You can deposit a check using Bank of America's mobile app or website without visiting a branch

Bank of America's mobile check deposit feature lets you photograph the front and back of a check and submit it through the Bank of America app or online banking. The bank processes the image and credits the funds to your account—usually within one business day, though it can take up to two. You do not need to visit a branch, mail the check, or use an ATM.

The process is straightforward: open the app, find the deposit option, take clear photos of both sides of the check, enter the amount, and confirm. The bank then holds the physical check for a set period (usually 30 days) before destroying it. You should not deposit the original check anywhere else once you have submitted it digitally.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app works on most smartphones and requires clear photos of the front and back of the check.
  • Funds typically appear in your account within one business day, though the bank may take up to two days to fully process the deposit.
  • You must be enrolled in online banking and have a compatible device with a camera to use mobile deposit.
  • After you submit a check digitally, do not deposit the physical check at an ATM or branch, as this can cause duplicate deposit problems.
  • Daily and monthly deposit limits apply—Bank of America sets these per account, and they vary based on your account type and history.

Step-by-step process for depositing a check on your phone

Open the Bank of America mobile app and log in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select "Deposit a Check" or look for a "Deposits" option under the account menu. You may see it labeled as "Mobile Check Deposit" or simply under a "Transfers" section.

Select the account where you want the funds to go. Take a photo of the front of the check in good lighting—make sure the entire check is visible and the image is clear enough to read the numbers and text. The app will guide you to photograph the back of the check next. Both images must show the full check with no parts cut off.

Enter the check amount manually into the app. Review the information for accuracy, then submit the deposit. You will receive a confirmation number and a timestamp. Keep this confirmation for your records. The bank will send you a notification once the check has been processed, which usually happens within 24 hours.

Depositing a check through Bank of America's website

If you prefer to use a computer instead of your phone, log into your Bank of America online banking account at bankofamerica.com. Click on the account where you want to deposit the check, then look for a "Deposit a Check" or "Mobile Deposit" link—this is often found under the account details or in a menu labeled "Transfers & Payments."

You will need a device with a camera (such as a laptop with a built-in camera or a connected webcam) to take photos of the check. The website will prompt you to photograph the front and back of the check, just as the app does. Enter the amount, review the details, and submit. The process and timeline are the same as mobile deposit.

What happens after you submit the check

Once you submit the check, Bank of America holds the image and processes it through the banking system. The funds are usually available within one business day, though the bank reserves the right to take up to two business days. You will see a pending deposit in your account almost immediately after submission, and it will change to posted once the bank has fully processed it.

The physical check itself should be stored safely for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify the image. After 30 days, you can destroy the check by shredding it or tearing it up. Do not throw it away intact, as it contains your account information and the payer's signature.

Deposit limits and restrictions

Bank of America sets daily and monthly limits on mobile check deposits. These limits vary based on your account type, how long you have had the account, and your banking history. New accounts typically have lower limits than established accounts. You can view your specific limits in the mobile app or by calling Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000.

Some checks cannot be deposited through mobile deposit, including checks marked "two-party," checks that are post-dated (dated in the future), checks that are stale-dated (more than 180 days old), and checks that have already been deposited elsewhere. If you receive a check that does not meet these requirements, you will need to deposit it at a branch or ATM instead.

Troubleshooting common mobile deposit problems

If your check image is rejected, the most common reason is poor image quality. Make sure you are photographing in bright, even lighting and that the entire check is visible in the frame with no glare or shadows. Blurry images, cropped corners, or images taken at an angle often fail. Retake the photos and try again.

If the app says the check amount does not match the image, double-check that you entered the correct amount. The number you type must match the amount written on the check. If you entered it incorrectly, cancel the deposit and start over with the correct amount.

If you see an error message about the check being already deposited, this usually means the physical check was deposited at an ATM or branch after you submitted it digitally. Contact Bank of America immediately to report the duplicate deposit so they can investigate and reverse the extra charge if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check if I do not have the Bank of America app?

Yes. You can deposit a check through Bank of America's website using online banking and a device with a camera. The process is the same as the app. If you do not have online banking set up, you can register at bankofamerica.com or call 1-800-432-1000 to activate it.

What if the check is from a foreign bank?

Mobile deposit does not work for checks drawn on banks outside the United States. You will need to deposit these checks at a branch in person, and the bank may place a hold on the funds while it processes the international check. Processing times for foreign checks can be several weeks.

How long does it take for the money to show up in my account?

The deposit usually appears as pending within a few minutes of submission and becomes available within one business day. Bank of America may take up to two business days in some cases. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a check deposited on Friday may not post until Monday or Tuesday.

Can I deposit a check that has been signed over to me?

No. Mobile deposit does not work for third-party checks (checks made out to someone else and signed over to you). You must deposit these at a branch in person, and the bank may decline to accept them depending on your account type and the bank's policies.

What should I do with the physical check after I deposit it?

Keep it in a safe place for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify the image. After 30 days, shred or tear up the check to protect your account information. Do not deposit the physical check anywhere else, as this creates a duplicate deposit that can cause overdraft fees and account problems.