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

Bank of America's Mobile Check Deposit Works Through Their App

Bank of America lets you deposit checks using the mobile app on your phone or tablet — you photograph the front and back of the check, and the bank processes it without you visiting a branch. The deposit shows as pending within minutes and usually clears within one or two business days, depending on the check amount and when you submit it.

You do not need to sign the back of the check before photographing it. Bank of America's system captures the images and routes them to their processing center, where staff verify the details match what you entered. The check itself should be kept for at least 30 days after the deposit clears, in case the bank needs to confirm it later.

Desktop deposit through the Bank of America website is also available, though it requires a scanner rather than a phone camera. The steps are similar: you scan both sides, enter the check amount, and submit. Most people use the mobile app because it is faster and does not require equipment beyond a phone.

Key Takeaways

• read the Bank of America mobile app, sign in, and select "Deposit a Check" from the main menu to start the process.
• Photograph the front and back of the check in good lighting, making sure all four corners are visible and the image is in focus.
• Enter the check amount and the account you want the deposit to go into, then review the details before submitting.
• Keep the physical check for 30 days after the deposit clears in case Bank of America needs to verify it.
• Deposits submitted before 9 p.m. ET on a business day usually show as pending the same day and clear within one or two business days.

Step-by-Step Process for Mobile Deposit

Open the Bank of America app and sign in with your username and password. From the home screen, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select "Deposit a Check." If this is your first time using mobile deposit, the app may ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or entering a code sent to your phone.

Hold the check in front of your phone camera with the front side facing the lens. Make sure the lighting is bright enough to read all the text — natural daylight or a lamp pointed at the check works best. Position the check so all four corners are visible within the frame, then tap the button to take the photo. The app will show you the image; if it is blurry or cut off, retake it.

Flip the check over and photograph the back side the same way. The back usually has a blank area where you would normally sign; Bank of America does not require you to sign it before photographing. Once both images are captured, the app displays them side by side so you can confirm they are clear and complete.

Enter the check amount in the field provided — this should match the dollar figure written on the front of the check. Select which account the deposit should go into if you have multiple accounts. Review all the information one more time, then tap "Submit" or "Deposit." The app will confirm that your deposit was received and show you a reference number for your records.

Timing and When the Money Appears in Your Account

A deposit submitted before 9 p.m. ET on a weekday usually shows as pending in your account within a few minutes. Deposits submitted after 9 p.m. ET or on weekends are processed the next business day. The pending status means Bank of America has received your images and is verifying the information; the money is not yet available to spend.

Most checks clear and become available within one or two business days. Larger checks — generally over $5,000 — may take longer because the bank holds them for additional verification. Personal checks from other banks typically clear faster than business checks or checks from out-of-state banks.

If you need the money sooner, you can visit a Bank of America branch in person and deposit the physical check at a teller or ATM. In-person deposits at an ATM usually clear the next business day, and teller deposits may clear the same day depending on the time and check type.

Image Quality Requirements and Common Mistakes

The most common reason a mobile deposit is rejected is poor image quality. The app needs to read the routing number, account number, check number, and amount clearly. If the image is too dark, too blurry, or cuts off any of the corners, the bank will ask you to resubmit. Shadows across the check or glare from a window can also cause problems — move to a different spot with more even lighting and try again.

Do not crop the image or edit it in any way before submitting. The app captures the full check as you photograph it, and Bank of America's system is designed to read the standard check format. If you use a photo editor to zoom in or adjust the image, the bank's scanning software may not recognize it.

Write the check amount clearly in the designated field — do not rely on the app to read it from the check image. If the amount you enter does not match what is printed on the check, the deposit will be flagged for manual review and may be delayed or rejected. Double-check the number before you submit.

What to Do If Your Deposit Is Rejected

If the bank rejects your deposit, the app will show an error message explaining why — usually "image quality too low" or "check information could not be read." Delete the rejected deposit and try again with new photos. Make sure you are in a well-lit area, hold the check steady, and may support all four corners are in the frame.

If you receive the same error after several attempts, the check itself may be damaged, faded, or printed in a way the scanner cannot read. In that case, contact Bank of America customer service through the app or by phone to ask about depositing the check in person. You can also ask the person who wrote the check to issue a replacement.

Rejected deposits do not charge your account and do not affect your record. The check is not deposited, so you can try again when ready or use a different method.

Deposit Limits and Restrictions

Bank of America does not publish a single daily limit for mobile deposits — the limit depends on your account type and history with the bank. New accounts or accounts with limited transaction history may have lower limits than established accounts. The bank may also set different limits based on the check amount or the number of checks you deposit in one day.

To find your specific limit, open the Bank of America app and start the mobile deposit process. Before you submit, the app will show you how much you can deposit that day. If you need to deposit more than your limit allows, you can deposit multiple checks on different days, or visit a branch to deposit in person.

Certain types of checks cannot be deposited through mobile deposit, including checks made out to someone other than you, checks with "two-party" payees (made out to two people), checks that are post-dated (dated in the future), and checks that are older than six months. For these, you will need to visit a Bank of America branch or contact customer service.

Keeping Your Account find During Mobile Deposit

When you photograph a check, you are capturing sensitive information — the routing number, account number, and check number are all visible. Make sure you are in a private location when you take the photos, and do not leave the images in your phone's photo library longer than necessary. Once the deposit is submitted and clears, you can delete the photos.

Use a strong password for your Bank of America account and enable two-factor authentication if the bank offers it. This adds an extra layer of security so that even if someone learns your password, they cannot access your account without a second verification step. Check your account regularly for unauthorized activity.

After the deposit clears, keep the physical check in a safe place for 30 days, then shred it or dispose of it securely. Do not throw it in the trash where someone could retrieve it and try to deposit it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sign the back of the check before I photograph it?

No. Bank of America does not require you to sign the back of the check for mobile deposit. The bank's system processes the images without a signature. If you prefer to sign it for your own records, you can, but it is not necessary for the deposit to go through.

What if the check is torn or damaged?

If the check is torn but all the important information is still readable, try photographing it and submitting through the app. The bank will let you know if the image quality is too poor. If the check is severely damaged or missing pieces, contact Bank of America customer service or visit a branch to deposit it in person.

Can I deposit a check made out to two people?

No. Mobile deposit does not work for checks with two payees. You will need to visit a Bank of America branch and have both people endorse the check in front of a teller. Some banks allow this; others do not, so call ahead to confirm.

How long do I have to keep the physical check after I deposit it?

Keep the check for at least 30 days after the deposit clears. After that, you can shred it or dispose of it. If Bank of America contacts you about the deposit during that 30-day window, they may ask you to provide the original check for verification.

What if my deposit shows as pending but never clears?

Contact Bank of America customer service through the app or by phone. A pending deposit that does not clear within two business days is unusual and may indicate a problem with the check or your account. The bank can investigate and let you know what is holding up the deposit.