Mobile check deposit works through your phone camera and takes about two minutes

Bank of America's mobile check deposit feature lets you photograph the front and back of a check using your phone, then submit it through the mobile app without visiting a branch or ATM. The bank processes the image and credits the funds to your account. Most personal checks clear within one business day, though some may take longer depending on the amount and the check's origin.

You need a Bank of America checking or savings account and the official Bank of America mobile app installed on your phone. The app is free and works on both iOS and Android devices. You do not need a special camera or equipment—your phone's built-in camera is sufficient.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Bank of America app, tap Deposit, and photograph both sides of the check in good lighting to ensure the image is clear and readable.
  • The app will show you a preview of both images before you submit; if either side is blurry or cut off, retake the photo.
  • After you submit, the funds are typically available within one business day, though Bank of America may hold the deposit longer for checks over $5,000 or from unfamiliar banks.
  • Once a check is deposited through mobile deposit, do not deposit it again at an ATM or branch, and do not cash it—doing so can result in overdraft fees or fraud holds on your account.
  • If a deposited check bounces or is returned, Bank of America will notify you and may charge a returned-item fee.

Step-by-step process for photographing and submitting a check

Start by opening the Bank of America mobile app and signing in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right, then select "Deposit a Check" or look for a deposit option in the main menu. The app will ask you which account you want to deposit into—select the checking or savings account where you want the funds to go.

Hold the check in front of your phone camera in good lighting. The app will guide you to photograph the front of the check first. Make sure the entire check is visible in the frame, including all four corners, and that the image is sharp and not blurry. The camera will auto-capture when it detects a properly framed check, or you can tap the button to take the photo manually. Repeat this process for the back of the check.

Review both images on the screen before submitting. If either image is unclear, cut off, or blurry, tap the option to retake that photo. Once both images look clear and complete, enter the check amount and tap "Submit" or "Deposit." The app will confirm that your deposit has been received.

When funds appear in your account

Bank of America typically makes mobile check deposits available within one business day. This means if you deposit a check on a Monday morning, the funds usually appear by Tuesday. Deposits made after business hours or on weekends are processed the next business day.

The bank may hold the deposit longer if the check amount exceeds $5,000, if the check is from a bank outside the United States, or if Bank of America suspects fraud or an error. You will see a message in the app if a hold is placed on your deposit, and it will tell you when the funds will be released. Holds typically last two to five business days.

What happens if the check bounces or is returned

If the check writer does not have sufficient funds or the check is otherwise invalid, the check will be returned unpaid. Bank of America will reverse the deposit from your account and notify you through the app or email. You will lose the funds you thought you had deposited.

Bank of America charges a returned-item fee (currently $12 for personal accounts, though this varies) when a deposited check is returned. If the returned check caused your account to go negative, you may also be charged an overdraft fee. Contact the person who wrote the check to ask them to resubmit payment or provide a different form of payment.

Do not deposit the same check twice

Once you have submitted a check through mobile deposit, do not deposit it again at an ATM, at a branch, or through any other method. Depositing the same check more than once is considered check fraud, even if you do it by accident. Bank of America's systems are designed to catch duplicate deposits, but if one slips through, the bank will reverse both deposits and may freeze your account pending investigation.

After you submit a mobile deposit, destroy the physical check by shredding it or writing "VOID" across the front in large letters. This prevents accidental or intentional redeposit. Keep the check in a safe place for at least 30 days in case Bank of America needs to verify the deposit.

Limits on mobile check deposits

Bank of America sets daily and monthly limits on mobile check deposits. For most personal checking accounts, the daily limit is $2,500 and the monthly limit is $5,000. These limits mean you can deposit up to $2,500 in a single day and up to $5,000 in a calendar month through mobile deposit. If you need to deposit more, use an ATM, visit a branch, or contact Bank of America to request a higher limit.

Business accounts and premium accounts may have higher limits. Check your account details in the app or call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to confirm your specific limits.

Troubleshooting common mobile deposit problems

If the app will not let you photograph the check, make sure you are in a well-lit area and that the entire check is visible in the frame. The app requires that all four corners of the check be visible and that the text be readable. If the lighting is poor, move to a brighter location or use your phone's flashlight.

If the app rejects your image as blurry or incomplete, retake the photo. Hold the phone steady and avoid shadows across the check. If you continue to have trouble, try closing the app completely and reopening it, or restart your phone.

If you receive an error message after submitting the deposit, take a screenshot of the error and contact Bank of America customer service. The deposit may have gone through despite the error message—check your account in a few minutes to confirm. If the deposit did not go through, you can try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check if it is signed to someone else?

No. Bank of America will reject a check that is not signed to you or your account holder. If someone else wrote you a check, they must sign it in your name or write "Pay to the order of [your name]" below their signature and sign again. Alternatively, they can cash the check and give you the money directly.

What if the check is damaged or has a tear?

If the check is damaged but still readable, try photographing it. The app may accept it if all the critical information—the amount, the date, the signature, and the routing and account numbers—is visible and clear. If the app rejects it, visit a Bank of America branch or ATM to deposit it in person.

Do I need to endorse the check before I photograph it?

No. Bank of America does not require you to sign the back of the check for mobile deposit. However, it is a good practice to sign the back anyway, as some banks and situations may require it. If you do sign it, make sure your signature does not cover any important information on the check.

How long should I keep the physical check after I deposit it?

Keep the check for at least 30 days after you deposit it. This gives Bank of America time to process it fully and catch any issues. After 30 days, you can safely destroy it by shredding or writing "VOID" across it. Do not throw it away without marking it, as it contains sensitive information.

What if my deposit shows as pending but does not clear after two days?

Contact Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 or through the app. A hold may have been placed on the deposit due to the amount, the check's origin, or a suspected issue. The bank can tell you why the deposit is pending and when it will clear. Holds typically last two to five business days.