How to Deposit a Check Into Your Bank of America Account Online

Mobile Check Deposit Through the Bank of America App

Bank of America's mobile check deposit feature lets you photograph the front and back of a check using your phone and submit it without visiting a branch. The deposit goes into your account within one business day in most cases, though the funds may not be available to withdraw when ready — that depends on the check amount and your account history.

To use mobile check deposit, you need the Bank of America mobile app installed on your phone, an active Bank of America checking or savings account, and enrollment in online banking. The app is free and works on both iPhone and Android devices.

Key Takeaways

• Mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app requires you to photograph both sides of the check and submit them from your phone.
• The deposit posts to your account within one business day, but the funds may take longer to become available for withdrawal depending on the check amount.
• You must endorse the back of the check and write "For mobile deposit only" below your signature before taking photos.
• Bank of America sets daily and monthly limits on mobile deposits — these limits vary by account type and your banking history.
• If mobile deposit is not working, you can deposit checks at an ATM, through a Bank of America branch, or by mail.

Step-by-Step Process for Mobile Check Deposit

Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then select "Deposit a Check." The app will ask you which account you want to deposit into — choose the checking or savings account where you want the money to go.

Before you take any photos, sign the back of the check and write "For mobile deposit only" directly below your signature. This is required by banking rules and prevents the check from being deposited elsewhere. Take a clear photo of the front of the check in good lighting, making sure all four corners and the entire text are visible. Then photograph the back of the check the same way. The app will show you both images and ask you to confirm they are clear and readable.

Enter the check amount in the field the app provides — this must match the amount written on the check. Review all the information one more time, then tap "Submit" or "Deposit." You will see a confirmation number on your screen. Write this number down or take a screenshot, as you may need it if there are questions about the deposit later.

When the Money Becomes Available

The deposit itself posts to your account within one business day of submission. However, the funds may not be available to spend right away. Bank of America typically holds checks for one to five business days depending on the check amount, who wrote the check, and your account history. A check for $200 or less from a local bank may clear in one day, while a larger check or one from an out-of-state bank may take longer.

You can see the deposit status in your account — it will show as "pending" until the funds are available. The app or your online banking dashboard will tell you the expected availability date. If you need the money sooner, contact Bank of America directly to ask if they can release the funds faster, though this is not may provide.

Deposit Limits and Restrictions

Bank of America sets limits on how much you can deposit through mobile check deposit in a single day and over a rolling 30-day period. These limits vary based on your account type and how long you have been a customer. New customers typically have lower limits than established customers. A common limit is $2,500 per day and $5,000 per month, but your specific limits may be different.

You can check your current limits by opening the mobile app, going to the deposit check screen, and looking for the limit information displayed there. If you need to deposit more than your limit allows, you can use an ATM, visit a branch, or mail the check to Bank of America. You can also contact customer service to ask if your limits can be increased.

What to Do If Mobile Deposit Is Not Working

If the app will not let you take photos, will not accept the images you submit, or shows an error message, first make sure you have good lighting and that both sides of the check are fully visible in the frame. Delete the photos and try again. If the app keeps rejecting your images, the check itself may be damaged, faded, or printed in a way the app cannot read.

If the problem continues, restart the app and try again. If mobile deposit still will not work, you have other options: deposit the check at a Bank of America ATM using the check deposit slot, visit a branch in person, or mail the check to Bank of America with a deposit slip. ATM deposits are usually processed the next business day, and branch deposits are when ready.

Mailing a Check to Bank of America

If you prefer not to use mobile deposit or an ATM, you can mail a check to Bank of America. Write your account number on the back of the check next to your signature, and include a deposit slip if you have one. Mail the check to the address on your Bank of America statements or call customer service to get the correct mailing address for your region.

Mailed checks take longer to process — typically five to seven business days from the time Bank of America receives the envelope. The funds may not be available for an additional one to five days after that. Keep a record of the check number and amount in case you need to follow up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check written to someone else?

No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person whose name is also on the account. If the check is made out to someone else, that person must endorse it to you, and you must then endorse it as well. Bank of America may still decline to process it depending on their policies.

What if the check is damaged or the image is blurry?

The app will reject blurry or unreadable images. Make sure you have good lighting, hold the phone steady, and capture all four corners of the check. If the check itself is torn, faded, or water-damaged, take it to a branch or ATM instead, or call customer service to ask if it can be processed.

How do I know if my mobile deposit went through?

After you submit the deposit, you will see a confirmation number on your screen. Check your account in the app or online banking within a few hours — the deposit should appear as pending. You can also look at your transaction history to confirm the deposit was received.

Can I deposit a check from a foreign bank?

Bank of America does not accept foreign checks through mobile deposit. You must take a foreign check to a branch in person. The branch staff can tell you whether the check can be processed and how long it will take.

What if I accidentally submit the same check twice?

Bank of America's system is designed to catch duplicate deposits, but if a duplicate does go through, contact customer service right away. They can reverse the duplicate deposit and return the funds to your account.