Bank of America offers safety deposit boxes at most branches, but availability and pricing vary by location

Bank of America rents safety deposit boxes through its branch network, though not every branch carries them. The boxes come in different sizes—typically ranging from small (2" × 5") to large (10" × 10")—and annual rental fees start around $60 to $75 for the smallest size and increase with box dimensions. Larger boxes can cost $150 or more per year. You can rent a box in person at any participating branch by bringing a valid ID and proof of address.

The bank does not publish a complete list of which branches have boxes available online. You will need to call your local branch directly or visit in person to confirm they offer the service and to see the current pricing for your area. Some branches in smaller towns or rural areas may not have safety deposit boxes at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America safety deposit boxes are available at most but not all branches, and you must contact your specific branch to confirm availability and pricing.
  • Annual rental fees typically range from $60 to $75 for small boxes and increase based on size, with larger boxes costing $150 or more per year.
  • You can rent a box by visiting a branch in person with a valid ID and proof of address; no online rental process exists.
  • Bank of America does not insure the contents of safety deposit boxes, so you are responsible for obtaining your own coverage through homeowners or renters insurance if needed.

What you can store in a Bank of America safety deposit box

Safety deposit boxes are designed for documents and valuables you need to protect from theft, fire, or water damage. Common items include original birth certificates, marriage licenses, property deeds, wills, insurance policies, stock certificates, jewelry, and family heirlooms. Some people also store passports, vehicle titles, or irreplaceable photographs.

Bank of America prohibits storing cash, explosives, hazardous materials, or anything illegal in the box. You cannot store items that require climate control or special handling. If you plan to store valuable jewelry or collectibles, photograph them and keep a detailed inventory outside the bank—this helps with insurance claims if something is lost or damaged.

How to rent a box and what documents you need

Visit a Bank of America branch that offers safety deposit boxes. Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will complete a rental agreement that outlines the terms, your responsibilities, and the annual fee.

If you want a joint box—where two people can access it with their own keys—both account holders must visit the branch together with their IDs and proof of address. The rental agreement will list both names, and either person can access the box independently. The annual fee applies regardless of whether the box is held by one person or two.

Access, hours, and what happens if you stop paying

You can access your safety deposit box during the branch's business hours. Bank of America branches typically operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some locations. You will need to present your ID each time you visit. The bank keeps a log of when you access your box.

If you do not pay the annual rental fee, Bank of America will send you a notice. If payment is not received within a set period (usually 30 to 60 days after the due date), the bank may drill open the box and inventory its contents. You will be charged for the drilling and storage of your items. To avoid this, set a calendar reminder for your renewal date or ask the branch to charge the fee to your Bank of America account automatically.

Bank of America does not insure safety deposit box contents

This is critical: Bank of America does not insure what is inside your safety deposit box. The bank is responsible for the security of the box itself—the lock, the vault, the building—but not for the value of your belongings. If your jewelry is stolen, your documents are damaged by water, or your items are lost, the bank is not liable.

If you store high-value items, contact your homeowners or renters insurance company to ask about adding a rider or endorsement for safety deposit box contents. Some policies cover items in safety deposit boxes automatically; others require you to request it. The cost is usually modest—often $50 to $100 per year for coverage up to $5,000 or $10,000. Get the coverage in writing before you store anything valuable.

Alternatives to Bank of America safety deposit boxes

If your local Bank of America branch does not have boxes available or the fees are too high, other banks and credit unions often rent them at similar or lower prices. Credit unions sometimes offer boxes to members at reduced rates. You can also explore private vault companies, which rent secure storage space and may offer climate control or insurance options, though they typically cost more than bank boxes.

For digital documents, consider a secure cloud storage service with encryption, or keep originals in a fireproof safe at home and store copies elsewhere. For very valuable items like jewelry or art, a private safe deposit box company or a home safe may offer better insurance options than a bank box.

What to do if you lose your key or forget your box number

If you lose your key, visit your Bank of America branch with your ID. The bank can drill open the box and issue you a new key. You will be charged a fee for this service—typically $50 to $150 depending on the box size and your location. The new key will work with the existing lock.

If you forget which branch holds your box or cannot locate your rental agreement, call Bank of America's main customer service line and provide your account number. They can search their records and direct you to the correct branch. Bring your ID when you visit to confirm your identity before the bank will open the box for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access my safety deposit box after hours or on weekends?

No. You can only access your box during regular branch hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Bank of America does not offer after-hours or weekend access to safety deposit boxes.

What happens to my box if I die?

Your heirs or executor will need to present a death certificate and proof of their authority (such as a will or court order) to access the box. The bank may freeze the box temporarily until the estate is settled. Include information about your safety deposit box in your will or share the box number and location with your executor so they know where to find it.

Can I rent a safety deposit box if I don't have a Bank of America account?

Most Bank of America branches require you to be a customer to rent a safety deposit box, though policies vary by location. Call your local branch to confirm. If you are not a customer, opening a basic checking or savings account may be required.

How much does it cost to drill open a safety deposit box?

Drilling fees typically range from $50 to $150 depending on the box size and your location. You will also be charged for any storage of your items after the box is opened. These fees are in addition to any unpaid rental fees.

Can I store cash in my safety deposit box?

Bank of America's policy prohibits storing cash in safety deposit boxes. The reason is that the bank cannot insure the contents, and cash stored in a box may create tax reporting complications. Keep cash in a checking or savings account instead.