Hey there! So, you've got a check for your child and you're wondering how to get it into their Bank of America account, right? Don't worry, it's a common question, and I'm here to walk you through it step-by-step. Let's get that money deposited!
Depositing a Check Written to Your Child at Bank of America: A Comprehensive Guide
Depositing a check written to a minor can sometimes feel a bit more involved than depositing one into your own account. This is because banks have specific protocols to protect minors' funds and ensure the deposit is handled correctly. Bank of America offers several convenient ways to deposit checks, even those made out to your child. The key is understanding the proper endorsement and the different deposit methods available.
Step 1: Confirm the Account Type and Ownership
Before you even touch that check, let's make sure you understand the account your child has at Bank of America.
- Joint Account (Parent/Child): Most commonly, children's accounts are joint accounts with a parent or legal guardian. This means you are a co-owner of the account and typically have full access and control over the funds, including making deposits. Bank of America offers accounts like the "SafeBalance Banking®" which can be opened jointly.
- Custodial Account (UGMA/UTMA): Less common for general banking but possible, a custodial account (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) is set up by an adult for the benefit of a minor. While the child owns the funds, the adult (custodian) manages the account until the child reaches the age of majority. Deposits to these accounts are usually made by the custodian.
- Child-Only Account: It's highly unlikely your child has an account solely in their name if they are a minor. Minors typically cannot open accounts independently in the U.S. without an adult co-owner or custodian.
Engage with me here! Do you know what type of account your child has at Bank of America? Knowing this will help us determine the best way to endorse the check and ensure a smooth deposit process.
Step 2: Properly Endorse the Check
This is the most crucial step! A check made out to a minor requires a specific endorsement to be accepted by the bank.
The general rule of thumb for endorsing a check written to a minor is to include both the child's name and the parent/guardian's name, along with an indication of the relationship. While specific wording can vary slightly by bank, here's the commonly accepted format for Bank of America:
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Sub-heading: Endorsement for Joint Accounts
- Child's Name: Write your child's full name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the order of" line.
- Parent/Guardian's Name: Below your child's name, write your full name.
- Relationship: After your name, add a clear indicator of your relationship, such as "Parent" or "Legal Guardian."
- Signature: Sign your name below your written name and relationship.
- Account Number (Optional but Recommended): While not always strictly required for deposits, writing the account number below your signature can help ensure the check is credited to the correct account, especially if depositing via ATM or mail.
Example Endorsement:
John Doe Jane Smith, Parent [Your Signature] Account # [Your Child's Account Number]
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Sub-heading: Endorsement for Custodial (UGMA/UTMA) Accounts For custodial accounts, the check should typically be made out to the custodian "as custodian for [Child's Name] under the [State] Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act." If it's simply made out to your child, you'll endorse it similarly to a joint account, but often with "as Custodian" in your endorsement. However, it's always best to verify directly with Bank of America for custodial account endorsements as they can have specific nuances.
A general example:
John Doe Jane Smith, Custodian for John Doe [Your Signature] Account # [Custodial Account Number]
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Important Considerations for Endorsement:
- Do not write "For Deposit Only" without also including the endorsement details above.
- Avoid signing only your child's name, especially if they are very young and cannot physically sign their name. The bank needs your endorsement as the adult co-owner or custodian.
- Keep the endorsement clear and legible. Messy or unclear endorsements can lead to delays or the check being returned.
Step 3: Choose Your Deposit Method
Bank of America offers several convenient ways to deposit checks. Select the one that best suits your needs.
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Sub-heading: Mobile Check Deposit (Highly Recommended for Convenience!) This is often the quickest and easiest way to deposit a check.
- Download the Bank of America Mobile Banking App: If you haven't already, download it from your app store.
- Log In: Log in using your Online Banking credentials (your login as the parent/guardian).
- Select "Deposit Checks": This option is usually found in the main menu or a prominent button on the app's home screen.
- Endorse the Check: Make sure you have properly endorsed the check as described in Step 2.
- Take Photos: The app will guide you to take clear pictures of the front and back of the endorsed check. Ensure all four corners are visible and the image is well-lit.
- Select Account and Enter Amount: Choose your child's Bank of America account from the list (the joint or custodial account) and accurately enter the check amount.
- Review and Submit: Double-check all the details before submitting. You'll receive an immediate confirmation that your deposit is processing. Funds are subject to verification and may not be immediately available.
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Sub-heading: ATM Deposit Bank of America ATMs are generally easy to use for check deposits.
- Endorse the Check: Ensure the check is properly endorsed as outlined in Step 2.
- Locate a Bank of America ATM: Use the Bank of America app or website to find a nearby ATM.
- Insert Your Debit Card: Use your debit card linked to the joint or custodial account.
- Select "Deposit": Follow the on-screen prompts.
- Insert Check: The ATM will prompt you to insert the endorsed check. Many ATMs can accept multiple checks at once.
- Confirm Amount: The ATM will scan the check and display the amount. Verify this amount is correct.
- Get Receipt: Always take a receipt for your records.
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Sub-heading: In-Person at a Financial Center For those who prefer face-to-face interaction or have complex situations, visiting a Bank of America financial center is a reliable option.
- Endorse the Check: Properly endorse the check as described in Step 2.
- Bring Identification: Bring your valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport).
- Bring Your Child (Optional but Sometimes Helpful): While usually not required if you are a co-owner or custodian, bringing your child, especially for a first deposit or if there are any questions about the account, can be beneficial.
- Speak to a Teller: Inform the teller you want to deposit a check into your child's account. They will guide you through the process and confirm the endorsement.
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Sub-heading: Mail-In Deposit While less common for individual checks, you can also mail a check for deposit.
- Endorse the Check: Crucially, endorse the check clearly and completely as per Step 2.
- Write Account Number on Check (Mandatory): On the back of the endorsed check, clearly write your child's Bank of America account number.
- Include a Deposit Slip (Recommended): If you have deposit slips for the account, fill one out and include it with the check.
- Mail Safely: Send the check to the appropriate Bank of America processing center. You can usually find the correct mailing address on your deposit slips, statements, or by calling Bank of America customer service. Use a secure mailing method, such as certified mail, for important checks.
Step 4: Verify the Deposit and Fund Availability
After depositing, it's a good idea to confirm the funds have been credited and understand when they will be available.
- Check Your Account Online or Via App: Log in to your Bank of America online banking or mobile app after a few business hours to see if the deposit is reflected in the account balance. Initially, it might show as a "pending" deposit.
- Understand Fund Availability: Bank of America, like other banks, has a fund availability policy. While the deposit might show up quickly, the funds may not be immediately available for withdrawal or spending.
- Mobile deposits and ATM deposits often have slightly longer hold times for verification.
- Checks deposited in person during business hours may be available sooner.
- Generally, most checks clear within 1-2 business days, but larger amounts or checks from unfamiliar sources might have longer holds. You can usually see the expected availability date in your online banking or app.
Step 5: Teach Your Child About the Deposit (Optional but Encouraged!)
This is a fantastic opportunity to start building your child's financial literacy.
- Show Them the Process: If your child is old enough, involve them in the deposit process. Let them see the check, watch you endorse it, or even accompany you to the ATM or bank.
- Explain Where the Money Goes: Talk about how the money goes into their account and how it can grow.
- Discuss Savings Goals: Encourage them to think about what they might want to save for. This could be a toy, a game, or even a future college fund.
- Review Transactions (if applicable): If their account allows (like SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking), show them how to view their balance and transactions online or in the app, under your supervision.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions you might have about depositing checks for your child at Bank of America, with quick answers:
How to endorse a check written to "The Parents of [Child's Name]"?
You would both endorse the check with your individual signatures, and then below your signatures, write "For deposit to the account of [Child's Name]" along with the account number. If it's a joint account you both own with the child, simply endorsing it with both your signatures should suffice.
How to deposit a check if my child is not physically with me?
You can still deposit the check via mobile check deposit, ATM, or in person, as long as you are a co-owner or custodian of the account and have properly endorsed the check.
How to find my child's Bank of America account number for deposit?
You can find their account number on their debit card (if they have one), on their monthly bank statement, or by logging into your Bank of America Online Banking or Mobile App.
How to know if my child's account is a joint account or a custodial account?
If you opened the account together and are listed as an owner, it's likely a joint account. If it was specifically set up under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA), it's a custodial account. You can verify the account type by checking your account opening documents or by contacting Bank of America customer service.
How to deposit a check that is a large amount for my child's account?
For larger checks, consider depositing in person at a financial center. While mobile and ATM deposits are generally fine, a teller can offer immediate confirmation and address any potential holds or verification processes more directly. Be aware of potential hold times for large deposits.
How to deal with a check written to only my child's name, without "minor" or "parent"?
You will still endorse it by writing your child's name, then your name, your relationship (e.g., "Parent"), and your signature, as described in Step 2. Banks generally understand that checks written to minors are handled by their legal guardians.
How to check the status of a mobile check deposit for my child's account?
You can check the status directly within the Bank of America Mobile Banking app under the "Deposit Checks" section or by viewing the transaction history of your child's account. It will typically show as "pending" until it clears.
How to ensure the funds from a deposited check are available quickly?
To potentially expedite availability, deposit the check in person at a financial center during business hours. However, ultimate fund availability is subject to Bank of America's policies and the type of check.
How to get a receipt for an ATM deposit into my child's account?
Always select the option to print a receipt at the ATM. This receipt will serve as proof of your deposit.
How to contact Bank of America if I have issues depositing a check for my child?
You can contact Bank of America customer service by calling the number on the back of your debit card or finding their contact information on the official Bank of America website. Visiting a financial center in person is also an option for direct assistance.
