It's 2025, and who has time for trips to the bank just to deposit a check? Gone are the days of waiting in line, filling out deposit slips, and battling traffic. With Bank of America's mobile check deposit feature, you can turn your smartphone into a personal banking center, making deposits anytime, anywhere. It's incredibly convenient, secure, and surprisingly simple!
Ready to ditch the traditional banking routine and embrace the ease of mobile deposits? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Are You Ready for Mobile Deposit? (Engage!)
Before we begin this convenient journey, let's make sure you're all set up. Do you have your smartphone handy? Great! Now, ask yourself:
- Do you have the Bank of America Mobile Banking App? This is the absolute first and most crucial step! If not, head over to your device's app store (App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android) and download it. It's free and your gateway to effortless banking.
- Do you have a Bank of America checking, savings, or Merrill investment account? Mobile check deposit is available for these accounts.
- Is your check properly endorsed? This is often overlooked but critically important. More on this in Step 3!
- Do you have good lighting and a flat, dark surface? These elements will ensure clear photos of your check, making the process smoother.
If you answered "yes" to these questions, you're ready to unlock the power of mobile check deposit! If not, take a moment to get everything in order, and then come back to continue your seamless banking experience.
Step 2: Logging In and Finding the Deposit Feature
Now that you're prepared, let's get you into the app and to the right place.
Navigating the Bank of America Mobile App
- Open the Bank of America Mobile Banking App: Tap on the blue Bank of America icon on your smartphone.
- Log In Securely: You'll be prompted to enter your User ID and Passcode. If you have Touch ID or Face ID enabled, you can use those for a quicker, more secure login. Always ensure you're on a secure network when accessing your banking app.
- Locate "Deposit Checks": Once logged in, you'll typically see a menu or quick access options. Look for an option labeled "Deposit Checks" or something similar. This might be on the main dashboard, within a "Transfers" or "Deposits" section, or accessible through a menu icon (often three horizontal lines).
- Pro Tip: Many users find the "Deposit Checks" option readily available on the bottom navigation bar of the app.
- Alternative: You can also use the Erica® virtual assistant. Simply tap the Erica icon and type or say "Deposit a check."
Step 3: Endorsing Your Check - Don't Skip This!
This is where many people make a mistake that can delay their deposit. Proper endorsement is vital!
The Endorsement Essentials
- Sign Your Name: On the back of the check, within the endorsement area (usually a few lines at the top), sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line on the front of the check.
- Add "For Mobile Deposit Only": Beneath your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For BofA Mobile Deposit Only." This crucial phrase helps prevent fraud and ensures the check is processed correctly for mobile deposit. Without it, your deposit may be rejected.
- Some checks may even have a pre-printed box to check for mobile deposit; if so, make sure to check it and then sign.
Think of it this way: This endorsement tells the bank that you intend for this check to be deposited via the app, not cashed or deposited in person.
Step 4: Capturing Clear Images of Your Check
This is the "photo shoot" portion of your deposit, and clarity is key! The app is designed to guide you through this, often auto-capturing the images when the conditions are right.
Tips for Perfect Pictures
- Prepare Your Check: Lay your endorsed check flat on a dark, contrasting background. This helps the app's camera detect the edges of the check clearly. Avoid patterned or reflective surfaces.
- Good Lighting is Your Friend: Ensure the area is well-lit, but avoid direct overhead lights that create shadows or glare. Natural, even light is best.
- Position Your Device: Hold your smartphone directly above the check, not at an angle. Make sure all four corners of the check are visible within the camera frame.
- Capture the Front: The app will prompt you to take a picture of the front of the check. It often has an auto-capture feature that takes the photo once it detects the check clearly. If not, tap the camera icon to capture it manually.
- Verify: A green checkmark or confirmation usually appears to indicate a successful capture.
- Capture the Back: Follow the same process for the back of the check, ensuring your endorsement is clearly visible.
Troubleshooting Image Issues:
- Blurry Images: If the image is blurry, retake it. Ensure your phone is steady and in focus.
- Missing Corners: Make sure the entire check is within the frame.
- Glare/Shadows: Adjust your lighting or position to eliminate these.
- "Cannot read data" or "Unrecognized check": This often means the photo isn't clear enough, especially the MICR line (numbers at the bottom of the check). Try again with better lighting and a steady hand.
Step 5: Entering Deposit Details
Once you have clear images, the app will guide you to confirm the deposit details.
Confirming Your Deposit
- Select Deposit Account: Choose the Bank of America checking or savings account where you want the funds to be deposited. If you have multiple accounts, be sure to select the correct one.
- Enter the Amount: Carefully enter the exact dollar amount of the check. Double-check this! A mismatch can lead to processing delays or rejection. The app may even try to auto-detect the amount, but always verify it.
- Review and Confirm: The app will present a summary of your deposit, including the account, the amount, and possibly images of the check. Take a moment to review all the details for accuracy. This is your last chance to catch any errors.
Step 6: Submitting Your Deposit and Confirmation
You're almost there! The final step is to submit your deposit.
The Final Stretch
- Tap "Submit": Once you've reviewed everything and are confident it's correct, tap the "Submit" button.
- Receive Confirmation: You'll typically receive an immediate on-screen confirmation that your deposit is processing. Bank of America will also usually send you an email confirmation that they've received your deposit. This email is important to keep as a record.
- Keep Your Check Safe: Do NOT immediately discard your physical check! Bank of America recommends keeping the original check in a secure place for a minimum of 14 calendar days after your mobile deposit. This allows time for the deposit to fully clear and for you to retrieve the check if there are any issues. After this period, you should shred or destroy the check to protect your information.
Step 7: Understanding Funds Availability
Once you've made your deposit, you'll naturally want to know when your money will be available.
Deposit Holds and Cutoff Times
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Cutoff Times: Bank of America has cutoff times for mobile deposits. Generally, if you deposit a check before the cutoff time on a business day (e.g., 9:00 p.m. ET for Eastern/Central time zones or 8:00 p.m. PT for Mountain/Pacific time zones), it will be considered deposited on that day and usually available the next business day. Deposits made after the cutoff time or on a weekend/holiday will be processed on the next business day.
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Typical Availability: For most standard checks, the first $225 of your deposit may be available the next business day, with the remaining funds available on the second business day.
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Extended Holds: Be aware that Bank of America (like all banks) can place extended holds on deposits for various reasons, such as:
- Large deposit amounts (often exceeding $5,525).
- New accounts (typically within the first 30 days).
- Reasonable cause to believe the check may be uncollectible (e.g., suspected fraud, redeposited checks).
- Checks from international banks.
- Accounts that have been repeatedly overdrawn.
- If a hold is placed, the bank is usually required to notify you of the reason and the expected availability date. You can check your app or online banking for the status of your deposit.
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Always check your Bank of America Deposit Account Agreement for the most specific and up-to-date information on their funds availability policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about depositing checks online with Bank of America:
How to find the Bank of America Mobile Banking app?
You can find the Bank of America Mobile Banking app in your device's app store (Apple App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android) by searching for "Bank of America Mobile Banking" or "Bank of America."
How to properly endorse a check for mobile deposit?
On the back of the check, sign your name as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line, and below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For BofA Mobile Deposit Only."
How to take a good picture of my check for mobile deposit?
Place your check on a flat, dark, contrasting surface in good, even lighting. Hold your phone directly above the check, ensuring all four corners are visible within the frame. The app will often auto-capture when the image is clear.
How to check if my mobile deposit was successful?
You'll receive an immediate on-screen confirmation in the app, and Bank of America will also send an email confirmation to your registered email address once the deposit is received and processing. You can also view the deposit status in your account history within the app.
How to know when my deposited funds will be available?
Generally, funds from mobile deposits made before the cutoff time on a business day are available the next business day. However, holds can apply for various reasons. Check your app's deposit details or Bank of America's funds availability policy for specifics.
How to find the cutoff time for mobile deposits?
Bank of America's cutoff times for mobile deposits are typically 9:00 p.m. ET for Eastern and Central time zones, and 8:00 p.m. PT for Mountain and Pacific time zones on a business day.
How to handle a check after depositing it via mobile?
Keep the physical check in a secure place for at least 14 calendar days after your mobile deposit. After this period, you should shred or otherwise destroy the check to protect your financial information.
How to increase my mobile check deposit limit?
Mobile check deposit limits are typically set by Bank of America based on your account history and relationship. If you require a higher limit, you may need to contact Bank of America customer service directly to discuss your options.
How to troubleshoot if my mobile deposit is rejected?
If your mobile deposit is rejected, review the reasons provided by the app or email. Common reasons include blurry images, improper endorsement, or mismatched amounts. Retake the photos with better lighting and proper endorsement, and ensure the amount entered matches the check. If issues persist, contact Bank of America customer service.
How to get help if I have problems with mobile check deposit?
You can contact Bank of America customer service via phone (800.432.1000 for Mobile Banking support), through the messaging feature in the app, or by scheduling an appointment at a financial center. The app's help section also provides useful troubleshooting tips and FAQs.
