Hey there! Got a check you need to deposit into your Bank of America account? You've come to the right place! Depositing a check might seem straightforward, but knowing all your options and the little details can make the process smooth and hassle-free. Let's get that money into your account!
Your Complete Guide to Depositing a Check at Bank of America
Bank of America offers several convenient ways to deposit checks, catering to different preferences and situations. Whether you prefer the speed of your smartphone, the convenience of an ATM, or the personal touch of a branch, we've got you covered.
Step 1: Prepare Your Check - Don't Skip This Crucial First Step!
Before you even think about heading to an ATM or opening your app, you need to properly prepare your check. This is absolutely vital to ensure a successful deposit.
Endorse Your Check Correctly
This is probably the most important part of preparing your check.
- Sign the Back: Turn your check over. On the back, usually near the top, there will be a line that says "Endorse Here" or similar. You need to sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line on the front of the check.
- Add "For Deposit Only" (Highly Recommended!): Below your signature, it's a best practice to write "For Deposit Only" and your Bank of America account number. This extra step helps prevent someone else from cashing your check if it gets lost or stolen. For example:
- John Doe
- For Deposit Only
- Account # [Your Account Number]
- Mobile Deposit Endorsement (Special Requirement!): If you're using the mobile app, Bank of America requires a specific endorsement. You'll need to write "For BofA Mobile Deposit Only" below your signature. Some checks even have a pre-printed box for this. Failing to do this can result in your mobile deposit being rejected.
Verify the Check Details
- Date: Ensure the check is dated with a current or future date. Post-dated checks might not be processed immediately, and stale-dated checks (usually older than 6 months, though some government checks may have longer validity) might be rejected.
- Payee Name: Double-check that your name (or the name of your business, if applicable) is correctly written on the "Pay to the Order of" line.
- Amount (Words and Numbers): Make sure the numerical amount matches the written amount. If there's a discrepancy, the written amount is usually the one that counts.
- Signature: Confirm the check is signed by the drawer (the person or entity issuing the check). An unsigned check is invalid.
Step 2: Choose Your Deposit Method - Convenience at Your Fingertips (or in Your Hand!)
Bank of America offers three primary methods for depositing a check. Pick the one that best suits your needs!
Method 1: Mobile Check Deposit (The Fastest & Easiest!)
This is by far the most popular and convenient method for most people. You can deposit checks from almost anywhere using the Bank of America Mobile Banking app.
What You'll Need:
- A smartphone or tablet with the Bank of America Mobile Banking app installed.
- A stable internet connection.
- Your properly endorsed check.
Step-by-Step Guide for Mobile Deposit:
- Log In: Open the Bank of America Mobile Banking app and log in to your account.
- Navigate to Deposit Checks: From the main menu, look for an option like "Deposit Checks" or "Deposit."
- Select Account: Choose the Bank of America checking or savings account where you want the funds deposited.
- Enter Amount: Carefully enter the exact dollar amount of the check. Double-check this to avoid errors!
- Take Photos of Your Check:
- The app will prompt you to take a photo of the front of the endorsed check.
- Tips for Good Photos:
- Place the check on a dark, plain background.
- Ensure there's good lighting and no shadows.
- Hold your device steady and directly over the check (not at an angle).
- Make sure all four corners of the check are visible within the frame.
- The app often automatically captures the image when it detects a clear picture. If not, tap the camera icon.
- Repeat the process for the back of your endorsed check, ensuring "For BofA Mobile Deposit Only" is clearly visible.
- Review and Confirm: The app will display a summary of your deposit, including the account, amount, and images. Review everything carefully for accuracy.
- Submit: Tap "Submit" to complete the deposit. You'll receive an immediate confirmation within the app that your deposit is processing, and often an email confirmation as well.
Important Notes for Mobile Deposits:
- Availability of Funds: Mobile check deposits are subject to verification and are not available for immediate withdrawal. Funds are usually available the next business day if deposited before the cutoff time (typically 9:00 PM ET or 8:00 PM PT, depending on your account's time zone).
- Limits: Bank of America has daily and rolling 30-day limits for mobile check deposits, which can vary by account type and customer history. These limits will typically be displayed within the app when you initiate a deposit.
- Keep the Check: Do not destroy your physical check immediately! It's recommended to hold onto the original check for at least 14 days after a successful mobile deposit, in case there are any issues. After this period, you should destroy it to prevent accidental re-deposit.
Method 2: ATM Deposit (Quick and Convenient!)
Bank of America ATMs are widely available and offer a convenient way to deposit checks without needing a deposit slip.
What You'll Need:
- Your Bank of America debit card (or credit card linked to your account).
- Your PIN.
- Your properly endorsed check.
Step-by-Step Guide for ATM Deposit:
- Insert Card: Go to a Bank of America ATM and insert your debit card.
- Enter PIN: Enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
- Select "Deposit": From the main menu, choose the "Deposit" option.
- Select Account: Choose the account (checking or savings) you want the check deposited into.
- Insert Check: The ATM will open a slot. Insert your endorsed check into the slot. Many ATMs can accept multiple checks at once.
- Confirm Amount: The ATM will scan the check(s) and display the total amount detected. Verify this amount carefully. If it's incorrect, you may have the option to correct it or cancel the transaction.
- Choose Receipt: Select whether you'd like a printed receipt. It's always a good idea to get a receipt, as it will show the deposit amount and often the images of the deposited checks.
- Complete Transaction: The ATM will confirm your deposit. Take your card and receipt.
Important Notes for ATM Deposits:
- No Deposit Slip Needed: Most modern Bank of America ATMs are "envelope-free," meaning you just insert the checks directly.
- Availability of Funds: Similar to mobile deposits, funds deposited via ATM are subject to holds and are generally available the next business day if deposited before the ATM's cutoff time. The ATM screen and your receipt will usually indicate any holds.
- Limits: ATMs may have per-transaction limits on the number of checks or the total dollar amount you can deposit.
Method 3: Branch Deposit (For Personal Assistance)
If you prefer face-to-face interaction or have a complex deposit, visiting a Bank of America financial center is a reliable option.
What You'll Need:
- Your properly endorsed check.
- Your Bank of America account number (or debit card for easy lookup).
- A valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport) – especially if you are not a regular customer at that specific branch or if you are depositing a very large amount.
- A deposit slip (available at the branch).
Step-by-Step Guide for Branch Deposit:
- Locate a Branch: Find your nearest Bank of America financial center using their website or app. Check their operating hours.
- Fill Out a Deposit Slip:
- Grab a deposit slip from the lobby.
- Fill in your account number, the date, and the amount of the check(s).
- List each check individually if there are multiple, or combine them and write "Checks" with the total amount.
- Ensure the total on the deposit slip matches the check amount.
- Present to Teller: Approach a teller window. Hand them your endorsed check(s), the filled-out deposit slip, and your debit card or account number.
- Show ID (if requested): Be prepared to show your ID if the teller asks for it.
- Confirm Deposit: The teller will process your deposit and provide you with a receipt. Review the receipt before you leave to ensure the amount is correct.
Important Notes for Branch Deposits:
- Immediate Assistance: Tellers can answer questions, verify endorsements, and provide immediate clarification on any potential holds.
- Larger Deposits: For very large check deposits, a branch deposit might be preferred or even required, as mobile and ATM channels have limits.
- Availability of Funds: While the deposit is processed immediately, the funds may still be subject to standard Bank of America hold policies, especially for large checks or new accounts.
Step 3: Verify Your Deposit and Monitor Funds - The Final, Important Check
Once you've made your deposit, your job isn't quite done. It's always a good idea to verify that the funds have indeed been credited to your account.
- Check Your Balance: Log in to your Bank of America online banking or mobile app after a few hours (or the next business day) to see if the deposit appears in your transaction history and if the funds are available.
- Understand Fund Availability: Remember that even though a deposit is confirmed, the funds might not be immediately available for withdrawal or use. Bank of America, like all banks, has a funds availability policy to protect against fraud. Generally:
- Cash deposits are usually available immediately.
- Checks are typically available the next business day, but can be held longer for various reasons (large amounts, new accounts, suspect checks, etc.). You will be notified if a hold is placed.
- Keep Records: Always keep your deposit receipts (physical or digital) until you confirm the funds have cleared and are fully available in your account.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are some quick answers to common questions about depositing checks at Bank of America:
How to endorse a check for Bank of America mobile deposit?
You must sign your name on the back of the check and specifically write "For BofA Mobile Deposit Only" below your signature.
How to find Bank of America ATM locations?
You can easily find nearby Bank of America ATMs using the "Locations" feature within the Bank of America Mobile Banking app or by visiting the "ATM & Financial Center Locator" on the Bank of America website.
How to check my mobile check deposit limit for Bank of America?
Your specific mobile check deposit limits (daily and 30-day rolling) are typically displayed within the Bank of America Mobile Banking app when you initiate a mobile deposit. They vary by account and customer history.
How to deposit multiple checks at a Bank of America ATM?
Most modern Bank of America ATMs are envelope-free and allow you to insert multiple endorsed checks into the deposit slot at once. The ATM will scan and tally the total.
How to get a deposit slip for a branch deposit at Bank of America?
Deposit slips are readily available at the lobby of any Bank of America financial center. You can typically find them near the teller windows or information desks.
How to know if a hold is placed on my Bank of America check deposit?
If a hold is placed on your deposit, Bank of America will usually notify you at the time of deposit (on the ATM screen, on your receipt, or within the mobile app's confirmation screen). You may also receive a mail notification.
How to deposit a check if I don't have a debit card for Bank of America?
You can still deposit a check at a Bank of America financial center by filling out a deposit slip and providing your account number and a valid government-issued photo ID to the teller.
How to track the status of my mobile check deposit with Bank of America?
You can usually view the status of your recent mobile deposits within the "Deposit History" or "Activity" section of the Bank of America Mobile Banking app.
How to avoid delays when depositing a check to Bank of America?
Ensure the check is properly endorsed (especially for mobile deposit), the amount is accurately entered, the check is laid flat with good lighting for photos (mobile), and deposit before the daily cutoff times. Using electronic payments like direct deposit or Zelle can also help avoid holds altogether.
How to deposit a third-party check to Bank of America?
Bank of America, like most banks, generally does not accept "third-party checks" (checks endorsed over to you by someone else). The check should be made out directly to you. If you receive such a check, the original payee would typically need to deposit it into their account first and then transfer the funds to you.