Do you have a check that needs depositing but dread the thought of going to a physical bank or ATM? Good news! If you're a Bank of America customer with an iPhone, you can conveniently deposit checks from the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere you have an internet connection. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful mobile deposit experience.
Depositing a Check with Your iPhone at Bank of America: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let's turn that paper check into digital funds!
How To Deposit A Check At Bank Of America With Iphone |
Step 1: Get Your Tools Ready (and Engage!)
First things first, let's make sure you're properly equipped. Do you have your iPhone handy and the Bank of America Mobile Banking app installed? If not, head over to the Apple App Store and search for "Bank of America Mobile Banking." Download and install it. It's free and essential for this process.
- What you'll need:
- Your iPhone (updated to a recent iOS version).
- A stable internet connection (Wi-Fi is recommended for larger deposits or to save data).
- The Bank of America Mobile Banking app (ensure it's the latest version).
- The physical check you wish to deposit.
- A pen (for endorsing the check).
- A well-lit area with a dark, flat surface.
Step 2: Prepare Your Check for Mobile Deposit
This is a crucial step that many people overlook! Proper endorsement helps ensure your deposit goes through without a hitch.
- Endorsement is Key: Flip your check over to the back. In the endorsement area (usually a line or box), you must 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": Immediately below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For Deposit Only at Bank of America." This is a critical security measure that tells the bank the check is intended for mobile deposit and prevents it from being cashed elsewhere if the physical check falls into the wrong hands. Some checks even have a pre-printed box to check for mobile deposits – if yours does, check it and then sign below it.
Step 3: Log In to the Bank of America Mobile Banking App
With your check endorsed, it's time to open the app and begin the digital process.
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- Open the App: Tap the Bank of America icon on your iPhone's home screen.
- Log In Securely: Enter your User ID and Passcode. If you have Face ID or Touch ID enabled, you can use those for a quicker login. Always ensure you are on a secure and trusted network when logging into your banking app.
Step 4: Initiate the Deposit Process
Once logged in, navigating to the deposit feature is straightforward.
- Find "Deposit Checks": Look for a prominent "Deposit Checks" option. It's usually found on the main dashboard, or within the "Menu" (often represented by three horizontal lines or dots). Tap on it.
- Acknowledge Terms (First-Time Users): If this is your first time using mobile deposit, you might be asked to review and acknowledge terms and conditions. Read them carefully and accept to proceed.
Step 5: Capture Images of Your Check
This is where your iPhone's camera comes into play! The app will guide you through taking pictures of both the front and back of your endorsed check.
- Front of Check:
- Tap "Front of Check."
- Place your endorsed check on a flat, dark surface in a well-lit area. This contrast helps the app capture a clear image.
- Hold your iPhone directly above the check, ensuring all four corners are visible within the frame.
- The app will often automatically detect the edges of the check and take the picture for you. If not, tap the camera icon.
- Tip: Avoid shadows, glare, or wrinkled checks. A blurry image will likely be rejected.
- Back of Check:
- Once the front is captured, the app will prompt you to capture the back. Tap "Back of Check."
- Flip the check over, ensuring your endorsement ("For Mobile Deposit Only" and signature) is clearly visible.
- Repeat the process of holding your iPhone directly over the check until the app captures the image, or you manually snap it.
Step 6: Enter Deposit Details
After successfully capturing both images, you'll need to confirm the deposit amount and select the destination account.
- Select Account: Tap "Select account" and choose the Bank of America checking or savings account where you want the funds deposited.
- Enter Amount: Tap "Enter Amount" and carefully type in the exact dollar amount of the check. Double-check this! A mismatch will cause the deposit to be rejected. Be sure to include both dollars and cents (e.g., 123.45).
Step 7: Review and Submit Your Deposit
You're almost there! A final review ensures accuracy.
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- Review Details: The app will display a summary of your deposit: the account, the amount, and the images of the front and back of the check. Take a moment to verify everything is correct.
- Submit: If all details are accurate, tap "Submit" (or a similar button like "Make Deposit").
Step 8: Confirmation and What Happens Next
Congratulations! Your mobile check deposit is now submitted.
- Immediate Confirmation: You'll receive an immediate on-screen confirmation that your deposit is processing. This confirmation often includes a confirmation number. It's a good idea to jot this number down or take a screenshot for your records.
- Email Confirmation: Bank of America will also typically send you an email confirmation once your deposit has been received and is being processed.
- Funds Availability: Mobile check deposits are subject to verification and are not always available for immediate withdrawal.
- Generally, funds deposited before 9:00 p.m. ET (or 8:00 p.m. PT) on a business day will be available the next business day.
- Deposits made after the cut-off time, or on weekends/holidays, will typically be processed on the next business day.
- Holds: Bank of America may place a hold on your deposit for various reasons (e.g., large check amount, new account, suspicious activity). If a hold is placed, the app will notify you, and you'll often receive an email or mail notification with the expected availability date.
Step 9: Securely Store and Dispose of Your Check
Even after a successful mobile deposit, your physical check still holds importance for a short period.
- Hold Onto It: It's highly recommended to securely store the physical check for at least 14 days after the deposit. This allows time for the deposit to fully clear and for Bank of America to request the physical check if there are any issues.
- Mark It: Write "Deposited" and the date on the front of the check to avoid accidentally attempting to deposit it again.
- Destroy It: After 14 days and once you've confirmed the funds are fully available in your account, shred the check. Do not just tear it up – ensure the account and routing numbers are unreadable to prevent fraud.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check the status of my mobile check deposit?
You can check the status of your mobile check deposit by logging into the Bank of America Mobile Banking app and navigating to your account activity. The deposit should appear with a "pending" or "processing" status until it's fully cleared.
How to find my mobile check deposit limits?
Your mobile check deposit limits (daily and monthly) are typically displayed within the Bank of America Mobile Banking app when you are in the process of entering the check amount. Limits can vary based on your account type and relationship with the bank.
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How to endorse a check for mobile deposit?
To endorse a check for mobile deposit, sign your name on the back of the check in the endorsement area and immediately below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For Deposit Only at Bank of America."
How to ensure a clear photo of my check for mobile deposit?
To ensure a clear photo, place the check on a flat, dark, non-reflective surface in a well-lit area. Hold your iPhone directly above the check, ensuring all four corners are within the frame and there are no shadows or glares.
How to troubleshoot if my mobile deposit is rejected?
If your mobile deposit is rejected, first check the common issues: blurry image, missing endorsement, incorrect amount entered, or folded/damaged check. Re-attempt the deposit, ensuring all conditions are met. If it continues to be rejected, you may need to visit a financial center or ATM.
How to get a confirmation of my mobile deposit?
You'll receive an instant on-screen confirmation within the app after submitting your deposit, often with a confirmation number. Bank of America will also send an email confirmation to the email address on file.
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How to deal with a hold on my mobile check deposit?
If a hold is placed on your mobile check deposit, the app will notify you, and you'll typically receive an email or mail detailing the hold and when the funds are expected to be available. Holds are common for larger amounts or certain types of checks.
How to know when my mobile deposited funds will be available?
Funds from mobile check deposits made before 9:00 p.m. ET (or 8:00 p.m. PT) on a business day are generally available the next business day. Deposits made after this cutoff or on non-business days will be processed the next business day.
How to avoid mobile check deposit issues?
To avoid issues, always endorse your check correctly ("For Mobile Deposit Only"), ensure clear and well-lit photos of both sides, double-check the entered amount, and verify your internet connection is stable.
How to dispose of a check after mobile deposit?
After confirming the funds are fully available (typically after 14 days), securely dispose of the physical check by shredding it. Do not just tear it up; ensure sensitive information like account and routing numbers are destroyed.