results in faster availability than mobile or ATM deposits.

✔ Choose Government or Certified Checks:

Checks like U.S. Treasury, cashier’s checks, and certified checks are considered safer and usually clear faster.

✔ Maintain a Good Banking History:

Accounts in good standing often receive quicker fund access. Overdrafts or suspicious activity can cause delays.

✔ Break Up Large Deposits:

If possible, keep your daily deposits under $6,725 to avoid the “large deposit” exception hold.

✔ Talk to Your Bank:

Each bank has its own internal policy. Ask your banker what their hold policies are for your specific account type.

Mobile Deposit Limits: –

Most banks set mobile deposit limits for security. These can range from $1,000 to $10,000 per day, depending on your account and history.

If your check is larger than your mobile deposit limit or if time is sensitive, go to a branch for deposit.

Real-Life Examples: –

Business Owner Example:

A contractor deposits a $9,000 customer check into their business checking account.

• $6,725 clears in 1–2 business days.

• The remaining $2,275 may be held for up to 5 business days.

Personal Account Example:

An individual deposits a $2,000 personal check from a family member.

• First $275 available next day.

• The remaining $1,725 is typically available the day after that.

If this person recently opened their account, the full amount could be held longer.

What If You Need the Money Sooner?

Need fast access to your check funds? Consider these alternatives:

1. Wire Transfer: Instant, but may involve fees
2. ACH Transfer or eCheck: Usually settles within 1–2 business days
3. Certified/Cashier’s Check: Cleared faster than regular personal checks

You can also request your bank to expedite availability, though this may come with a fee or eligibility criteria.

Bottom Line: –

To avoid extended check holds, limit your daily check deposits to $6,725 or less. Whether you’re using a personal or business account, that’s the amount the federal government allows to be processed under normal timelines without triggering a special hold.

Understanding how holds work—especially for large checks—can help you better manage cash flow, avoid delays, and keep your personal or business finances on track.