Yes, someone can deposit money into your Bank of America account in several ways

Other people can put money directly into your Bank of America account without needing your permission or a special request. The most common methods are mobile deposit (where they photograph a check and send it through the Bank of America app), wire transfer, ACH transfer, or in-person cash deposit at a Bank of America branch. Each method has different speed, cost, and security characteristics depending on who is sending the money and where they are sending it from.

You do not need to do anything in advance for someone to send you money through most of these channels. However, you will need to give them the right information — your account number and routing number for ACH or wire transfers, or your full name and account number for mobile check deposit. The person sending the money bears the responsibility for entering your details correctly; if they make a mistake, the money may go to the wrong account or be rejected.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app lets someone photograph a check and deposit it to your account in minutes, though the funds may take one to two business days to clear.
  • Wire transfers and ACH transfers both require your account number and routing number (1012000005 for Bank of America), and the sender's bank determines the speed and any fees involved.
  • Cash deposits must happen in person at a Bank of America branch during business hours, and the money is usually available the same day.
  • You should verify the sender has your correct account number before they initiate a transfer, because a mistake cannot always be reversed quickly.

Mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app

Someone with a Bank of America account can photograph the front and back of a check made out to you and deposit it directly to your account using the mobile app. They open the app, select "Mobile Check Deposit," take clear photos of both sides of the check, enter the amount, and confirm the deposit. The check image is sent to Bank of America's processing system immediately.

The deposit shows up in your account within minutes, but the funds are not available to withdraw or spend until the check clears. Bank of America typically makes the funds available within one to two business days for checks under $5,000. If the check is larger or if there are any issues with the image quality or the check itself, the hold can extend to five business days. The person who deposited the check can see the status in their own app.

This method works only if the check is made out to you by name. If the check is made out to someone else, Bank of America will not process it through mobile deposit, and the person would need to deposit it in their own account or ask the check writer for a corrected check.

Wire transfers from another bank

A wire transfer moves money from someone else's bank account to yours within hours, usually the same business day. The sender goes to their own bank (which may or may not be Bank of America) and provides your Bank of America account number, your name, and Bank of America's routing number: 1012000005. They also tell their bank how much to send.

The sender's bank deducts the money immediately and sends it electronically to Bank of America. Bank of America receives the transfer and deposits it into your account, usually within a few hours during business hours. The money is available to you right away — there is no hold period for wire transfers the way there is for checks.

Wire transfers are not free. The sender's bank typically charges $15 to $50 to send a domestic wire, and Bank of America may charge $15 to receive it, though Bank of America does not charge to receive wires from other U.S. banks. If the sender enters your account number incorrectly, the money may go to the wrong account, and recovering it can take weeks or may not be possible at all. Always double-check your account number with the sender before they initiate the wire.

ACH transfers from another bank account

An ACH transfer is an electronic transfer between bank accounts that is slower than a wire but cheaper or free. The sender provides your account number and Bank of America's routing number (1012000005), and their bank sends the money through the ACH network. The transfer typically takes one to three business days to complete.

Most banks do not charge to send an ACH transfer, though some do charge a small fee ($1 to $3). Bank of America does not charge to receive ACH transfers. The money is not available immediately — you have to wait for the transfer to clear. Once it does, the funds are in your account and available to use.

ACH transfers are safer than wires in one respect: if the sender enters your account number wrong, the receiving bank may reject the transfer and send the money back, rather than depositing it into a stranger's account. However, this is not may provide, so you should still verify your account number before the sender initiates the transfer.

Cash deposits at a Bank of America branch

Someone can walk into any Bank of America branch with cash and deposit it directly into your account. They give the teller your name and account number, hand over the cash, and the teller counts it and deposits it. The money is usually available in your account the same day, though Bank of America may hold large cash deposits (typically over $10,000) for one business day.

The person making the deposit does not need to be you or have any authorization from you. They just need to know your name and account number. This is useful for family members or roommates who want to give you money in person, but it also means you should be careful about sharing your account number with people you do not trust.

Bank of America branches are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and many locations have Saturday hours. If the person tries to deposit cash outside of business hours, they cannot complete the deposit until the branch reopens.

What information you need to give someone to receive money

For a wire transfer or ACH transfer, you need to provide your account number and Bank of America's routing number (1012000005). You can find your account number on the bottom left of your checks, in the Bank of America app under account details, or by calling Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. Your name should match the name on the account exactly.

For mobile check deposit, the person needs your full name and account number. For a cash deposit, they need your name and account number. Do not share your PIN, password, or debit card number with anyone who is depositing money for you — they do not need those to send you money.

If you are receiving money from someone outside the United States, wire transfer is the most common method, but international wires can take three to five business days and may have higher fees. The sender's bank will ask for your account number, routing number, and your full name, and may also ask for your address.

What happens if the sender makes a mistake

If someone enters your account number incorrectly when sending a wire transfer, the money may go to another Bank of America customer's account or be rejected by the receiving bank. If it goes to another account, you and the sender will need to contact Bank of America to trace the wire and request a reversal. This can take one to two weeks, and Bank of America may not be able to recover the money if the other account holder has already spent it.

If the money is rejected because the account number does not exist, it will be returned to the sender's bank, usually within one to three business days. The sender can then correct the account number and resend the wire.

For ACH transfers, if the account number is wrong, the receiving bank may reject the transfer and send it back to the sender's bank. This is more likely than with a wire, but not may provide. If the money goes to the wrong account and is not rejected, recovery is difficult.

For mobile check deposit, if the check is made out to the wrong name or if there is a problem with the image, Bank of America will reject the deposit and return the check to the person who deposited it. They can then correct the issue and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be present when someone deposits money into my account?

No. For wire transfers, ACH transfers, and mobile check deposits, you do not need to be present or do anything. For cash deposits at a branch, you do not need to be there either — the person making the deposit just needs your name and account number. Only you can withdraw the money once it is in your account.

Can someone deposit money into my account if they do not know my name?

For wire and ACH transfers, they need your name and account number. For mobile check deposit, the check must be made out to you by name. For cash deposits, they need your name and account number. You cannot receive money through any of these methods if the sender does not know your name.

How long does it take for deposited money to show up in my account?

Wire transfers appear within hours, usually the same business day. ACH transfers take one to three business days. Mobile check deposits show up within one to two business days. Cash deposits at a branch are usually available the same day. The exact timing depends on when the deposit is made and whether it is a business day.

Can I receive money from someone at a different bank?

Yes. Someone with an account at any U.S. bank can send you money through a wire transfer or ACH transfer to your Bank of America account. They just need your Bank of America account number and routing number. Mobile check deposit works only if they have a Bank of America account.

What if someone sends me money by mistake?

Contact Bank of America right away and tell them the money was sent to you in error. Do not spend it. Bank of America can help trace the transfer and work with the sender's bank to reverse it. If you spend money that was sent by mistake, you may be required to return it.