How to Deposit a Check Online With Bank of America

Bank of America's mobile check deposit works through their mobile app

Bank of America lets you deposit checks using their mobile app on your phone instead of visiting a branch or ATM. You photograph the front and back of the check, and the bank processes it without you handing over the physical check. The deposit usually shows in your account within one business day, though the funds may not be available to withdraw when ready depending on the check amount and your account history.

You need a Bank of America checking or savings account, the mobile app installed on your phone, and a valid check made out to you or to you and another person. The check must be in good condition — not torn, faded, or altered — and you must be able to photograph both sides clearly.

Key Takeaways

• Open the Bank of America mobile app, go to Deposit, and photograph both the front and back of the check in good lighting.
• The app will read the check amount and routing information automatically, but you must verify all details match the physical check before submitting.
• Most deposits post within one business day, but the funds may be held for several days depending on the check amount and your account type.
• You must keep the physical check for at least 30 days after the bank confirms the deposit, then destroy it by tearing or shredding.
• Some checks cannot be deposited online, including checks over $10,000, checks not in English, and checks that are post-dated or stale-dated.

Step-by-step process for photographing and submitting a check

Start by opening the Bank of America mobile app and signing in to your account. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select "Deposit a Check" or look for a deposit option in the main menu. The app will ask you which account you want to deposit into — select the checking or savings account where you want the money to go.

Place the check on a flat, well-lit surface. Use your phone's camera to photograph the front of the check, making sure the entire check is visible and in focus. The app will show you a preview and ask you to confirm the image is clear. Take a second photo of the back of the check using the same method. Bank of America's app automatically reads the check amount and routing number from your photos, but you should verify these numbers match the physical check before you proceed.

Review the deposit amount one more time, then tap "Submit" or "Confirm Deposit." The app will show you a confirmation number and tell you when the deposit should post to your account. Take a screenshot of this confirmation or write down the confirmation number in case you need to reference it later.

When the money becomes available after you deposit

Bank of America typically posts mobile check deposits within one business day of submission. However, the funds may not be available to withdraw or transfer when ready. The bank places a hold on the deposit based on the check amount and your account history. For checks under $200, the hold is usually one business day. For checks between $200 and $5,000, the hold is typically two to five business days. Checks over $5,000 may have longer holds.

If you have a newer account or a history of returned checks, Bank of America may hold the deposit longer than the standard timeframe. You can see the expected availability date in the app after you submit the deposit. If you need the money urgently, you can visit a branch or ATM to deposit the physical check instead, which may result in faster availability.

What to do with the physical check after you deposit it online

Do not deposit the physical check anywhere else after you submit it through the mobile app. Keep the original check in a safe place for at least 30 days after Bank of America confirms the deposit. During this time, the bank is processing the check and verifying the funds. If something goes wrong — such as the check bouncing or the image being unclear — the bank may contact you and ask you to provide the physical check.

After 30 days have passed and the deposit has fully posted, destroy the physical check by tearing it into pieces or shredding it. Write "DEPOSITED" across the front of the check before destroying it, as an extra precaution against accidental re-deposit. Do not throw the check in the trash intact, as it contains your account information and the payer's information.

Checks that cannot be deposited through the mobile app

Bank of America will not accept certain checks through mobile deposit. Checks over $10,000 must be deposited in person at a branch. Checks written in a language other than English cannot be deposited online. Post-dated checks (checks dated in the future) and stale-dated checks (checks more than six months old) are not accepted. Checks that are torn, faded, or have writing or marks covering important information will be rejected by the app.

If a check is made out to two people with "and" between the names, both people must be present to deposit it in person at a branch. If the check is made out with "or" between two names, either person can deposit it. Checks made out to a business or organization cannot be deposited into a personal account. If you receive a check that does not meet these requirements, you will need to visit a Bank of America branch to deposit it.

Troubleshooting common mobile deposit problems

If the app rejects your photos, the image quality is usually the problem. Make sure you are in good lighting — natural daylight or bright indoor lighting works best. Avoid shadows across the check, and hold your phone steady so the image is in focus. The entire check must be visible in the frame, including all four corners. If the check is wrinkled or bent, smooth it out before photographing.

If the app cannot read the check amount or routing number, try taking the photos again with better lighting or a steadier hand. Some older checks or checks printed with faint ink may be difficult for the app to read. If the app continues to reject the check after multiple attempts, the check may not be may be able to access for mobile deposit, or you may need to visit a branch.

If your deposit does not appear in your account after two business days, log into the app and check the status of your deposit. The app will show whether the deposit is pending, posted, or rejected. If the deposit was rejected, the app will explain why and tell you what to do next. If the deposit is still pending after three business days, contact Bank of America customer service through the app or by phone.

Deposit limits and frequency restrictions

Bank of America does not publish a specific daily limit for mobile check deposits, but the bank may restrict deposits if you submit an unusually high number in a short period. If you regularly deposit large checks or multiple checks per day, contact Bank of America to discuss your account and any limits that may explore. Business accounts may have different limits than personal accounts.

There is no stated limit on how many checks you can deposit per day through the mobile app, but submitting more than five or six checks at once may trigger a review. If the bank suspects fraud or unusual activity, they may temporarily disable mobile deposit on your account and ask you to verify your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to destroy the check right after the deposit posts?

No. You must keep the physical check for at least 30 days after the bank confirms the deposit, but you do not have to destroy it when ready after that period ends. However, do not keep the check longer than necessary, as it contains sensitive financial information. Destroy it within a few days of the 30-day mark by shredding or tearing it into pieces.

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?

No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If the check is made out to someone else entirely, that person must deposit it themselves. If the check is made out to two people with "and" between the names, both people must be involved in the deposit, which requires going to a branch in person.

What happens if the check bounces after I deposit it online?

Bank of America will reverse the deposit and remove the funds from your account. If you already spent the money, your account may go negative and you could be charged an overdraft fee. The bank will notify you of the returned check, and you will need to contact the person who wrote the check to ask them to resubmit it or provide a different payment method.

Can I deposit a check if I do not have a smartphone?

No. Mobile check deposit requires the Bank of America mobile app, which runs on smartphones only. If you do not have a smartphone, you can deposit checks at a Bank of America ATM that has mobile deposit capability, or you can visit a branch in person. Call Bank of America or visit their website to find an ATM or branch near you.

How long does it take for a mobile check deposit to show up in my account?

The deposit usually posts within one business day, meaning it will appear in your account balance by the next business day. However, the funds may not be available to withdraw for several days depending on the check amount. You can see the expected availability date in the app after you submit the deposit.