Tired of making special trips to the bank or ATM just to deposit a check? What if I told you there's a way to do it right from your couch, in your pajamas, at 2 AM? Yes, you heard that right! Bank of America offers a convenient mobile check deposit feature through their mobile banking app. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth and successful deposit. Let's get started and free up your precious time!
How to Deposit a Check Online with Bank of America: A Step-by-Step Guide
Depositing a check online with Bank of America is a straightforward process, designed for your convenience. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Get Ready to Roll – Download and Log In to the Bank of America Mobile App
First things first, you'll need the right tools!
- Download the App: If you haven't already, download the official Bank of America Mobile Banking app from your device's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS). Make sure it's the official app to ensure your security.
- Log In Securely: Open the app and log in using your Bank of America Online Banking credentials (User ID and Passcode). If you have Touch ID® or Face ID® enabled, you can use those for a quick and secure login. Always ensure you are on a secure and trusted Wi-Fi network when accessing your banking information.
Step 2: Prepare Your Check for Deposit – The Crucial Endorsement
This step is absolutely critical to a successful mobile deposit. Without proper endorsement, your deposit will be rejected.
- Endorse Your Check Properly: Turn your check over to the back. In the endorsement area (usually a few lines provided), 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": Directly below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit Only" (or sometimes "For BofA Mobile Deposit Only" is preferred, but the shorter version is generally accepted). This specific phrase tells the bank that the check is being deposited electronically and helps prevent fraud. Do not skip this step!
Step 3: Initiate the Deposit Process within the App
Now that your check is properly endorsed, let's get it into the digital world.
- Navigate to Deposit Checks: Once logged into the app, look for the "Deposit Checks" option. It's usually prominently displayed on the main dashboard or within a menu (often labeled "Menu" or with a three-line icon). Tap on it.
- Select the Account: You'll be prompted to choose which Bank of America account you want to deposit the check into (e.g., checking, savings). Double-check that you're selecting the correct account!
- Enter the Check Amount: Carefully enter the exact dollar amount of the check. A slight discrepancy can cause your deposit to be rejected. It's a good idea to cross-reference this with the written and numerical amounts on the check itself.
Step 4: Capture Crystal-Clear Images of Your Check
This is where your smartphone camera comes into play. Good image quality is key!
- Front of the Check:
- Place it right: Lay your endorsed check flat on a dark, contrasting background. This helps the camera distinguish the edges of the check.
- Good Lighting: Ensure you have bright, even lighting. Avoid shadows or glare that might obscure any part of the check.
- Hold Steady: Position your phone directly over the check, not at an angle. The app will likely have a frame or guide to help you align it.
- Capture: The app may automatically snap the picture once aligned, or you might need to tap a camera icon. Ensure all four corners of the check are visible in the image.
- Back of the Check:
- Flip it over: Turn the check over to the back, where you've endorsed it.
- Repeat the process: Just like with the front, ensure good lighting, a flat surface, and steady positioning.
- Capture: Take the picture of the back, again making sure your signature and the "For Mobile Deposit Only" phrase are clear and readable.
Step 5: Review and Confirm Your Deposit
You're almost there! This final review ensures everything is correct.
- Review Details: The app will display a summary of your deposit, including the account selected, the amount, and the captured images. Take a moment to carefully review all this information.
- Confirm and Submit: If everything looks correct, tap the "Submit" or "Confirm" button.
- Confirmation: You should receive an immediate on-screen confirmation that your deposit is processing. Bank of America typically also sends an email confirmation. Keep these for your records.
Step 6: What to Do After Your Deposit
Your work isn't quite done yet!
- Hold onto the Check: Do not immediately destroy the physical check. Bank of America recommends holding onto the check for a certain period (often 7-14 days, though some advise up to 60 days) after the funds have cleared and are available in your account. This is in case there are any issues with the deposit or the image.
- Securely Destroy the Check: Once you're confident the deposit is complete and the funds are fully available, shred or otherwise securely destroy the physical check to prevent fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bank of America Mobile Check Deposit
Here are 10 common questions and their quick answers to help you navigate online check deposits with Bank of America:
How to check my mobile deposit limits with Bank of America?
Your mobile deposit limits are often displayed within the Bank of America mobile app when you initiate a deposit. They can vary based on your account type and relationship with the bank.
How to endorse a check for Bank of America mobile deposit?
You must sign your name on the back of the check, exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line. Below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit Only."
How to ensure a good quality image for mobile check deposit?
Place the check flat on a dark, contrasting background with good, even lighting. Hold your phone steady directly over the check, ensuring all four corners are visible within the app's guidelines.
How long does it take for funds to be available after a Bank of America mobile deposit?
Generally, the first $225 of your deposit may be available the next business day. The remaining funds typically become available within one to two business days, though larger amounts or new accounts might experience longer holds (up to 2-7 business days). You'll be notified if a hold is placed.
How to find the cut-off time for Bank of America mobile check deposit?
The typical cut-off time for Bank of America mobile check deposits is 9:00 PM ET (Eastern Time) on a business day. Deposits made after this time, or on weekends/holidays, are considered received on the next business day.
How to troubleshoot a rejected mobile check deposit?
Check for proper endorsement ("For Mobile Deposit Only"), clear images (all four corners visible, no glare), and correct amount entry. If issues persist, contact Bank of America customer service or visit a financial center.
How to deposit a check if I don't have the Bank of America mobile app?
You can deposit checks at a Bank of America ATM or by visiting a Bank of America financial center in person.
How to tell if my mobile deposited check has cleared?
You can check your account balance and transaction history within the Bank of America mobile app or online banking. Once the funds are fully available and no longer show as pending, the check has cleared.
How to deposit a third-party check (a check made out to someone else and signed over to me) with Bank of America's mobile app?
Bank of America, like many banks, generally does not accept third-party checks for mobile deposit. It's best to have the original payee deposit the check and then transfer the funds to you, or consult with a Bank of America representative for specific guidance.
Are there any fees for using Bank of America's mobile check deposit?
No, Bank of America generally does not charge a fee for using their mobile check deposit service. However, standard account fees or overdraft fees may still apply if applicable to your account or transaction.
