The three ways to deposit a check at Bank of America

You can deposit a check at Bank of America through a branch visit, a mobile app deposit, or an ATM. The fastest route depends on when you need the money and whether you have your phone with you. Mobile deposit usually clears within one business day; ATM deposits take one to two business days; in-branch deposits are immediate if you go during business hours.

All three methods require the same thing: the check itself, your Bank of America account number, and a way to identify yourself (your debit card, PIN, or login credentials). The check must be made out to you or to you and another person whose name is also on the account.

Before you deposit, endorse the back of the check by signing your name on the line marked "Signature." If you are depositing through the mobile app, you will sign electronically as part of the process. For ATM and branch deposits, sign the physical check.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app is the fastest method and works from anywhere, but you need a smartphone and the check must be under your bank's daily limit.
  • ATM deposits work 24/7 at any Bank of America ATM and do not require a smartphone, but the check is not available for withdrawal until the next business day.
  • In-branch deposits are immediate and let you ask questions, but require you to visit during business hours and wait in line.
  • You must endorse the check by signing the back before deposit, and the check must be made out to you or to you and another account holder.
  • Checks typically clear within one to two business days, though some banks take longer to process checks from other institutions.

Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app

Open the Bank of America mobile app, tap "Deposit a Check," and select the account where you want the money to go. Take a photo of the front of the check, then a photo of the back. The app will show you a preview of both images. If they are clear and the check information is readable, tap "Confirm" and submit.

The app will tell you when the deposit is expected to clear. Most deposits clear within one business day. Bank of America sets a daily mobile deposit limit; this limit varies by account type and history, but typically ranges from $2,500 to $10,000 per day. If your check exceeds the limit, you will need to use an ATM or visit a branch.

After you submit, the app will give you a confirmation number. Keep this number in case you need to track the deposit or contact the bank. Do not destroy the physical check for at least 14 days; if the image quality was poor or the bank has questions, they may ask you to provide the original.

ATM deposit at any Bank of America location

Find a Bank of America ATM, insert your debit card, and enter your PIN. Select "Deposit" or "Make a Deposit," then choose "Check." The ATM will prompt you to insert the check into the slot. The machine will scan it, display the amount, and ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the ATM will return the check to you or keep it depending on the machine model.

If the ATM keeps the check, it will print a receipt showing the deposit amount and a reference number. If the ATM returns the check, take it with you and do not deposit it again. The funds will not be available for withdrawal until the next business day, and the check will clear within one to two business days after that.

ATM deposits work around the clock, even on weekends and holidays. There is no daily limit for ATM deposits at Bank of America, so you can deposit checks of any amount. However, if you deposit a very large check, the bank may place a hold on part of the funds while they verify it.

In-branch deposit at a Bank of America location

Walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours, take a number or tell a teller you want to deposit a check, and hand them the endorsed check. The teller will scan it, confirm the amount, and ask which account to deposit it into. They will give you a receipt immediately. The funds are available right away, though the check itself clears within one to two business days.

In-branch deposits are useful if you have questions about the check, if the check is damaged or unclear, or if you want to deposit cash at the same time. The teller can also tell you on the spot if there is a problem with the check—for example, if it is post-dated (dated in the future) or if the signature does not match the account name.

Branch hours vary by location. Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website or app to find the nearest branch and confirm hours before you go. Most branches are open Monday through Friday during business hours and Saturday mornings, but some have different schedules.

What happens after you deposit a check

After deposit, the check enters the clearing process. Bank of America sends the check to the bank that issued it (the check writer's bank) to confirm the account has enough money and that the signature is valid. This process usually takes one to two business days. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a check deposited on Friday may not clear until Tuesday.

During the clearing period, the funds show in your account as "pending" or "deposited but not yet cleared." You can see the pending deposit in your app or online banking, but you cannot withdraw the money until the check clears. If you try to withdraw before clearing is complete, the transaction may be declined or you may overdraw your account.

Once the check clears, the funds are yours and the check is no longer your responsibility. The issuing bank keeps the physical check or a digital image of it for their records. You do not need to keep the check after it clears, though some people keep it for their own records.

Problems that can delay or stop a check deposit

A check may be rejected or delayed if the signature on the back does not match the name on the front, if the check is post-dated, if the amount in words does not match the amount in numbers, or if the check is damaged or faded. Bank of America will contact you if they spot a problem. Check your email and phone for messages from the bank.

If the issuing bank reports that the account does not have enough money to cover the check, the check will bounce. Bank of America will reverse the deposit, remove the funds from your account, and may charge you a returned-check fee. The person or business that wrote the check is responsible for covering the amount, but you will need to contact them to ask them to resubmit it or pay you another way.

Checks from banks outside the United States or very old checks (more than six months old) may take longer to clear or may be rejected entirely. If you are unsure whether a check will clear, ask the person who wrote it or contact Bank of America customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?

Only if that person's name is also on your Bank of America account. The check must be made out to you, to the other person, or to both of you. If the check is made out only to someone else, they must deposit it into their own account or endorse it to you in writing (third-party deposit), which Bank of America may not accept.

What if I deposit a check and then the account it came from closes?

If the account closes before the check clears, the check will bounce. Bank of America will reverse the deposit and charge you a returned-check fee. You will need to contact the person or business that wrote the check and ask them to issue a new one or pay you another way.

How long does a check from another bank take to clear?

Most checks clear within one to two business days. Checks from banks outside your region or very large checks may take longer. Bank of America will show you an estimated clear date when you deposit the check. If a check does not clear within five business days, contact the bank.

Can I deposit a check if I do not have a debit card?

Yes. For mobile deposit, you can log in with your username and password instead of using your card. For ATM deposit, you will need your card or PIN. For in-branch deposit, bring your ID and account number.

What if the mobile app says my check image is too blurry?

Retake the photo in better lighting and make sure the entire check is in the frame. The app needs to read the routing number, account number, check number, and amount. If the app keeps rejecting it, use an ATM or visit a branch instead.