You can deposit a check through the Bank of America mobile app or website without visiting a branch
Bank of America's mobile check deposit feature lets you photograph the front and back of a check and submit it through the app. The bank processes the image and credits the funds to your account. You do not need to visit a branch, mail the check, or use an ATM. The whole process takes about two minutes.
The deposit appears in your account as pending when ready after you submit it. The funds become available for withdrawal within one business day in most cases, though some checks take longer depending on the amount and the check's origin.
Key Takeaways
- read the Bank of America mobile app or log into your online banking account to access mobile check deposit.
- You will need to photograph both the front and back of the check clearly, with all four corners visible in the frame.
- The deposit shows as pending right away, but funds typically become available within one business day.
- Bank of America limits the amount you can deposit per transaction and per day, and these limits vary by account type and history.
- If the image quality is poor or the check information is unreadable, the bank will reject the deposit and ask you to try again.
Steps to deposit a check through the mobile app
Open the Bank of America app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Select "Deposit a Check" or "Mobile Check Deposit" — the exact wording depends on your app version. The app will walk you through the process step by step.
Select the account where you want the funds to go. Take a photo of the front of the check, making sure all four corners are visible and the text is sharp and readable. The app will show you a preview. If the image looks clear, tap to confirm and move to the back of the check.
Photograph the back of the check the same way — all four corners in frame, text legible. Review the preview. Once both images are approved, the app will display the check amount and ask you to confirm the deposit. Tap to submit. You will see a confirmation number and a message that the deposit is pending.
After you submit, write "Mobile Deposit" and the date on the back of the physical check, then destroy it or file it for your records. Do not deposit the same check again through another method.
Depositing through Bank of America's website
Log into your Bank of America online banking account from a computer or mobile browser. Look for "Deposit a Check" or "Mobile Check Deposit" in the main menu or under account services. Click it to start.
The website version works the same way as the app: select your account, photograph the front and back of the check, review the images, and confirm the deposit. The website may require you to use your device's camera or upload images you have already taken. After submission, you will receive a confirmation number and see the deposit listed as pending in your account.
Deposit limits and timing
Bank of America sets daily and per-transaction limits on mobile check deposits. The limits depend on your account type, how long you have held the account, and your banking history. New accounts typically have lower limits than established ones. You can view your specific limits in the app or website before you submit a deposit.
A typical limit for established customers is $2,500 per transaction and $5,000 per day, but this varies. If your check exceeds your limit, you can deposit it at an ATM, through a branch, or by mail instead.
Funds from mobile check deposits usually become available within one business day. Some checks take longer — particularly those from out-of-state banks, checks for large amounts, or checks that are older than six months. Bank of America will notify you when the funds are available.
Image quality requirements and common rejection reasons
The bank's system reads the check images automatically, so image quality matters. The check must be photographed against a plain, well-lit background. Shadows, glare, or a tilted angle can cause the system to reject the image. All four corners of the check must be visible in the frame, and the text — especially the routing number, account number, and amount — must be sharp and readable.
The most common reason for rejection is poor lighting or glare on the check surface. Take the photo in natural light or under a lamp, and avoid photographing the check on a shiny surface. If the app rejects your image, try again with better lighting or a steadier hand. You can attempt the same check multiple times.
Checks that are damaged, torn, or have writing over the routing or account numbers may also be rejected. If your check is damaged, contact the person or organization that issued it and ask for a replacement.
What happens after you submit the deposit
The deposit appears in your account as pending within minutes of submission. You can see it listed in your transaction history with a pending status. The funds are not yet available to withdraw, but the bank has received and is processing the image.
Within one business day, the status changes to posted and the funds become available. You can then withdraw the money, transfer it, or use it to pay bills. If the funds do not appear within two business days, contact Bank of America customer service through the app, website, or by phone.
Bank of America keeps a record of the images you submitted. You can view your deposit history in the app or website under recent transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the mobile check deposit is rejected?
The app will tell you why — usually poor image quality, unreadable text, or a corner of the check missing from the frame. Take a new photo with better lighting and make sure all four corners are visible. If the check itself is damaged or illegible, contact the issuer for a replacement check.
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 also on the account. If the check is made out to someone else, that person must endorse it to you, and you will likely need to deposit it in person at a branch.
How long does it take for the money to show up?
The deposit shows as pending when ready after you submit it. The funds usually become available within one business day. Checks from out-of-state banks or for amounts over a certain threshold may take longer — up to five business days in some cases.
Can I deposit a check that is more than six months old?
Bank of America may reject checks that are older than six months. The bank considers these stale-dated. If your check is older than six months, contact the issuer and ask for a replacement check with a current date.
What if I accidentally deposit the same check twice?
Contact Bank of America when ready. The bank can see both deposits in your history and will reverse the duplicate. Depositing the same check twice is considered fraud, so report it right away to avoid problems with your account.