How to Deposit a Check Online with Bank of America

What You Need to Do to Deposit a Check Online

Bank of America lets you deposit a check using your phone or computer through a feature called Mobile Check Deposit. You photograph the front and back of the check with your phone's camera, the bank processes the image, and the money appears in your account within one to two business days. You do not mail the check or visit a branch.

The process takes about two minutes. You will need the Bank of America mobile app (or online banking on a computer), your account number, and the physical check itself. After you submit the deposit, Bank of America sends you a confirmation number. You should keep the check for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it, then destroy it.

Key Takeaways

• Mobile Check Deposit works through the Bank of America app on your phone or through online banking on a computer.
• You photograph both sides of the check clearly and submit the images; the bank does not need the physical check mailed in.
• The money usually shows up in your account within one to two business days, though it may take longer on weekends or holidays.
• There are daily and monthly limits on how much you can deposit this way, and the limits depend on your account type.
• You should keep the original check for 30 days after depositing it, then shred or destroy it.

How to Deposit a Check Using the Mobile App

Open the Bank of America app and sign in to your account. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then select "Deposit a Check" or look under the "Transfers" section. The app will ask you which account you want to deposit the check into.

Lay the check on a flat surface with good lighting. Take a photo of the front of the check, making sure the entire check is visible and the image is clear. The app will show you a preview. If the photo is blurry or cut off, retake it. Then photograph the back of the check the same way. After both images are uploaded, review them on the screen to confirm they are readable, then tap "Submit" or "Deposit".

The app will give you a confirmation number and tell you when the money should appear in your account. Write down or screenshot this confirmation number. You will need it if you have questions about the deposit later.

How to Deposit a Check Using Online Banking on a Computer

Log into your Bank of America account at bankofamerica.com. Click on "Transfers" or "Move Money," then look for "Deposit a Check" or "Mobile Check Deposit." Select the account you want to deposit into.

The website will ask you to upload images of the front and back of the check. You can use a scanner, a phone camera, or a webcam if your computer has one. Click "Choose File" or "Upload" and select the image of the front of the check from your device, then do the same for the back. Make sure both images are clear and show the entire check.

Review the images on screen, then click "Submit" or "Deposit." You will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number and the original check for your records.

Daily and Monthly Deposit Limits

Bank of America sets limits on how much you can deposit through Mobile Check Deposit in a single day and in a calendar month. These limits vary depending on your account type and how long you have been a customer. A new customer might have a lower daily limit than someone who has banked with Bank of America for several years.

You can find your specific limits by opening the mobile app, going to the deposit screen, and looking for "Limits" or "Your Limits." If you need to deposit more than your limit allows, you can make multiple deposits on different days, or you can visit a branch or ATM to deposit the check in person. Contact Bank of America customer service if you want to request a higher limit.

When the Money Will Show Up in Your Account

After you submit the deposit, Bank of America usually makes the funds available within one to two business days. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If you deposit a check on Friday evening, the money may not appear until Tuesday or Wednesday.

In some cases, the bank may hold the check longer — for example, if the image is unclear, if the check amount is very large, or if there is a problem with the check itself. If this happens, Bank of America will contact you. The confirmation email or notification you receive will tell you the expected deposit date.

What to Do with the Check After You Deposit It

Do not throw away the original check when ready. Keep it for at least 30 days after you submit the mobile deposit. If Bank of America needs to verify the deposit or if there is a problem, they may ask you to provide the original check or confirm details about it.

After 30 days have passed and you have confirmed the money is in your account, you should destroy the check. Write "DEPOSITED" across the front in large letters, then shred it or tear it into pieces. Do not throw an undefaced check in the trash, because the account number and routing number are printed on it.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the app rejects your images, the most common reason is that the photos are blurry, too dark, or cut off at the edges. Make sure you are in a well-lit area, hold the phone steady, and frame the check so the entire front and back are visible with a small border of white space around the edges. Try again with new photos.

If the deposit does not show up after two business days, check your confirmation number and log into your account to see if the deposit is listed as "pending" or "processing." If it shows as submitted but the money has not arrived, contact Bank of America customer service with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the check is still being processed or if there is a problem.

If you receive an error message saying you have reached your daily or monthly limit, you will need to wait until the next day or next month to deposit another check, or you can deposit the check in person at a branch or ATM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check that is made out to someone else?

No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person whose name is on the account. If the check is made out to someone else, you cannot deposit it through Mobile Check Deposit. You would need to have that person sign the back and go to a branch in person.

What if the check is damaged or torn?

If the check is torn or damaged but still readable, try taking clear photos of both sides and submit them. Bank of America may accept it. If the check is too damaged to read clearly, you will need to contact the person or company who issued the check and ask them to issue a new one.

Do I need to endorse the check before I take a photo?

No. You do not need to sign the back of the check before depositing it through Mobile Check Deposit. Bank of America's system does not require your signature on the check itself. You should still keep the original check for 30 days in case the bank needs to verify it.

Can I deposit a check that is post-dated?

Bank of America's system may reject a post-dated check (one dated in the future). If you try to deposit a check dated tomorrow or next week, the app may not let you submit it. Contact Bank of America customer service or wait until the check's date arrives before depositing it.

What happens if the check bounces after I deposit it?

If the check bounces, Bank of America will remove the funds from your account and charge you a returned check fee. You will be notified by email or through your account. Contact the person or company who issued the check to find out why it bounced and ask them to issue a new check or pay you another way.