Hey there! Ever found yourself with a check in hand, but no time to swing by a Bank of America branch or ATM? What if I told you that with a few taps on your smartphone, you could deposit that check from the comfort of your couch? No more rushing before closing time or searching for the nearest ATM! Let's dive into how to scan and deposit a check using the Bank of America mobile app. It's truly a game-changer!
How to Scan and Deposit a Check with Bank of America Mobile App
Mobile check deposit is a convenient feature offered by Bank of America that allows you to deposit checks using your smartphone or tablet. It's a quick, easy, and secure way to get your funds into your account.
Step 1: Get Ready to Deposit!
Before you even open the app, let's make sure you're set up for success.
Sub-heading: Prepare Your Check
- Endorse Your Check: This is absolutely crucial! Flip your check over to the back. Look for the endorsement line. You'll need to sign your name exactly as it appears on the "Pay to the Order of" line on the front of the check. Below your signature, it's also a good practice to write "For Mobile Deposit Only at Bank of America" or simply "For Mobile Deposit." This helps prevent the check from being accidentally cashed or deposited elsewhere.
- Find a Good Spot: Choose a well-lit area with a dark, plain background. This will help the app's camera clearly capture the check's details. Avoid busy patterns or reflections.
- Ensure it's Flat: Make sure the check is completely flat and not folded or creased.
Sub-heading: Ensure You Have the Right Tools
- Bank of America Mobile Banking App: Do you have the official Bank of America Mobile Banking app installed on your smartphone or tablet? If not, head over to your device's app store (App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android) and download it. It's free!
- Stable Internet Connection: A strong Wi-Fi or cellular data connection is essential for the app to communicate with the bank's servers.
Step 2: Log In and Initiate the Deposit
Now that your check is ready and your device is prepped, let's open the app!
Sub-heading: Access the Deposit Feature
- Open the App: Tap the Bank of America icon on your device to launch the app.
- Log In: Enter your User ID and Passcode. If you have fingerprint or face recognition enabled, you might be able to log in even faster!
- Find "Deposit Checks": Once logged in, navigate the main menu. You'll usually find "Deposit Checks" or a similar option prominently displayed. It might be under a "Transfers" or "Deposits" section, or even accessible through the "Erica" virtual assistant by typing "Deposit a check."
Step 3: Capture Those Check Images
This is where the magic happens! The app uses your device's camera to "scan" the check.
Sub-heading: Taking a Clear Photo of the Front
- Select "Front of Check": The app will prompt you to take a picture of the front of the check.
- Position Your Device: Hold your phone or tablet directly above the check, not at an angle. Make sure all four corners of the check are visible within the camera frame. The app often has a guide box to help you.
- Steady Your Hand: Keep your device steady. The app might automatically capture the image once it detects a clear, in-focus picture. If not, tap the camera icon to take the picture manually.
- Review the Image: The app will display the captured image. Carefully review it! Is it clear? Are all details (check number, payee, amount, routing number, account number) legible? If not, select "Retake" and try again. A blurry image can cause delays.
Sub-heading: Capturing the Back of the Check
- Select "Back of Check": Once you're satisfied with the front image, the app will guide you to take a picture of the back.
- Repeat the Process: Flip the check over and repeat the same steps as you did for the front. Ensure the endorsement is clear and fully visible.
- Review Again: Always review the back image for clarity and completeness.
Step 4: Enter Deposit Details
You're almost there! Now you need to tell the app where the money should go and how much it is.
Sub-heading: Choosing the Account
- Select "Deposit to Account": The app will show you a list of your eligible Bank of America accounts (checking, savings). Choose the account where you want the funds to be deposited.
Sub-heading: Entering the Amount
- Input the Amount: Carefully enter the exact dollar amount of the check. Double-check this! A mismatch between the entered amount and the amount on the check can lead to delays or rejection.
Step 5: Review and Submit
This is your final opportunity to ensure everything is correct before sending the deposit.
Sub-heading: Double-Check Everything
- Review Details: The app will present a summary of your deposit, including the account chosen and the amount entered, along with the images of the check. Take a moment to verify all information is accurate.
- Read Disclosures: There might be brief disclosures or terms and conditions. It's always a good idea to quickly read through them.
Sub-heading: Final Submission
- Tap "Submit": Once you're confident everything is correct, tap the "Submit" or "Deposit" button.
Step 6: Confirmation and Post-Deposit Actions
Congratulations! You've successfully submitted your mobile deposit.
Sub-heading: Confirmation
- Immediate Confirmation: The app will provide an immediate confirmation that your deposit is processing. You'll usually see a confirmation number and the estimated availability of funds.
- Email Confirmation: Bank of America will also typically send you an email confirmation of your deposit.
Sub-heading: What to Do with the Physical Check
- Write "Mobile Deposit" and Date: On the front of the physical check, write "Mobile Deposit" and the date of your deposit. This prevents accidental re-deposit.
- Store Safely: Keep the physical check in a secure place for at least 5 to 14 days. While mobile deposits are generally smooth, there's a small chance the bank might need to see the original check for verification.
- Destroy the Check: After the holding period (5-14 days), shred or destroy the check to protect your financial information. Do not simply throw it in the trash.
Important Considerations for Mobile Check Deposits
- Deposit Limits: Bank of America has daily and possibly monthly limits on how much you can deposit via mobile check deposit. These limits can vary based on your account history and relationship with the bank. You can usually find your specific limits within the app on the "Enter Amount" screen or by contacting customer service. For small businesses using Remote Deposit Online, daily limits can be as high as $999,999.99, but for personal accounts, they are typically lower.
- Funds Availability: While the deposit is usually processed quickly, the funds may not be available for immediate withdrawal.
- For deposits made on a business day before the cutoff time (typically 9:00 PM ET or 8:00 PM PT, depending on where your account was opened), funds generally become available the next business day.
- Deposits made after the cutoff time, on weekends, or on holidays will be processed on the next business day, and funds will generally be available the day after that.
- Certain deposits may be subject to longer holds if there are concerns about collectibility (e.g., large checks, new accounts, or frequently overdrawn accounts).
- Check Types Accepted: Most standard personal and business checks are accepted. However, certain types of checks, such as international checks, money orders, or checks with alterations, may not be eligible for mobile deposit. Oversized or undersized checks might also be rejected.
- Security: Bank of America employs strong security measures to protect your mobile deposits, including encryption. Check photos are not stored on your device.
Troubleshooting Common Mobile Deposit Issues
Sometimes, things don't go perfectly. Here are a few common issues and what to do:
- "Cannot process" or "Unrecognized" Photo:
- Lighting: Ensure you have good, even lighting, avoiding shadows or glare.
- Background: Use a plain, dark background to create good contrast.
- Flatness: Make sure the check is completely flat.
- Corners Visible: All four corners of the check must be within the camera frame.
- Focus: Hold your device steady and let the camera focus.
- "Cannot read the data at the bottom of the front picture": This often relates to the MICR line (numbers at the bottom of the check).
- Ensure no folds, smudges, or obstruction on this line.
- Check for good contrast against the background.
- App Crashing or Freezing:
- Try restarting the app.
- Ensure your app is updated to the latest version.
- Clear the app's cache (in your phone's settings).
- Restart your phone.
- Deposit Not Showing Up:
- Check your account activity in the app. It might be pending.
- Review your email for confirmation or any messages about processing delays.
- Contact Bank of America customer service if it doesn't appear after the expected processing time.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to endorse a check for mobile deposit with Bank of America?
To endorse a check for mobile deposit, 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 at Bank of America."
How to find my mobile deposit limit with Bank of America?
Your specific mobile deposit limits are typically displayed within the Bank of America mobile app on the "Enter Amount" screen when you initiate a mobile deposit. You can also contact Bank of America customer service to inquire about your limits.
How to ensure a good photo for Bank of America mobile deposit?
For a good photo, place the check on a dark, plain background in a well-lit area (avoiding shadows or glare). Hold your device directly over the check, ensuring all four corners are visible and the image is in focus.
How to check the status of a mobile deposit with Bank of America?
After submitting your deposit, the Bank of America app will provide an immediate confirmation. You can also check your account's transaction history within the app to see if the deposit is pending or has been posted.
How to resolve a "check image unclear" error during Bank of America mobile deposit?
If you receive an "unclear image" error, ensure your check is on a plain, dark background, well-lit, flat, and that all four corners are visible. Try repositioning your phone and ensuring it's steady to get a clear, focused picture. Retake the photos until they are clear.
How to know when funds from a Bank of America mobile deposit will be available?
For deposits made on a business day before the cut-off time (typically 9:00 PM ET or 8:00 PM PT), funds are generally available the next business day. Deposits made after the cut-off, on weekends, or holidays will be processed the next business day and available the day after. The app will usually provide an estimated availability.
How to deal with the physical check after a Bank of America mobile deposit?
After successfully depositing, write "Mobile Deposit" and the date on the front of the physical check. Store it in a safe place for 5 to 14 days in case the bank requires the original. After this period, shred or destroy the check.
How to find the Bank of America mobile banking app?
You can find the Bank of America Mobile Banking app on your device's app store: the App Store for Apple iOS devices (iPhones, iPads) or the Google Play Store for Android devices. Search for "Bank of America."
How to troubleshoot if my Bank of America mobile deposit keeps failing?
If deposits consistently fail, ensure your app is updated, your internet connection is stable, and you are following all photo guidelines. If the problem persists, try restarting your device or contacting Bank of America customer service for technical support.
How to contact Bank of America customer service for mobile deposit issues?
You can contact Bank of America customer service for mobile deposit issues by calling their general customer service number, which is typically found on their website or on the back of your debit/credit card. You can also use the in-app chat feature or visit a local branch.
