The fastest ways to put money into your Bank of America savings account
You can add money to your Bank of America savings account through a transfer from another account, a direct deposit, a mobile deposit, an ATM deposit, or a teller deposit at a branch. The method you choose depends on where the money is coming from and how quickly you need it to show up.
If the money is already in another Bank of America checking account, a transfer takes minutes and posts immediately. If it's coming from outside Bank of America, a transfer usually takes one to two business days. Mobile deposits and ATM deposits post within one business day. Teller deposits at a branch post the same day if you deposit before the branch closes.
Key Takeaways
- Transfers between your own Bank of America accounts post instantly and cost nothing.
- Mobile deposits through the Bank of America app typically post within one business day and work from anywhere.
- ATM deposits at Bank of America machines post within one business day and do not require a teller.
- Transfers from outside banks take one to two business days and may have daily limits depending on your account type.
- Direct deposits from your employer or government benefits go straight to your savings account if you set them up that way.
Transfer money from another Bank of America account
Log into your Bank of America online banking or mobile app. Select "Transfer Money" or "Move Money" from the menu. Choose the account you want to transfer from (usually a checking account) and the savings account you want to transfer to. Enter the amount and confirm.
The money posts immediately to your savings account. There is no fee for transfers between your own accounts at Bank of America. You can do this as many times as you want in a single day.
Use mobile deposit to add checks or cash
The Bank of America mobile app lets you deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back. Open the app, tap "Deposit a Check," select your savings account, take clear photos of both sides of the check, and confirm the amount. The deposit posts within one business day.
Mobile deposit works for checks only, not cash. If you have a check from an employer, a refund, or another source, this is the fastest way to deposit it without visiting a branch or ATM. The app will tell you if the check cannot be processed — usually because the image is blurry or the amount is unclear.
Deposit cash or checks at a Bank of America ATM
Find a Bank of America ATM near you using the mobile app or the ATM locator on the Bank of America website. Insert your debit card, select "Deposit," choose your savings account, and follow the prompts. The ATM accepts cash and checks. It counts the bills and deposits them immediately, then prints a receipt.
The funds post to your account within one business day. Bank of America ATMs are available 24 hours, so you can deposit outside of branch hours. If the ATM rejects a check or cash, it will return it to you immediately.
Deposit money in person at a Bank of America branch
Visit any Bank of America branch with your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to deposit cash or checks into your savings account. Hand over the money and any checks. The teller will count it, confirm the amount, and give you a receipt.
The deposit posts the same day if you deposit before the branch closes. If you deposit after hours or on a weekend, it posts the next business day. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Set up direct deposit to your savings account
Direct deposit sends money automatically from your employer or a government program (Social Security, tax refunds, unemployment benefits) straight to your Bank of America savings account. Contact your employer's payroll department or the government agency and provide your Bank of America account number and routing number.
The routing number for Bank of America is 026009593 for most accounts, but confirm this with your bank before submitting it. Direct deposits typically post on the scheduled date, sometimes one or two days early depending on the source. Once set up, direct deposits repeat on the same schedule without you having to do anything.
Transfer money from another bank
Log into your Bank of America online banking or mobile app and select "Transfer Money" or "Move Money." Choose "From another bank" and enter the other bank's routing number and your account number there. Enter the amount you want to transfer and confirm.
The transfer takes one to two business days to post. Bank of America may place a temporary hold on the funds while the transfer clears. There is no fee for incoming transfers. If you transfer regularly from the same outside account, you can save it as a favorite to speed up future transfers.
Understand daily deposit limits
Bank of America does not publish a single daily deposit limit that applies to all accounts. Limits vary based on your account type, how long you have held the account, and your history with the bank. New accounts typically have lower limits than established accounts.
If you hit a limit, you can deposit the remainder the next day or contact Bank of America to request a temporary increase. ATM deposits, mobile deposits, and branch deposits may have separate limits. Check your account settings in the mobile app or call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to find out your specific limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit cash through mobile deposit?
No. Mobile deposit works for checks only. To deposit cash, use a Bank of America ATM or visit a branch in person.
How long does a transfer from another bank take?
One to two business days. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a transfer initiated on Friday may not post until Tuesday.
What if I deposit a check and the amount is wrong?
Contact Bank of America as soon as you notice the error. If the check was deposited in error or the amount does not match what you confirmed, the bank can investigate and reverse the deposit if needed.
Can I set up direct deposit to my savings account instead of checking?
Yes. When you provide your account information to your employer or the government agency, specify your savings account number instead of your checking account number. Direct deposits work the same way regardless of which account receives them.
Is there a fee to transfer money into my savings account?
No. Transfers between your own Bank of America accounts are free. Incoming transfers from other banks are also free. The only fees that may apply are monthly maintenance fees on the savings account itself, which depend on your account type.