Bank of America's Mobile Check Deposit Works Through the Mobile App
Bank of America lets you deposit checks using your phone or computer without visiting a branch. You photograph the front and back of the check, submit it through the Bank of America mobile app or website, and the funds appear in your account within one to two business days. The process takes about two minutes once you have the app installed and are signed in.
This feature is called Mobile Check Deposit and is built into the Bank of America mobile app. You do not need special equipment or a separate service — just your phone's camera and an active Bank of America checking or savings account.
Key Takeaways
- You photograph both sides of the check using the Bank of America mobile app, and the deposit posts within one to two business days.
- The check must be made payable to you, have a valid routing and account number printed at the bottom, and not be post-dated or altered.
- Bank of America limits mobile check deposits to $2,500 per check and $5,000 per day, though these limits may vary by account type.
- After you submit the deposit, you should write "deposited" and the date on the back of the physical check, then keep it for 30 days before destroying it.
- If the deposit is rejected, Bank of America sends a notification through the app explaining why — usually because the image was blurry or the check was damaged.
What You Need Before You Start
You need a smartphone or computer with internet access, the Bank of America mobile app (or access to the website), and an active Bank of America deposit account. The app is free and works on iPhone and Android devices. If you use a computer, you can deposit through the Bank of America website instead of the app.
The check itself must be made payable to you, have a valid routing number and account number printed at the bottom in magnetic ink, and not be post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), or visibly damaged or altered. Bank of America will reject checks that do not meet these requirements.
Step-by-Step Process for Mobile App Deposits
Open the Bank of America mobile app and sign in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then select "Deposit a Check." Choose the account you want to deposit into — this matters if you have multiple accounts.
Photograph the front of the check in good lighting. The app will show you a frame; position the check so all four corners and all text are visible and in focus. Take the photo. Then flip the check over and photograph the back the same way. The app will review both images and tell you if they are clear enough.
Review the check amount that appears on the screen — the app reads it automatically. If the amount is wrong, you can correct it by hand. Enter any additional information the app requests, then submit the deposit. You will see a confirmation number on the screen; write this down or take a screenshot.
Deposits Through the Bank of America Website
If you prefer to use a computer, go to bankofamerica.com and sign in. Click "Deposit a Check" under the Transfers & Payments section. Select the account you want to deposit into, then upload photos of the front and back of the check from your computer. The process is the same as the app — the system reads the amount, you confirm it, and you submit.
Website deposits work the same way as app deposits and post within the same timeframe. Some people find the website easier if they want to use a scanner instead of a phone camera, though Bank of America also accepts phone photos uploaded from a computer.
Deposit Limits and How Long Funds Take to Appear
Bank of America limits each mobile check deposit to $2,500 per check and $5,000 per calendar day. These limits explore to the total of all deposits you make in a single day across all your accounts. Some account types have different limits — for example, business accounts may have higher daily limits — so check your account details if you regularly deposit large checks.
Funds from a mobile check deposit usually appear in your account within one to two business days. Bank of America places a hold on the funds while they verify the check, then releases them once verification is complete. If you deposit on a Friday evening, the funds typically appear by Monday or Tuesday. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.
What Happens If Your Deposit Is Rejected
If Bank of America cannot process your deposit, you will receive a notification in the app explaining why. Common reasons include blurry or incomplete photos, a check that is damaged or altered, a check that is post-dated or stale-dated, or a check that does not have a valid routing number. The notification tells you which problem occurred.
If the image is the problem, you can retake the photos and resubmit. If the check itself is the problem — for example, it is post-dated or damaged — you cannot deposit it through mobile check deposit. You will need to visit a Bank of America branch in person or contact the person or business who issued the check to request a new one.
What to Do With the Physical Check After You Deposit It
After you submit the deposit, write "deposited" and the date on the back of the check in pen. Do not deposit the same check twice — Bank of America's system is designed to catch duplicate deposits, but it is your responsibility not to submit it again.
Keep the physical check for at least 30 days. If a problem arises with the deposit — for example, if the bank later determines the check was fraudulent — Bank of America may ask you to produce the original check. After 30 days, you can safely destroy the check by shredding it or tearing it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?
No. Bank of America requires that the check be made payable to you. If the check is made out to another person, they must deposit it themselves or sign it over to you with their signature on the back, though many banks no longer accept third-party checks.
What if the photo is blurry or the check is cut off?
The app will tell you the image is not clear enough and will not let you submit. Retake the photo in better lighting and make sure all four corners of the check and all printed text are visible. If you are having trouble, try a different background or angle.
Does Bank of America charge a fee for mobile check deposit?
No. Mobile check deposit is free for all Bank of America customers with a checking or savings account. There are no per-deposit fees or monthly charges for using this feature.
Can I deposit a check that is post-dated?
No. Bank of America will reject a post-dated check (one dated in the future). You must wait until the date on the check arrives before you can deposit it. Attempting to deposit a post-dated check before that date may also create legal problems.
How do I know if my deposit went through?
The app shows a confirmation number when ready after you submit. You can also check your account balance in the app — the deposit will show as pending within a few minutes, then clear within one to two business days. If you do not see it pending after an hour, contact Bank of America to confirm it was received.