Methods and systems for validating negotiable instruments

A method of validating a negotiable instrument, the method comprising:

• obtaining an electronic image of the negotiable instrument;
• electronically determining a first value and a second value of the negotiable instrument based on the electronic image;
• automatically validating the negotiable instrument when the first value is substantially equal to the second value;
• and
• when the first value is not substantially equal to the second value:
• determining whether an authorized transaction amount is available;
• and
• if the authorized transaction amount is available, automatically validating the negotiable instrument and using the authorized transaction amount as an amount of the negotiable instrument.