Hey there! Ever found yourself holding a check, wondering if you can just snap a pic with your phone and deposit it into your Bank of America account? You're not alone! Mobile deposits are incredibly convenient, but like anything banking-related, they come with certain rules and limits. One of the most common questions is, _ "How big of a check can you mobile deposit at Bank of America?"_
This isn't always a straightforward answer, as limits can vary based on several factors. But don't worry, we're going to break it all down for you, step by step, so you can confidently use Bank of America's mobile deposit feature.
Understanding Bank of America's Mobile Deposit Limits
While there isn't one universal number, Bank of America, like most banks, implements limits on mobile check deposits for security and risk management reasons. These limits can be influenced by:
- Account History: Newer accounts generally have lower limits than established ones.
- Account Type: Business accounts might have higher limits compared to personal checking or savings accounts.
- Customer Relationship: Long-term customers with good banking habits may have higher limits.
- Individual Review: Sometimes, for larger or unusual checks, Bank of America might perform an individual review, which could impact the immediate availability of funds.
Let's dive into the specifics and then walk through how to make a mobile deposit.
Step 1: Discover Your Personal Mobile Deposit Limit
Ready to find out your specific limit? This is the crucial first step, as it's personalized to your account.
Sub-heading: How to Check Your Limit Directly
The easiest and most accurate way to find your mobile deposit limit is through the Bank of America Mobile Banking app.
- Log In to the App: Open the Bank of America Mobile Banking app on your smartphone or tablet and log in securely.
- Initiate a Deposit (Without Completing It): Navigate to the "Deposit Checks" section. You might see an option that says "Deposit a Check" or similar.
- Look for the Limit Information: As you go through the initial steps (before taking a picture of your check), the app will typically display your daily and/or monthly mobile deposit limits. It's usually shown prominently on the screen where you enter the check amount. This is your definitive guide.
- Pro Tip: If you can't find it immediately, sometimes clicking on a "Help" or "Information" icon within the deposit screen will reveal these details.
Sub-heading: General Bank of America Mobile Deposit Limits (for context)
While your in-app limit is the most accurate, here are some general figures that have been reported for Bank of America, giving you a ballpark idea:
- For accounts open fewer than 90 days: Typically, the monthly limit can be around $2,500. Daily limits will be lower.
- For accounts open for more than 90 days: The monthly limit can increase to around $10,000.
- For Small Business Customers (after three months): Limits might go up to $15,000 per month.
- Remote Deposit Online (for businesses with higher volume): For larger businesses, a "Remote Deposit Online" service might be available with a daily deposit limit as high as $999,999.99. This is a specialized service, not the standard mobile app deposit.
It's crucial to remember that these are general guidelines and your actual limit might differ. Always verify within your app.
Step 2: Preparing Your Check for Mobile Deposit
Now that you know your limit, let's get that check ready! Proper preparation ensures a smooth and successful deposit.
Sub-heading: The All-Important Endorsement
This is perhaps the most critical step. Without proper endorsement, your deposit will likely be rejected.
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Sign Your Name: On the back of the check, in the endorsement area, sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line on the front of the check.
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Add "For Mobile Deposit Only at Bank of America": This is a crucial security measure. Directly below your signature, write or stamp this phrase. Some banks might accept "For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For Deposit Only," but adding your bank's name offers an extra layer of security and ensures the check isn't accidentally deposited elsewhere.
- Example Endorsement: Your Signature For Mobile Deposit Only at Bank of America
Sub-heading: Ensuring a Clear Picture
The success of your mobile deposit heavily relies on the quality of the images you submit.
- Good Lighting: Ensure the area where you're taking the picture is well-lit, but avoid direct glare that can obscure details.
- Flat Surface, Dark Background: Place the check on a flat, dark, non-reflective surface to create good contrast and prevent shadows.
- Four Corners Visible: Make sure all four corners of the check are within the frame of your camera.
- No Obstructions: Remove any objects that might be covering parts of the check.
- Focus: Ensure the image is in clear focus so all the numbers, routing, and account information are legible. The app often has an auto-capture feature that helps with this.
- No Stubs: Detach any check stubs or remittance advices from the check itself.
Step 3: Making the Mobile Deposit Through the App
You've got your limit, and your check is perfectly prepared. Time to make the magic happen!
- Open the Bank of America Mobile Banking App: Log in with your credentials.
- Navigate to "Deposit Checks": This option is usually prominent on the main dashboard or within the "Menu" section.
- Select the Account: Choose which Bank of America account you want the check deposited into (e.g., checking or savings).
- Enter the Check Amount: Carefully type in the exact dollar amount of the check. Double-check this for accuracy!
- Take Pictures of the Check:
- Front: The app will prompt you to take a picture of the front of the endorsed check. Position your phone directly over the check, ensuring it fills the frame. Many apps have a guide box or auto-capture feature.
- Back: Once the front is captured, the app will ask for the back of the check. Again, ensure your endorsement and all details are clear.
- Review and Confirm: Before submitting, the app will show you a summary of your deposit, including the account, amount, and the images. Verify everything is correct.
- Submit Your Deposit: Tap the "Submit" or "Deposit" button. You should receive an immediate confirmation that your deposit is processing.
Step 4: What Happens After You Deposit - Funds Availability and Holds
Submitting the deposit isn't the end of the process. Understanding when your funds will be available is crucial.
Sub-heading: Standard Funds Availability
- Generally Next Business Day: For most mobile deposits, Bank of America typically makes funds available by the next business day if the deposit is made before their daily cutoff time.
- Cutoff Times: Bank of America's mobile deposit cutoff time is usually 9:00 PM ET (for Eastern and Central time zones) or 8:00 PM PT (for Mountain and Pacific time zones) on business days. If you deposit after this time or on a weekend/holiday, the deposit will be considered made on the next business day.
Sub-heading: Potential Holds on Funds
While next-day availability is common, Bank of America may place a hold on your deposit for various reasons. This means you might not have immediate access to all the funds.
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Large Deposit Amounts: Checks exceeding a certain threshold (e.g., over $5,525, though this amount can vary) are more likely to have a hold placed on them.
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New Accounts: Accounts opened for less than 30 or 90 days are more susceptible to holds, even for smaller amounts.
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Repeated Overdrafts: If your account has been overdrawn frequently in the past six months, a hold might be applied.
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Suspected Fraud: If the bank has a reasonable cause to believe the check may not be paid (e.g., suspicious activity, a redeposited check), they can place a hold.
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Redeposited Checks: If a check has been previously returned unpaid and you're trying to deposit it again, a hold is very likely.
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International Checks: Checks from foreign banks are not typically eligible for mobile deposit and would require a different process, often with longer hold times.
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Important Note: If a hold is placed, Bank of America will notify you and tell you when the funds will be available. Funds subject to an extended hold will generally be available no later than the seventh business day after the day of your deposit.
Step 5: What to Do After a Successful Mobile Deposit
You've submitted your check, and received confirmation. Now what?
- Keep the Physical Check: Do not immediately destroy the check. Banks generally recommend keeping the physical check in a safe place for at least 14 days (two weeks) after you've confirmed the deposit has fully cleared and the funds are available in your account. This allows time for any potential issues to arise.
- Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your Bank of America account through the app or online banking to ensure the deposit posts correctly and the funds become available.
- Shred the Check (After Clearance): Once you've confirmed the funds are fully available and you're past the recommended holding period, shred the check to protect your financial information. Do not just throw it in the trash.
- Avoid Double Depositing: Never attempt to deposit the same check again, either through mobile deposit, at an ATM, or in person at a branch. This can lead to significant fees and complications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about Bank of America mobile deposits, with quick answers:
How to find my exact mobile deposit limit for Bank of America?
You can find your specific daily and monthly mobile deposit limits by logging into the Bank of America Mobile Banking app and navigating to the "Deposit Checks" section. The limit is usually displayed there before you proceed with the deposit.
How to endorse a check for Bank of America mobile deposit?
On the back of the check, sign your name and write "For Mobile Deposit Only at Bank of America" directly below your signature in the endorsement area.
How to ensure my mobile check deposit goes through smoothly?
Ensure excellent lighting, place the check on a dark, flat background, make sure all four corners are visible, and the image is in sharp focus. Properly endorse the check with "For Mobile Deposit Only at Bank of America."
How to check the status of a mobile deposit at Bank of America?
You can check the status of your mobile deposit by logging into your Bank of America Mobile Banking app and reviewing your account activity or deposit history. You should see the deposit listed, often with a "pending" or "completed" status.
How to deal with a rejected mobile deposit at Bank of America?
If your mobile deposit is rejected, Bank of America will usually send you a notification or email explaining the reason. Common reasons include improper endorsement or poor image quality. Correct the issue (if possible) or consider depositing the check at an ATM or financial center.
How to know when funds from a mobile deposit will be available?
For most Bank of America mobile deposits, funds are generally available the next business day if deposited before the daily cutoff time (9:00 PM ET). However, holds can apply, and you will be notified if your funds are subject to an extended hold.
How to increase my Bank of America mobile deposit limit?
Mobile deposit limits are typically set based on your account history and relationship with the bank. There isn't a direct way to "request" an increase. Over time, with consistent good banking behavior and an established account, your limits may automatically increase. For significant business needs, explore Bank of America's "Remote Deposit Online" service.
How to handle checks larger than my mobile deposit limit?
If your check exceeds your mobile deposit limit, you will need to deposit it at a Bank of America ATM or visit a Bank of America financial center in person.
How to avoid holds on my Bank of America mobile deposits?
To minimize the chance of holds, deposit checks well within your established limits, ensure they are properly endorsed and clear, and maintain a good banking history with Bank of America (avoiding frequent overdrafts).
How to find the daily cutoff time for Bank of America mobile deposits?
The daily cutoff time for Bank of America mobile deposits is typically 9:00 PM ET (Eastern Time) or 8:00 PM PT (Pacific Time) on business days. Deposits made after this time or on weekends/holidays will be processed on the next business day.