Depositing Funds into a Bank of America Account

Quick answer

• You can deposit cash or checks into your Bank of America account in several ways.
• Visit a Bank of America ATM or branch for immediate deposits.
• Use the Bank of America mobile app to deposit checks remotely.
• Mail checks to Bank of America, but this is the slowest method.
• Understand deposit limits and holds, which vary by method and account type.
• For cash, ATMs and branches are your most reliable options.

Who this is for

• New Bank of America customers looking for the easiest deposit methods.
• Existing customers who need to deposit funds and want to know their options.
• Individuals who prefer digital banking and want to use mobile deposit.

What to check first (before you act)

Your goal and timeline

Before depositing, clarify why you need the funds in your account and when you need them to be available. Is it for an immediate bill payment, a savings goal, or just routine management? Different deposit methods have different processing times. For instance, an ATM deposit might make funds available faster than mailing a check.

Current cash flow

Review your current bank statement and budget. Knowing your regular income and expenses will help you determine how much you need to deposit and whether it’s a one-time event or part of a recurring pattern. This also helps you avoid overdrawing your account if a deposit takes longer than expected to clear.

Emergency fund or safety buffer

Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund before considering large deposits or making significant withdrawals. A healthy emergency fund provides a cushion for unexpected expenses, preventing you from dipping into savings or taking on debt. Check the official source or your provider for guidance on emergency fund sizing.

Debt and interest rates

If you have outstanding debts, consider whether depositing funds into your bank account is the best use of that money. High-interest debt can erode your financial progress. Compare the interest you might earn on savings versus the interest you’re paying on debt.

Credit impact

While depositing money doesn’t directly impact your credit score, how you manage your overall finances does. Maintaining a healthy bank balance and avoiding overdrafts can indirectly support good credit habits by preventing late payments or increased credit utilization.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

1. Gather your deposit

What to do: Collect the cash or checks you intend to deposit. For checks, ensure they are properly endorsed on the back with your signature.
What “good” looks like: All funds are accounted for and checks are ready for deposit.
Common mistake: Forgetting to endorse a check.
How to avoid it: Always check the back of the check for the endorsement line and sign it before heading to deposit.

2. Choose your deposit method

What to do: Decide whether to use an ATM, a Bank of America branch, the mobile app, or mail.
What “good” looks like: You’ve selected the method that best suits your needs for speed and convenience.
Common mistake: Choosing the slowest method (mailing) for time-sensitive funds.
How to avoid it: Consider when you need the money to be available and choose accordingly.

3. Deposit at a Bank of America ATM (for cash or checks)

What to do: Insert your debit card and follow the on-screen prompts to make a deposit. For cash, you’ll typically insert bills directly into the machine. For checks, you’ll insert the endorsed check.
What “good” looks like: You receive a receipt confirming the deposit details.
Common mistake: Not waiting for the transaction to complete before leaving the ATM.
How to avoid it: Always wait for the final confirmation screen and take your receipt.

4. Deposit at a Bank of America Branch (for cash or checks)

What to do: Visit a teller at a Bank of America branch with your cash or endorsed check and your account information.
What “good” looks like: The teller confirms the deposit and provides a receipt.
Common mistake: Going to a branch during peak hours and facing long waits.
How to avoid it: Check the branch’s hours and consider visiting during off-peak times.

5. Deposit via Mobile App (for checks only)

What to do: Open the Bank of America mobile app, select “Deposit Checks,” and follow the instructions to take photos of the front and back of your endorsed check.
What “good” looks like: The app confirms your deposit submission and provides a reference number.
Common mistake: Taking blurry photos of the check.
How to avoid it: Ensure good lighting and lay the check on a flat, dark surface before taking clear photos.

6. Mail a check for deposit

What to do: Endorse the check and mail it to the address provided by Bank of America for deposits.
What “good” looks like: The check is received and processed by the bank.
Common mistake: Not including all necessary information with the mailed check.
How to avoid it: Follow Bank of America’s specific instructions for mailing deposits, which may include a deposit slip.

7. Verify the deposit

What to do: Check your account balance online or via the mobile app shortly after making the deposit.
What “good” looks like: The deposited amount appears in your available balance.
Common mistake: Assuming the money is immediately available without checking.
How to avoid it: Always confirm the deposit has posted and check the availability date.

8. Keep your receipt

What to do: Store your deposit receipt (physical or digital) until you’ve confirmed the funds are available in your account.
What “good” looks like: You have proof of your deposit in case of any discrepancies.
Common mistake: Discarding the receipt immediately after depositing.
How to avoid it: Treat the receipt as important documentation until the transaction is fully settled.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Forgetting to endorse a check	Deposit will be rejected or delayed	Endorse the check on the back with your signature before depositing.
Using a non-Bank of America ATM	May incur fees from both banks, slower processing	Use a Bank of America ATM or a network partner ATM to avoid extra fees and speed up availability.
Taking blurry photos for mobile deposit	Deposit will be rejected or delayed	Ensure good lighting and clear focus when taking photos of the check.
Not verifying the deposit posted	Potential for missed payments or overdrafts	Always check your account balance online or via the app after depositing.
Depositing cash at an ATM that doesn’t accept it	Inconvenience, need to find an alternative method	Confirm the ATM accepts cash deposits before attempting to deposit.
Mailing checks without proper details	Significant delays or lost funds	Follow Bank of America’s instructions precisely for mailed deposits.
Exceeding daily deposit limits	Funds beyond the limit may not be available immediately	Be aware of your account’s deposit limits and plan accordingly. Check the official source.
Not holding onto receipts	Difficulty resolving discrepancies	Keep deposit receipts until the funds are confirmed as available in your account.
Depositing a check with insufficient funds	Check may bounce, leading to fees and account issues	Ensure the payer has sufficient funds before accepting and depositing a check.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you have cash and need it available immediately, then visit a Bank of America branch or ATM because these methods offer the fastest availability.
• If you have a check and need it available quickly, then use the Bank of America mobile app or a Bank of America ATM to deposit it because these are generally faster than mailing.
• If you are depositing a check and have plenty of time, then mailing the check is an option, but be aware it’s the slowest method because it involves postal transit and manual processing.
• If you are unsure about deposit limits, then check your account agreement or contact Bank of America customer service because exceeding limits can delay fund availability.
• If you are depositing funds for a specific, urgent bill payment, then prioritize ATM or branch deposits to ensure funds are available before the due date.
• If you are depositing a large check, then be aware that Bank of America may place a hold on some or all of the funds, so check the availability of funds after the deposit.
• If you are depositing funds from a third party, then ensure the check is properly endorsed by the payee before attempting to deposit it.
• If you prefer not to visit a physical location, then the mobile app is your best option for depositing checks remotely.
• If you need to deposit cash outside of business hours, then use a Bank of America ATM that accepts cash deposits.
• If you receive a government check or a cashier’s check, then these typically have faster availability, but always confirm with the bank.

FAQ

What is the fastest way to deposit money into my Bank of America account?

The fastest ways are typically depositing cash or endorsed checks at a Bank of America ATM or a Bank of America branch. Mobile check deposits are also very quick, with funds often available the next business day.

Are there limits on how much money I can deposit?

Yes, there are often daily and per-transaction limits for ATM and mobile deposits. Branch deposits may have higher limits. Check the official source or your provider for specific details related to your account.

Can I deposit a check from another bank into my Bank of America account?

Yes, you can deposit checks made payable to you from other banks into your Bank of America account using ATMs, branches, or the mobile app.

How long does it take for deposited funds to become available?

Availability times vary by deposit method and type of instrument. Cash deposits at ATMs and branches are usually available immediately. Mobile check deposits typically clear within 1-2 business days. Check the official source or your provider for specific hold policies.

What happens if I deposit a check with insufficient funds?

If the check you deposit bounces (is returned due to insufficient funds from the issuing bank), Bank of America may charge you a fee, and the funds will be removed from your account.

Do I need to endorse a check before depositing it?

Yes, for most checks, you will need to endorse them on the back with your signature before depositing. Some mobile deposit systems may have specific instructions.

Can I deposit cash at any Bank of America ATM?

Most Bank of America ATMs accept cash deposits. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm on the ATM screen or by checking the ATM’s signage.

What information do I need to deposit a check?

You’ll need the endorsed check, your Bank of America debit card or account number, and potentially a deposit slip if using a branch or older ATM.

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

• Specific daily deposit limits for your account type.
• International money transfers or deposits.
• Opening a new Bank of America account.
• Detailed information on wire transfers.
• Advanced investment strategies for deposited funds.