Depositing Checks Online with Bank of America

Quick answer

• Bank of America offers mobile check deposit through its app for convenient deposits.
• You’ll need the Bank of America mobile app installed on a compatible smartphone or tablet.
• Endorse the back of your check with “For Mobile Deposit Only at BofA” and your signature.
• Take clear, well-lit photos of the front and back of the endorsed check.
• Follow the prompts within the app to enter the amount and select the account.
• Funds are typically available within 1-2 business days, but check your account for specifics.
• Keep the physical check in a safe place until you confirm the deposit has cleared.

Who this is for

• Bank of America customers who want to deposit checks without visiting a branch or ATM.
• Individuals who frequently receive checks and prefer the convenience of mobile banking.
• Those who want to save time and avoid the hassle of traditional check deposit methods.

What to check first (before you act)

Goal and timeline

Before depositing a check, consider why you need the funds. Is this for everyday spending, saving for a specific purchase, or paying bills? Your goal will influence how quickly you need the money and whether you should deposit it into a checking or savings account. The timeline for accessing funds can vary, so understand Bank of America’s typical deposit availability periods.

Current cash flow

Assess your current financial situation. Do you have enough money in your account to cover upcoming expenses? Knowing your cash flow helps you decide if you need to deposit the check immediately or if it can wait. It also helps determine if you need to make a partial deposit or if the full amount is necessary to meet your obligations.

Emergency fund or safety buffer

Review your emergency fund. If you have a robust emergency fund, a minor delay in accessing deposited funds is less likely to cause financial stress. If your emergency fund is low, depositing the check promptly and ensuring funds are available quickly becomes more critical.

Debt and interest rates

Consider any outstanding debts. If you have high-interest debt, you might prioritize paying it down once the funds are available. Understanding the interest rates on your debts can help you decide if using the deposited funds for debt repayment is a better financial move than letting them sit in your account.

Credit impact

While depositing a check directly doesn’t typically impact your credit score, how you manage the funds afterward can. For example, overdrawing your account due to poor planning after a deposit can lead to overdraft fees, which may be reported to credit bureaus. Ensure you manage your account responsibly.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

Step 1: Download and Install the Bank of America App

What to do: If you don’t already have it, download the official Bank of America mobile app from your device’s app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
What “good” looks like: The app is successfully installed on your smartphone or tablet, and you can open it.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Downloading a fake or unofficial app. Always verify you are downloading the legitimate Bank of America app from the official store.

Step 2: Log In to Your Account

What to do: Open the app and log in using your username and password. You may need to complete additional security verification steps.
What “good” looks like: You are securely logged into your Bank of America online banking account within the app.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Sharing your login credentials or using weak, easily guessable passwords. Use a strong, unique password and enable multi-factor authentication if available.

Step 3: Locate the Mobile Deposit Feature

What to do: Navigate through the app’s menu to find the mobile deposit option. It’s often labeled as “Deposit,” “Deposit Checks,” or found under a “Move Money” or “Transfers” section.
What “good” looks like: You’ve found and tapped on the mobile check deposit feature.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Getting lost in the app’s menus. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the app’s layout before you need to make a deposit.

Step 4: Endorse Your Check

What to do: On the back of the physical check, endorse it by signing your name. Below your signature, write “For Mobile Deposit Only at BofA.”
What “good” looks like: The back of the check clearly shows your signature and the required endorsement phrase.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to endorse the check or using the wrong endorsement. Failing to endorse correctly can cause the deposit to be rejected.

Step 5: Prepare to Take Photos

What to do: Find a well-lit area with a plain, dark background. Ensure the check is flat and there are no shadows obscuring the details.
What “good” looks like: You have a clear, uncluttered space ready for taking photos of the check.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Trying to take photos in poor lighting or on a busy surface. This can lead to blurry images that the app cannot process.

Step 6: Photograph the Front of the Check

What to do: Position your device directly over the front of the check. The app will usually provide on-screen guides to help you capture a clear image. Tap to take the photo.
What “good” looks like: The app confirms a clear, legible image of the front of the check has been captured. All four corners are visible, and the details are sharp.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Taking a crooked or blurry photo. Ensure the check fills the frame as much as possible and is in focus.

Step 7: Photograph the Back of the Check

What to do: Flip the check over and repeat the process for the back, ensuring your endorsement is clearly visible.
What “good” looks like: The app confirms a clear, legible image of the back of the endorsed check has been captured.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting to photograph the endorsed side. The deposit cannot be processed without a clear image of the endorsement.

Step 8: Enter the Deposit Amount

What to do: The app will prompt you to enter the dollar amount of the check. Double-check this amount carefully.
What “good” looks like: You have accurately entered the exact dollar amount of the check into the app.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Typos in the amount. This is one of the most common reasons for rejected mobile deposits. Verify the amount against the check.

Step 9: Select the Deposit Account

What to do: Choose the Bank of America account (checking or savings) into which you want to deposit the funds.
What “good” looks like: You have correctly selected the intended destination account.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Accidentally selecting the wrong account. Review your selection before confirming.

Step 10: Review and Submit

What to do: Review all the details you’ve entered – the images of the check, the amount, and the destination account. Once confirmed, tap to submit the deposit.
What “good” looks like: The deposit has been successfully submitted, and you receive a confirmation message.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Submitting without a final review. A quick check of all details can prevent errors.

Step 11: Keep the Physical Check

What to do: Do not discard the physical check immediately. Store it securely until you receive confirmation that the deposit has cleared your account. Bank of America will typically advise on how long to keep it.
What “good” looks like: You have a safe place for the physical check and are aware of the recommended retention period.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Destroying the check too soon. If the deposit is rejected or there’s an issue, you’ll need the physical check.

Step 12: Monitor Your Account

What to do: Log in to your Bank of America account periodically to confirm the deposit has been processed and the funds are available.
What “good” looks like: The deposited amount appears in your account balance and available funds.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming the deposit is complete without verification. Always check your account to ensure the transaction finalized.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Incorrect endorsement	Deposit rejection, delayed funds	Re-endorse correctly and attempt deposit again.
Blurry or illegible photos	Deposit rejection, delayed funds	Retake photos in better lighting with a steady hand.
Wrong deposit amount entered	Deposit rejection or incorrect credit to account	Correct the amount before submission or contact customer service.
Depositing a check already deposited	Potential fraud alert, deposit rejection	Ensure you are only depositing each check once.
Depositing a check not made out to you	Deposit rejection, potential legal issues	Only deposit checks made out to your name.
Not keeping the physical check	Inability to re-deposit if needed, potential issues	Store the check until confirmed cleared.
Exceeding daily/monthly deposit limits	Deposit held or rejected	Check Bank of America’s limits and deposit in increments if necessary.
Using a non-compatible device or app version	Inability to deposit	Ensure your device and app are up to date.
Depositing a foreign check	May not be supported or require special handling	Contact Bank of America for guidance on foreign checks.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If the check amount is over your typical daily mobile deposit limit, then you may need to visit a branch or ATM, because mobile deposit limits are in place for security.
• If the check is made out to someone else, then do not attempt to deposit it, because it is illegal and will be rejected.
• If you receive a confirmation that the deposit was accepted, then keep the physical check in a safe place for at least two weeks, because it may take time for funds to fully clear.
• If the app indicates the check images are not clear, then retake the photos in better lighting and ensure the check is flat, because image quality is critical for processing.
• If you are depositing a very large check, then consider visiting a branch to ensure immediate processing and avoid potential hold periods, because larger amounts may trigger additional scrutiny.
• If you need the funds immediately, then verify Bank of America’s funds availability policy, because not all deposits are available instantly.
• If you are depositing a check from a foreign bank, then contact Bank of America customer service before attempting the deposit, because these often require special handling.
• If you are unsure about the endorsement requirements, then check Bank of America’s mobile deposit guidelines, because specific wording is often required for mobile deposits.
• If the deposit is rejected, then review the reason provided by the app and correct the issue, because most rejections are due to simple errors.
• If you frequently exceed mobile deposit limits, then consider discussing your banking needs with a Bank of America representative, because they may offer solutions or higher limits.

FAQ

How long does it take for a mobile deposit to clear with Bank of America?

Funds from mobile deposits typically become available within 1-2 business days. However, this can vary based on the amount of the deposit, your account history, and Bank of America’s specific funds availability policy. Always check your account for the most accurate availability.

What is the daily mobile deposit limit for Bank of America?

Bank of America’s mobile deposit limits can vary. For specific daily or monthly limits, it’s best to check the official Bank of America website or contact their customer service directly, as these figures are subject to change and may depend on your account type.

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else using my Bank of America account?

No, you cannot legally deposit a check made out to someone else into your Bank of America account. The check must be endorsed by the payee and made out to you, or you must have legal authority to deposit it on their behalf.

What happens if I don’t endorse my check correctly for mobile deposit?

If your check is not endorsed correctly with your signature and the required “For Mobile Deposit Only at BofA” phrase, Bank of America may reject the deposit. This can delay your access to the funds until you can correct the endorsement and re-deposit.

Should I keep the physical check after a successful mobile deposit?

Yes, you should keep the physical check in a safe place until you have confirmed the funds are fully available in your account. Bank of America recommends holding onto it for a specified period, usually at least two weeks, in case of any issues.

What if my mobile deposit is rejected?

If your mobile deposit is rejected, the app will usually provide a reason. Common reasons include poor image quality, incorrect endorsement, or exceeding deposit limits. Review the reason, correct the issue, and try depositing again.

Can I deposit a check into a savings account with Bank of America mobile deposit?

Yes, you can typically deposit checks into both checking and savings accounts using the Bank of America mobile app, provided the account is eligible for mobile deposits. You will select the desired account during the deposit process.

What if the check amount is different from what I entered?

If you entered the wrong amount, the deposit may be rejected or credited incorrectly. If it’s credited incorrectly, contact Bank of America customer service immediately. If rejected, correct the amount and resubmit the deposit.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• International Check Deposits: This guide focuses on domestic checks. For depositing checks from foreign banks, consult Bank of America’s international banking services or contact customer support.
• Specific Account Type Limitations: While general guidelines are provided, certain account types might have unique deposit rules. Review your specific account agreement or contact your bank for details.
• Dispute Resolution for Mobile Deposits: If you encounter a significant issue with a mobile deposit that isn’t resolved by re-depositing or contacting customer service, you may need to explore formal dispute resolution processes.
• Fraudulent Check Deposits: This guide assumes you are depositing legitimate checks. If you suspect a fraudulent check, do not attempt to deposit it and contact law enforcement or Bank of America’s fraud department immediately.
• Advanced Mobile Banking Features: Beyond check deposit, the Bank of America app offers many other features. Explore their support resources for managing payments, transfers, budgeting tools, and more.