1. 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.