Bank of America's Mobile Check Deposit Works Through the Mobile App

Bank of America lets you deposit a check using your phone's camera instead of visiting a branch or ATM. You photograph the front and back of the check, the app transmits the images to Bank of America's servers, and the funds appear in your account within one to two business days. You do not mail the check or hand it to anyone.

The process takes about two minutes once you have the Bank of America mobile app installed and are signed in. You will need the physical check in front of you, good lighting, and a phone with a working camera. After the deposit is submitted, Bank of America recommends you write "deposited" on the check and keep it for 30 days in case there is a problem.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile check deposit requires the Bank of America mobile app, an active checking or savings account, and enrollment in the mobile deposit feature.
  • You photograph both sides of the check, review the images for clarity, and submit them through the app—the actual check stays with you.
  • Funds typically post within one to two business days, though the exact timing depends on when you deposit and the check amount.
  • There are daily and monthly deposit limits that vary by account type; business accounts have different limits than personal accounts.
  • If the deposit fails or the bank cannot read the images, you will receive a notification in the app and can try again or use another method.

What You Need Before You Start

You must have a Bank of America checking or savings account that is in good standing. The account holder's name must match the name on the check, or the deposit will be rejected. If you are depositing a check made out to someone else, you will need to use a different method—mobile deposit does not work for third-party checks.

Download the Bank of America mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and sign in with your username and password or fingerprint. Go to the Deposit Checks section, usually found under the Deposits or Transfers menu. If you do not see this option, your account may not be enrolled yet; contact Bank of America to turn on mobile deposit for your account.

Make sure your phone's camera is clean and you have enough light to photograph the check clearly. Dim lighting or a smudged lens will cause the app to reject the images.

The Step-by-Step Process for Photographing and Submitting

Open the Bank of America app and tap Deposit Checks. The app will ask you which account you want to deposit into—select the correct one. Tap the camera icon to begin photographing.

Hold the check flat on a white or light-colored surface. Position your phone so the entire front of the check is visible in the frame, with all four corners showing. The app will show you a guide on the screen to help you line it up. Take the photo when the app indicates the image is in focus and properly framed.

Repeat this process for the back of the check. The back usually has less information, but the app still requires a photo of it. Once both images are captured, the app will display them side by side so you can review them before submission. Check that all text is readable, the check is not tilted, and no corners are cut off. If either image is blurry or incomplete, retake it.

Enter the check amount manually into the app. This amount must match what is written on the check. Tap Submit or Deposit to send the images and amount to Bank of America. You will receive a confirmation message with a reference number. Write this number on the check itself for your records.

Daily and Monthly Deposit Limits

Bank of America sets limits on how much you can deposit through mobile check deposit in a single day and over a rolling 30-day period. These limits vary depending on your account type and how long you have been a customer.

For most personal checking accounts, the daily limit is $2,500 and the 30-day rolling limit is $5,000. Business accounts have higher limits, typically $5,000 per day and $25,000 per 30 days, though this depends on your specific business account agreement. If you try to deposit a check that exceeds your remaining limit, the app will reject it and tell you how much you can still deposit that day.

If you need to deposit more than your limit allows, you can use an ATM with check deposit capability, visit a branch in person, or wait until your rolling 30-day window resets. Limits reset based on the date you made your first deposit in that 30-day period, not on a calendar month.

When Funds Appear in Your Account

After you submit the check, Bank of America typically makes the funds available within one to two business days. The exact timing depends on when you deposit the check and the amount. Checks deposited before 9 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day are usually processed that same day; checks deposited after 9 p.m. or on weekends are processed the next business day.

Large checks—typically over $5,000—may take longer to clear. Bank of America may place a hold on part or all of the funds while they verify the check with the issuing bank. You will see a notification in the app if a hold is placed, and it will tell you when the funds will be released.

You can check the status of your deposit in the app at any time. Go to the Deposit Checks section and look for Recent Deposits or Deposit History. The app will show you whether the deposit was received, is being processed, or has been completed.

What to Do If the Deposit Fails or Is Rejected

If Bank of America cannot read the images clearly, the app will notify you and ask you to retake the photos. Common reasons for rejection include glare on the check, text that is too small or blurry, corners of the check cut off, or the back of the check not photographed. Improve the lighting, hold the phone more steadily, and make sure the entire check fits in the frame.

If the check amount does not match what you entered, or if the check is made out to a different name than your account, the deposit will be rejected. You cannot correct these issues through mobile deposit—you will need to use a different method or contact Bank of America for help.

If you receive an error message that does not explain the problem, try again in a few minutes. Temporary app glitches or network issues sometimes cause deposits to fail on the first attempt. If the problem persists after three attempts, contact Bank of America customer service through the app or by phone.

After You Deposit: What to Do With the Physical Check

Do not destroy the check immediately after depositing it. Bank of America recommends you keep the physical check for at least 30 days. Write "deposited" across the front in pen so you do not accidentally try to deposit it again or give it to someone else.

If the deposit is rejected or reversed, you will need the original check to try again or to investigate what went wrong. After 30 days, you can shred the check or file it with your records. Do not deposit the same check twice—once through mobile deposit and again at an ATM or branch—or the bank will catch the duplicate and reverse one of the deposits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?

No. Mobile check deposit only works for checks made out to you or to you and another person whose name is on your account. For third-party checks, you will need to visit a branch or use a different deposit method. Some banks allow third-party deposits if the other person signs the back, but Bank of America does not support this through mobile deposit.

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

Check the app for a hold notice—large checks or checks from unfamiliar banks sometimes trigger a hold. The app will tell you the release date. If there is no hold and the deposit still shows as pending after three business days, contact Bank of America through the app or by phone to investigate. Provide your reference number from the confirmation.

Can I deposit a check from a bank account that is not at Bank of America?

Yes. The check can be drawn on any U.S. bank. The bank that issued the check does not matter—only that the check is made out to you and is a valid U.S. check. Checks from foreign banks or non-bank financial institutions may not be accepted.

What happens if I lose my phone after I deposit a check but before it clears?

The deposit will still process normally. Your phone is only used to take and submit the photos; once the images are sent to Bank of America, the deposit is in their system. You can sign into your account from any device to check the status. Keep your reference number written on the physical check so you can reference it if you need to contact Bank of America.

Is there a fee for mobile check deposit?

Bank of America does not charge a separate fee for mobile check deposit if you have a standard checking or savings account. Some premium or specialty accounts may have different terms, so check your account agreement or contact Bank of America if you are unsure.