Depositing a check used to mean a trip to the bank or ATM, fitting it into your busy schedule. But thanks to the magic of mobile banking, those days are largely behind us! If you're a Bank of America customer, you can now deposit checks with just a few taps on your smartphone. It's incredibly convenient, secure, and available almost anytime, anywhere.
So, are you ready to ditch the drive and embrace the ease of digital deposits? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Prepare for a Seamless Deposit – Getting Everything in Order
Before you even open the app, a little preparation goes a long way to ensure your check deposit goes smoothly. This first step is crucial for avoiding any delays or rejections.
1.1 Download and Log In to the Bank of America Mobile Banking App
First things first, make sure you have the official Bank of America Mobile Banking app installed on your smartphone or tablet. You can find it on the Apple App Store for iOS devices or Google Play Store for Android devices.
- Existing Users: If you already have the app, great! Simply open it and log in using your User ID and Passcode. If you have Face ID or Touch ID enabled, you can use those for a quicker login.
- New Users: If you're new to the app, you'll need to download it and then enroll in Online Banking first if you haven't already. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your account.
1.2 Endorse Your Check Properly
This is perhaps the most critical part of preparing your check for mobile deposit. A properly endorsed check is essential for the deposit to be processed.
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
- Signature: On the back of the check, typically on the designated endorsement line, sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line on the front of the check.
- "For Mobile Deposit Only": Crucially, directly below your signature, you must write "For Mobile Deposit Only" (or something similar like "For BoA Mobile Deposit"). This is a banking regulation that many banks now require to prevent the check from being deposited again, either physically or through another mobile app. Without this, your deposit may be rejected!
- Optional but Recommended: You can also write your Bank of America account number below "For Mobile Deposit Only" for an added layer of security, though it's often not strictly required by the app.
1.3 Find a Good Spot to Take the Photo
The quality of your check photos directly impacts the success of your mobile deposit.
- Good Lighting: Choose a well-lit area. Avoid shadows falling across the check. Natural light is often best.
- Dark, Flat Surface: Place your check on a dark, plain, and flat surface that contrasts with the check. This helps the app's camera identify the check's edges clearly. Avoid textured surfaces or patterns.
- No Clutter: Make sure there's nothing else in the frame besides the check.
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| How To Deposit A Check On The Bank Of America App |
Step 2: Navigate the App and Initiate the Deposit
Now that your check is ready, let's open the Bank of America app and start the deposit process.
2.1 Access the Deposit Feature
Once logged into the Bank of America Mobile Banking app:
- Look for an option like "Deposit Checks" or "Deposit". This is often prominently displayed on the main dashboard or accessible through a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines, sometimes labeled "Menu").
- Tap on "Deposit Checks" to begin.
2.2 Agree to Terms and Conditions (If Applicable)
If it's your first time using mobile deposit, or if there have been updates to the service, you might be prompted to review and agree to the Mobile Check Deposit Terms and Conditions. Read through them carefully, then tap "Agree" or "Accept" to proceed.
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Step 3: Capture Crisp Images of Your Check
This is where the camera on your phone comes into play. The app is designed to make this as easy as possible, often with auto-capture features.
3.1 Photograph the Front of the Check
- The app will typically guide you through this. You'll see an outline on your screen.
- Position your phone directly above the check, ensuring all four corners of the check are visible within the frame.
- Hold Steady: Keep your hand as steady as possible. The app will often automatically snap the picture when it detects a clear image of the check. If it doesn't auto-capture, you might see a camera icon to tap manually.
- Review the Image: After the photo is taken, the app will display it for your review. Check for clarity: Can you clearly read all the numbers, the payee, and the amount? Are all four corners present? If not, tap "Retake" and try again.
3.2 Photograph the Back of the Check
- Flip the check over to the back side, ensuring your endorsement (signature and "For Mobile Deposit Only") is clearly visible.
- Follow the same process as with the front: position your phone directly over the check on a dark, flat surface.
- The app will again try to auto-capture, or you can manually tap the camera icon.
- Review this image carefully to ensure your endorsement is legible and the entire back of the check is captured. Retake if necessary.
Step 4: Confirm Details and Submit Your Deposit
You're almost there! This step involves verifying the deposit information and sending it off.
4.1 Select the Deposit Account
- The app will ask you to choose which Bank of America account you want the check deposited into (e.g., your checking account, savings account, or even a Merrill investment account).
- Tap on the desired account from the list provided.
4.2 Enter the Deposit Amount
- The app might attempt to auto-read the check amount. However, it's crucial to verify this amount yourself.
- If the auto-read is incorrect, or if the field is blank, manually enter the exact dollar amount of the check. Double-check for accuracy! A mismatch here can cause delays or rejection.
- Tap "Next" or "Continue."
4.3 Review and Submit
- You'll be presented with a summary screen showing the account, the amount, and the images of your check.
- Take a moment to carefully review all the details. Ensure the account is correct and the amount matches the check.
- If everything looks good, tap "Submit" or "Confirm Deposit."
Step 5: Confirmation and What to Do Next
Congratulations! Your check has been submitted for deposit.
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5.1 Immediate Confirmation
- The Bank of America app will provide immediate on-screen confirmation that your deposit is processing. This is a good sign that your submission was successful.
- You'll typically also receive an email confirmation from Bank of America shortly after, providing details of your deposit.
5.2 What to Do with the Physical Check
- Do NOT discard the physical check immediately! While the deposit is processing, it's highly recommended to keep the original check in a safe place.
- Many banks suggest holding onto the check for at least 7-14 days after the deposit clears in case there are any issues or the bank needs to verify something.
- Once you see the funds fully available in your account and have confirmed the deposit has posted successfully, you can then shred or otherwise securely dispose of the physical check. This prevents any accidental re-depositing or fraud.
5.3 Fund Availability
- Mobile check deposits are subject to verification and are not always available for immediate withdrawal.
- Generally, funds deposited before Bank of America's cutoff time (often 9:00 p.m. ET or 8:00 p.m. PT on a business day, but check the app or their website for the most accurate current times) will usually be available the next business day.
- You can check your account activity within the app to see the status of your deposit and when the funds become available.
FAQs: How to...
Here are 10 common questions about depositing checks on the Bank of America app:
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
How to check my mobile deposit limits? Your specific mobile deposit limits can vary based on your account type and relationship with Bank of America. You can usually find this information within the mobile banking app's "Help" or "FAQs" section, or by contacting Bank of America customer service.
How to endorse a check correctly for mobile deposit? On the back of the check, sign your name and clearly write "For Mobile Deposit Only" directly below your signature.
How to find the "Deposit Checks" option in the app? Once you log in, look for "Deposit Checks" on the main dashboard, or tap the "Menu" icon (often three horizontal lines) and then select "Deposit Checks" from the options.
How to ensure my check photo is clear? Place the check on a dark, flat, and uncluttered surface in a well-lit area. Hold your phone steady directly above the check, ensuring all four corners are within the frame. The app often auto-captures when a clear image is detected.
Tip: Rest your eyes, then continue.
How to correct a wrong deposit amount? If you accidentally entered the wrong amount, you'll usually have a review screen before final submission. If you catch it there, you can go back and edit it. If you've already submitted, contact Bank of America customer service immediately.
How to know when my mobile deposit funds will be available? Funds deposited before the daily cutoff time (typically 9:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. PT on a business day) are generally available the next business day. You'll receive confirmation in the app and via email.
How to tell if my mobile deposit was successful? The app will provide an immediate on-screen confirmation, and you'll typically receive an email confirmation. You can also check your account activity within the app; the deposit will appear as "Pending" or "Processing" before it fully clears.
How to handle a rejected mobile deposit? If your mobile deposit is rejected, Bank of America will usually notify you and provide a reason (e.g., incorrect endorsement, blurry image, amount mismatch). You'll then need to correct the issue and re-deposit the check, or deposit it via an ATM or financial center.
How to keep track of my mobile deposits? The Bank of America app keeps a record of your past mobile deposits in your account activity. You can review your transaction history to see all your deposits.
How to dispose of the physical check after mobile deposit? After confirming the funds are fully available in your account (usually 7-14 business days later), you should securely shred the physical check to prevent any accidental re-depositing or fraud.
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