Tired of making trips to the bank just to deposit a check? Imagine a world where you can deposit your checks from the comfort of your couch, during your lunch break, or even while waiting for your coffee. Well, that world is here, thanks to Bank of America's mobile deposit feature! It's a game-changer for convenience and efficiency.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of making a Bank of America mobile deposit, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. Let's dive in!
Mastering Bank of America Mobile Deposit: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Mobile check deposit offers incredible flexibility, saving you precious time and effort. But to truly harness its power, it's essential to understand the nuances and follow the steps carefully.
How To Do Bank Of America Mobile Deposit |
Step 1: Get Your Tools Ready – Preparation is Key!
Before you even think about snapping a photo of your check, a little preparation goes a long way.
Sub-heading: Ensure You Have the Right App
First things first, you'll need the Bank of America Mobile Banking app. If you don't have it already, here's how to get it:
- For Apple Devices (iPhone, iPad): Open the App Store on your device, search for "Bank of America Mobile Banking," and tap "Get" or the cloud icon to download.
- For Android Devices: Open the Google Play Store on your device, search for "Bank of America Mobile Banking," and tap "Install."
Sub-heading: Prepare Your Check
This is a crucial step often overlooked! Proper check preparation ensures your deposit goes through without a hitch.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
- Endorse Your Check Properly: Turn your check over to the back. You'll see a line for your signature. Sign your name clearly on this line.
- Add "For Mobile Deposit Only": Below your signature, it is highly recommended to write "For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For BofA Mobile Deposit". This is a security measure that helps prevent the check from being accidentally deposited again. Some banks even require this specific endorsement for mobile deposits to be accepted.
- Check the Check's Condition: Make sure the check is not folded, torn, or significantly crumpled. A flat, clean check will yield the best image.
Sub-heading: Find the Perfect Spot for Your Photo
The quality of your check photos is paramount.
- Good Lighting: Choose a well-lit area. Avoid shadows cast by your phone or hand. Natural light is often best, but a well-lit room will work too.
- Dark Background: Place your endorsed check on a plain, dark-colored, flat surface. This helps the app clearly distinguish the edges of the check. A contrasting background is vital for the app's image recognition.
- Clear Space: Ensure there are no other objects around the check that could interfere with the photo.
Step 2: Logging In and Initiating the Deposit – Your Digital Journey Begins!
Now that your tools are prepped, let's get into the app!
Sub-heading: Open the Bank of America App
Tap the Bank of America Mobile Banking app icon on your smartphone or tablet.
Sub-heading: Log In Securely
Enter your User ID and Passcode. If you have biometric login (Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint) enabled, you can use that for a faster and more secure login.
Sub-heading: Find the "Deposit Checks" Option
Once logged in, you'll typically see a navigation menu at the bottom or top of the screen, or a "Deposit" option directly on your dashboard. Look for something like:
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
- "Deposit Checks"
- "Deposit"
- Sometimes it might be under a "Transfers" or "More" menu option.
Tap on the relevant option to begin your mobile deposit.
Step 3: Capturing Your Check Images – The Art of the Perfect Snap
This is where you'll use your phone's camera to "scan" your check. The app is designed to make this as easy as possible, often with auto-capture features.
Sub-heading: Taking the Front Photo
- Position Your Device: Hold your phone directly above the check, making sure all four corners of the check are visible within the frame on your screen.
- Auto-Capture or Manual: The Bank of America app often has an auto-capture feature. As soon as it detects a clear image of the check, it will automatically take the photo. If it doesn't auto-capture, or if you prefer manual control, you can tap the camera icon on your screen to take the picture yourself.
- Verify Clarity: After the photo is taken, the app will display the image. Review it carefully! Ensure all details are clear and legible, especially the check amount and routing/account numbers at the bottom. If it's blurry or incomplete, retake it.
Sub-heading: Taking the Back Photo
- Flip the Check: Turn the check over to the back side, ensuring your endorsement (signature and "For Mobile Deposit Only") is clearly visible.
- Repeat the Process: Just like with the front, position your phone directly over the back of the check and let the app auto-capture, or manually tap to take the photo.
- Verify Clarity: Again, double-check the image to ensure your endorsement is perfectly clear and readable.
Step 4: Confirming Deposit Details – Accuracy is Everything!
After successfully capturing both images, you'll need to confirm the deposit details.
Sub-heading: Select the Deposit Account
You'll be prompted to choose which Bank of America account you want to deposit the funds into (e.g., checking, savings). Carefully select the correct account.
Sub-heading: Enter the Check Amount
- The app may attempt to auto-read the check amount. Always verify this amount against the written and numerical amounts on your physical check.
- If the auto-read is incorrect or if the feature isn't available, manually enter the exact dollar amount of the check. Precision here is paramount.
Sub-heading: Review and Submit
- Final Review: Before hitting submit, take a moment to review all the information displayed on the screen: the account selected, the entered amount, and the images of the check. Ensure everything is accurate.
- Tap "Submit": Once you are confident that all details are correct, tap the "Submit" or "Deposit" button.
Step 5: Confirmation and What Happens Next – You're Almost There!
Congratulations! Your mobile deposit is now in progress.
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Sub-heading: Immediate Confirmation
You'll receive an immediate confirmation within the app that your deposit is processing. Bank of America will also typically send you an email confirmation. Keep an eye on your email for this.
Sub-heading: Retain Your Physical Check
Do NOT immediately discard your physical check! Bank of America advises you to safeguard the endorsed check for a minimum of 14 calendar days from the date of transmission. This is in case there are any issues with the deposit and the bank needs to verify the original. After this period, you should shred or otherwise securely destroy the check.
Sub-heading: Fund Availability
Mobile check deposits are subject to verification and are not available for immediate withdrawal. Generally, if you deposit a check on a business day before the cutoff time (which varies by time zone), the funds will usually be available the next business day. However, holds can sometimes be placed on deposits for various reasons, so always check your account for actual fund availability. You can typically see the status of your deposit and availability date within the app.
10 Related FAQ Questions about Bank of America Mobile Deposit
How to check the status of my mobile deposit?
You can usually check the status of your mobile deposit by logging into your Bank of America mobile banking app and navigating to your account activity or transaction history. The deposit will often show as "pending" or "processing" before it's fully cleared.
How to endorse a check for Bank of America mobile deposit?
To endorse a check for Bank of America mobile deposit, sign your name on the back of the check where indicated, and below your signature, write "For Mobile Deposit Only" or "For BofA Mobile Deposit."
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
How to find my mobile deposit limits for Bank of America?
Mobile deposit limits for Bank of America vary by customer and account type. You can typically find your specific daily and weekly limits within the Bank of America mobile app when you initiate a mobile deposit, or by contacting Bank of America customer service.
How to ensure a clear photo for mobile deposit?
To ensure a clear photo, place the check on a dark, plain, flat surface in a well-lit area (avoiding shadows). Hold your device steady and directly over the check, ensuring all four corners are visible in the frame.
How to resolve a rejected mobile deposit?
If your mobile deposit is rejected, Bank of America will usually provide a reason. Common reasons include poor image quality, improper endorsement, or reaching deposit limits. Review the rejection message carefully, correct the issue if possible (e.g., retake the photos, re-endorse), and try again. If issues persist, contact Bank of America customer service.
How to get the Bank of America mobile banking app?
You can download the Bank of America Mobile Banking app from the Apple App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. Simply search for "Bank of America Mobile Banking" and install.
How to tell if my funds are available after a mobile deposit?
Once your mobile deposit has cleared, the funds will appear in your available balance in your Bank of America account within the app or online banking. You may also receive a confirmation email when the funds become available.
How to know the cutoff time for Bank of America mobile deposits?
Bank of America mobile deposit cutoff times typically vary by time zone. Generally, deposits made before 9:00 p.m. ET (Eastern Time) on a business day are considered deposited on that day and are usually available the next business day. It's always best to check the Bank of America website or app's help section for the most current and specific cutoff times based on your account's time zone.
How to securely dispose of a check after mobile deposit?
After your mobile deposit has successfully cleared and the funds are available (typically after 14 days), you should securely dispose of the physical check. This means shredding it or using another method to render it unreadable and unusable.
How to contact Bank of America for mobile deposit issues?
If you encounter any issues with your mobile deposit, you can contact Bank of America customer service directly. Their general customer service number is usually available on their website or within the app's "Contact Us" section.