Deposit your check in person at any Bank of America branch, through the mobile app, or at an ATM
Bank of America gives you three ways to deposit a tax refund check: walk into a branch with your ID and the check, use the mobile app to photograph the front and back, or insert it into a Bank of America ATM. The mobile app route is fastest if you have it installed—the deposit posts within one business day in most cases. In-person deposits at a branch are immediate, though the funds may take one to two business days to clear. ATM deposits work the same way as branch deposits but require a Bank of America ATM that accepts checks.
You do not need to endorse the back of the check before depositing through the app, though Bank of America recommends writing "For mobile deposit only" if you do. For branch and ATM deposits, sign the back of the check in the endorsement area (the white space on the back, usually near the right edge) and write your account number below your signature.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile app deposits photograph both sides of the check and post within one business day, making this the fastest option for most people.
- Branch deposits are immediate and require only your ID and the check, though funds clear in one to two business days.
- ATM deposits work like branch deposits but only at Bank of America ATMs that accept checks—not all locations have this feature.
- Sign the back of the check and write your account number for branch and ATM deposits; mobile deposits do not require your signature.
- If the check is made out to multiple people, all payees must either sign it or be present at the branch to deposit it.
Mobile app deposit step by step
Open the Bank of America mobile app and tap Deposit or Mobile Check Deposit (the exact wording varies by app version). Select the account you want the money to go into. Take a clear photo of the front of the check—make sure all four corners are visible and the text is readable. The app will tell you if the image quality is too low. Then photograph the back of the check the same way.
Review the check amount and routing information the app displays to make sure it matches your check. Tap to confirm and submit. The app will show you a confirmation number and tell you when the deposit will post—usually within one business day. Do not deposit the check anywhere else after you submit it through the app. Bank of America recommends keeping the physical check for 30 days in case there is a problem, then shredding it.
If the app rejects your deposit, it will tell you why—usually because the image is blurry, a corner is cut off, or the check amount is above the daily limit (which varies by account type, typically $2,500 to $5,000 per day). Take new photos and try again, or use a branch or ATM instead.
In-person deposit at a Bank of America branch
Bring your check and a government-issued ID to any Bank of America branch during business hours. Walk up to a teller and hand them the check. They will ask which account to deposit it into and may ask a few security questions. The teller will process the deposit immediately and give you a receipt showing the amount and the account it went to. The funds will be available in your account within one to two business days, depending on when the check was issued and your bank's processing schedule.
You do not need an appointment. If the branch is busy, you may wait in line, but the actual deposit takes less than five minutes. If you do not have your ID, most branches will not process the deposit—bring it with you.
ATM deposit at a Bank of America ATM
Not all Bank of America ATMs accept check deposits. Before you go, use the ATM locator on the Bank of America website or app to find an ATM near you that has check deposit capability—the listing will say "Check Deposit" in the features. Insert your debit card and enter your PIN. Select Deposit and then Check. The ATM will prompt you to insert the check into the slot, usually face-up and with the top edge first.
The ATM will scan the check and display the amount on the screen. Verify it matches your check. If it does, confirm the deposit. The ATM will return your card and give you a receipt. The funds post within one to two business days, the same as a branch deposit. If the ATM rejects the check, it will return it to you—this usually means the image quality is too poor or the check is damaged. Try a branch deposit instead.
What happens after you deposit the check
After you submit a deposit through any method, Bank of America places a hold on the funds for one to two business days. This means the money shows up in your account right away (or within one business day for mobile deposits), but you cannot withdraw it until the hold lifts. The hold exists because the bank has not yet confirmed with the IRS that the check is real and the account it came from has the funds to cover it.
Once the hold lifts, the money is yours to use. You will see the deposit listed in your transaction history with the date it posted. If you need the money before the hold lifts, you can ask a teller at a branch whether they can release it early—some branches will do this for tax refunds, but it is not may provide.
Checks made out to two or more people
If your tax refund check is made out to you and another person (for example, you and a spouse), both of you must sign the back of the check before depositing it. You cannot deposit it into an account that only has one of your names on it. Both payees must either sign the check in person at a branch, or one person can sign it and bring a signed letter from the other person authorizing the deposit—though most branches will ask both people to be present instead.
The safest approach is to have both people go to the branch together with their IDs and the check. The teller will watch both of you sign the back and process the deposit. If you cannot both be there, call your branch ahead of time and ask what documentation they need.
Troubleshooting a rejected or stuck deposit
If the mobile app rejects your check, the most common reasons are blurry photos, a corner cut off, or the amount exceeding your daily limit. Retake the photos in good lighting and make sure all four corners of the check are visible. If the amount is above your limit, deposit it at a branch or ATM instead, or split it across two days using the app.
If a branch or ATM rejects the check, the machine will return it to you. This usually means the check is damaged, faded, or the image sensor cannot read it. Try depositing it at a different branch or ATM, or ask a teller to process it manually—they can often do this even if the machine cannot read it.
If you deposited the check but it does not show up in your account after two business days, log into your Bank of America account online or call customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Have your check number and the amount ready. They can tell you whether the deposit is still processing, was rejected, or encountered a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a tax refund check made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person whose name is on the check. If someone else received the refund by mistake, contact the IRS to request a corrected check. Do not try to deposit a check with someone else's name on it—the bank will reject it.
How long does it take for the money to be available after I deposit?
Mobile app deposits post within one business day. Branch and ATM deposits show up immediately but have a one- to two-business-day hold before you can withdraw the money. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
What if I lost the check or it got damaged?
Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or through the IRS website to report the lost or damaged check. They will issue a replacement, which takes about two to four weeks. You can also check the status of your refund on the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool to confirm the original check amount.
Do I need to endorse the check before using mobile deposit?
No. Mobile deposits do not require your signature on the back. For branch and ATM deposits, sign the back of the check in the endorsement area and write your account number below your signature.
Can I deposit the check at a Bank of America ATM that is not at a branch?
Only if that ATM has check deposit capability. Use the Bank of America ATM locator to find one near you that accepts checks. Not all standalone ATMs have this feature.