Whether you've just received a birthday check from Grandma or a reimbursement from a friend, depositing a check into your Bank of America account is a common and straightforward task. But how do you do it? Don't worry, we're here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your funds land safely in your account. Let's dive in!
Your Comprehensive Guide to Depositing a Check with Bank of America
Bank of America offers several convenient ways to deposit a check, catering to different preferences and situations. We'll cover the most popular methods: using the mobile banking app, an ATM, or visiting a financial center.
Step 1: Getting Ready – The Crucial First Actions!
Before you even think about handing over that check or snapping a picture, there are a few vital preparation steps. Don't skip these, as they're essential for a smooth and successful deposit!
Sub-heading 1.1: Endorse Your Check Properly
This is perhaps the most critical step. An unendorsed check is like an unsigned contract – it's not legally binding for deposit.
- What is Endorsement? Endorsement is simply signing the back of the check to authorize its deposit.
- Where to Sign: Look for the "Endorse Here" line or box on the back of the check, usually on the left side.
- Basic Endorsement: For most personal checks, simply sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line on the front of the check.
- Restrictive Endorsement for Security: For added security, especially if you won't be depositing the check immediately, write "For Deposit Only" above your signature. You can also add your Bank of America account number for further assurance. This ensures that even if the check is lost, it can only be deposited into your specific account. This is highly recommended for mobile and ATM deposits.
- Multiple Payees:
- If the check is made out to "John and Jane Doe," both John and Jane must endorse the check.
- If it's "John or Jane Doe," either person can endorse it.
- Business Checks: If the check is payable to a business, an authorized representative of the business must endorse it with the business name and their signature and title.
Sub-heading 1.2: Gather Your Account Information
While not always strictly necessary for every deposit method, having your Bank of America account number readily available can speed up the process, especially if you're using a deposit slip or speaking with a teller.
Step 2: Choosing Your Deposit Method – Convenience at Your Fingertips
Now that your check is properly endorsed, it's time to decide how you want to deposit it. Bank of America offers excellent flexibility.
Method A: Mobile Check Deposit (Highly Recommended for Convenience!)
This is arguably the easiest and fastest way to deposit a check from the comfort of your home.
Sub-heading 2.A.1: Prepare Your Device and Environment
- Download the App: Ensure you have the latest version of the Bank of America Mobile Banking app installed on your smartphone or tablet.
- Good Lighting: Find a well-lit area to take pictures of your check. Avoid shadows or glare.
- Dark, Flat Surface: Place your endorsed check on a flat, dark, non-reflective surface to create good contrast. Detach the check from any check stub.
Sub-heading 2.A.2: Step-by-Step Mobile Deposit
- Log In: Open the Bank of America Mobile Banking app and log in securely using your credentials (username, password, or biometric login like Touch ID/Face ID).
- Navigate to Deposit Checks: From the main menu or dashboard, look for "Deposit Checks" or a similar option. It's usually prominently displayed.
- Select Account: Choose the Bank of America checking or savings account where you want the funds to be deposited.
- Enter Amount: Carefully enter the exact dollar amount of the check. Double-check this to avoid errors.
- Capture Front of Check: The app will prompt you to take a picture of the front of your endorsed check.
- Hold your device steady, directly over the check.
- Ensure all four corners of the check are visible within the camera frame.
- The app may automatically capture the image once it detects a clear picture, or you might need to tap the camera icon manually. Look for a green checkmark indicating a successful capture.
- Capture Back of Check: Repeat the process for the back of your endorsed check, ensuring your signature and "For Deposit Only" (if used) are clearly visible.
- Review and Submit: The app will display a summary of your deposit, including the account, amount, and images. Review everything carefully for accuracy. If everything looks correct, tap "Submit."
- Confirmation: You'll receive an immediate on-screen confirmation that your deposit is processing. Bank of America will also send you an email confirmation.
Method B: ATM Deposit
Bank of America ATMs are widely available and often offer 24/7 access, making them a convenient option.
Sub-heading 2.B.1: Locate a Bank of America ATM
- Use the Bank of America Mobile Banking app's "Locations" feature or the Bank of America website to find the nearest ATM.
- Note: While some ATMs accept cash and checks, ensure the ATM you choose is equipped for check deposits. Most modern Bank of America ATMs are.
Sub-heading 2.B.2: Step-by-Step ATM Deposit
- Insert Your Card: Insert your Bank of America debit card into the ATM.
- Enter Your PIN: Enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
- Select "Deposit": On the main menu, choose the "Deposit" option.
- Select Account: Choose the account you wish to deposit the check into (checking or savings).
- Insert Check: The ATM will open a slot for you to insert your endorsed check. Some ATMs require you to insert the check without an envelope. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
- Verify Amount: The ATM will scan the check and display the amount it detected. Verify that this amount matches the written amount on your check. If it's incorrect, you'll have an option to correct it.
- Confirm Deposit: Once you've confirmed the amount, the ATM will ask you to confirm the deposit.
- Get Receipt: Always choose to receive a printed receipt. This serves as your proof of deposit.
Method C: In-Person at a Financial Center
For those who prefer a human touch or have complex deposit needs, visiting a Bank of America financial center is a reliable option.
Sub-heading 2.C.1: Find a Bank of America Financial Center
- Use the Bank of America Mobile Banking app or website's "Locations" feature to find the nearest financial center and check their operating hours.
Sub-heading 2.C.2: Prepare Your Deposit Slip (Optional but Recommended)
- While not always required if you have your debit card, filling out a deposit slip can expedite the process at the teller window.
- Where to get one: You can find blank deposit slips at the financial center or, in some cases, order personalized ones through your online banking.
- How to fill it out:
- Write your name and address.
- Write your Bank of America account number.
- List the amount of the check(s) under the "Checks" section.
- Write the total amount of the deposit at the bottom.
Sub-heading 2.C.3: Step-by-Step Teller Deposit
- Approach the Teller: Go to an open teller window.
- Present Items: Hand the teller your properly endorsed check(s), your Bank of America debit card (or account number), and your filled-out deposit slip (if you have one).
- Confirm Details: The teller will confirm your account information and the deposit amount.
- Receive Receipt: The teller will process the deposit and provide you with a printed receipt. Keep this receipt for your records.
Step 3: What Happens Next? Understanding Fund Availability
Once you've deposited your check, you're probably wondering when the money will be available.
Sub-heading 3.1: Bank of America's Fund Availability Policy
- General Availability: For most personal checks, the first $225 of your deposit is typically available on the next business day. The remaining funds are generally available on the second business day.
- Cutoff Times: Deposits made before a certain cutoff time on a business day (e.g., 9:00 p.m. ET for mobile/ATM, or branch closing time) are considered deposited on that business day. Deposits made after the cutoff, on weekends, or on bank holidays will be processed on the next business day.
- Holds: In some cases, Bank of America may place a longer hold on a check deposit (e.g., for large amounts, new accounts, or if there's a reason to doubt the check's collectibility). If a hold is placed, you will be notified, and the reason for the hold will be explained.
Sub-heading 3.2: Monitoring Your Deposit
- Mobile App/Online Banking: You can easily track the status of your deposit through the Bank of America Mobile Banking app or by logging into your Online Banking account. The deposit will show as "pending" until the funds are fully available.
- Keep the Check (Mobile/ATM): For mobile and ATM deposits, it's a good practice to keep the physical check in a safe place for at least two weeks after the deposit has cleared, just in case there are any issues. Do not attempt to deposit the check again.
10 Related FAQ Questions: How To's for Bank of America Check Deposits
Here are quick answers to some common questions you might have about depositing checks with Bank of America:
How to endorse a check for mobile deposit with Bank of America?
For a Bank of America mobile deposit, sign the back of the check and write "For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For Deposit Only to Account # [Your Account Number]" below your signature.
How to find the nearest Bank of America ATM for check deposit?
You can easily find the nearest Bank of America ATM by using the "Locations" feature within the Bank of America Mobile Banking app or by visiting the "Find a Financial Center" section on the Bank of America website.
How to get a deposit slip for Bank of America?
You can typically find blank deposit slips at any Bank of America financial center. You may also be able to order personalized deposit slips through your Bank of America online banking account.
How to check if my Bank of America mobile check deposit went through?
Log into your Bank of America Mobile Banking app or Online Banking. Your deposit will appear in your account activity, initially as "pending" until the funds become fully available. You will also receive an email confirmation.
How to know the daily deposit limit for Bank of America mobile check deposit?
Bank of America's mobile check deposit limit is generally $10,000 per month for accounts open for three months or longer. For accounts opened less than three months, the limit is typically $2,500 per month. These limits can vary based on your account history and relationship with the bank.
How to deposit a check at a Bank of America ATM without a deposit slip?
Most modern Bank of America ATMs do not require a separate deposit slip for check deposits. Simply insert your endorsed check directly into the designated slot, and the ATM will read the check's information and allow you to verify the amount on screen.
How to handle a check made out to two people for Bank of America deposit?
If the check is made out to "Person A and Person B," both individuals must endorse the check. If it's "Person A or Person B," either person can endorse and deposit it.
How to dispute an incorrect Bank of America ATM check deposit?
If you believe there's an error with an ATM deposit, contact Bank of America customer service immediately or visit a financial center. It's helpful to have your ATM receipt and details of the transaction ready.
How to speed up the availability of funds from a Bank of America check deposit?
Generally, there's no way to significantly speed up the standard fund availability process. However, ensuring you deposit before the cutoff time on a business day will ensure it's processed as quickly as possible. For immediate access, you would need to cash the check, which might incur a fee if it's not a Bank of America check.
How to order new checks and deposit tickets for Bank of America?
You can order new checks and deposit tickets through your Bank of America Online Banking account or by logging into the Mobile Banking app and navigating to your checking or savings account. Look for an option like "Order Checks & Deposit Tickets."
