Yes, someone can deposit cash into your Bank of America account
Another person can walk into a Bank of America branch and deposit cash directly into your account if they have your account number and routing number. They do not need your permission in advance, though you may want to tell them you are expecting the deposit. The teller will process it as a regular deposit to your account, and the money typically appears within one business day.
The person making the deposit does not need to be a Bank of America customer themselves. They can be a customer of another bank, or have no bank account at all. The only requirement is that they know your account number and can provide it to the teller along with your name.
Key Takeaways
- Anyone can deposit cash into your Bank of America account at any branch by providing your account number and name to a teller.
- The person depositing does not need to be a Bank of America customer or have any relationship to you.
- Cash deposits at a branch typically post to your account within one business day.
- Bank of America does not allow cash deposits through ATMs, so the deposit must happen inside a branch during business hours.
- Large cash deposits over $10,000 will trigger a Currency Transaction Report, which is a standard federal requirement and does not indicate wrongdoing.
What information the person depositing needs from you
The person making the deposit will need your account number and your name as it appears on the account. Your routing number (021000021 for Bank of America) is helpful but not strictly necessary, since the teller can look it up. Some people also provide their account holder's phone number or address, though the teller will not require it.
Do not give out your PIN, password, or debit card number. The person depositing cash does not need any of those. If someone asks for your PIN or online banking password in order to deposit cash, that is a scam.
Where and when the deposit can happen
The deposit must occur at a physical Bank of America branch during business hours. Bank of America ATMs do not accept cash deposits, even if you are a Bank of America customer. The person will need to go inside the branch, take a number if required, and speak to a teller.
Most Bank of America branches are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so the person should check the branch hours before going. You can find your nearest branch and its hours on the Bank of America website or by calling 1-800-432-1000.
How long the deposit takes to show up
Cash deposited at a branch during business hours typically posts to your account by the end of the next business day. If the deposit happens on a Friday afternoon, it may not appear until Monday. If it happens on a weekend or holiday, it will post on the next business day after that.
The teller will give the person depositing a receipt showing the amount and the date. Keep that receipt until you confirm the deposit has appeared in your account. If it does not show up within two business days, contact Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to report it.
What happens with deposits over $10,000
Any cash deposit of $10,000 or more triggers a Currency Transaction Report, which is a federal requirement, not a Bank of America policy. The bank must file this report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This is routine and does not mean anyone has done anything wrong.
The person depositing the cash may be asked to provide identification and sign a form. Bank of America may also ask where the money came from — this is part of the standard reporting process. The report is filed automatically; you do not need to do anything on your end.
If someone is trying to avoid the $10,000 threshold by making multiple smaller deposits on different days, that practice is called "structuring" and is illegal. It is monitored by banks and reported to federal authorities. If you are receiving legitimate income or a gift, deposit it all at once without worry.
Alternatives if the person cannot get to a branch
If the person cannot visit a branch in person, they have limited options. Bank of America does not offer mobile check deposit for cash, and cash cannot be mailed safely. The only reliable way to get cash into your account is for someone to take it to a branch.
If the person is far away or unable to visit, they could instead send you money through a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App, and you can then deposit that into your Bank of America account. However, those services have their own limits and fees, so this may not be practical for large amounts.
What to watch out for
Do not share your account number with someone you do not trust. While a deposit itself cannot harm your account, someone with your account number could potentially use it for fraudulent purposes. Only give your account number to people you know and trust.
Be cautious if someone offers to deposit cash into your account in exchange for a wire transfer or payment to them. This is a common scam. Legitimate deposits do not come with strings attached. If someone is asking you to pay them back or send them money in return for a deposit, walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be present when someone deposits cash into my account?
No. The person depositing the cash does not need your permission or presence. They only need your account number and name. You can be anywhere when the deposit happens.
Can someone deposit cash into my account at a different bank's ATM?
No. Cash deposits can only be made at a Bank of America branch, not at ATMs or at other banks. The person will need to visit a physical Bank of America location during business hours.
What if the person depositing makes a mistake with my account number?
The deposit will go into the wrong account. Contact Bank of America immediately at 1-800-432-1000 to report the error. The bank can sometimes reverse the deposit and send it to the correct account, but this takes time. This is why it is important to double-check the account number before the deposit is made.
Can I deposit cash into someone else's Bank of America account?
Yes, using the same process. Go to any Bank of America branch, tell the teller you want to deposit cash into another person's account, and provide their account number and name. You do not need their permission, though it is courteous to let them know.
Is there a limit to how much cash someone can deposit into my account?
Bank of America does not set a daily limit on cash deposits. However, deposits of $10,000 or more trigger a Currency Transaction Report. There is no limit on how much can be deposited; the report is just a federal requirement.