The fastest way to deposit a check at Bank of America
Bank of America offers three ways to deposit a check: through the mobile app using a photo, at an ATM, or in person at a branch. The mobile app is the fastest for most people — you take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the funds typically appear in your account within one business day. ATM deposits work the same way and take the same time. In-person deposits at a branch are when ready, but only if you go during business hours.
Which method you choose depends on when you need the money and whether you have your phone or a nearby ATM. All three methods work with personal checks, business checks, and government checks.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile app deposits take a photo of both sides of the check and post funds within one business day, with no trip required.
- ATM deposits work 24/7 at Bank of America ATMs and have the same one-business-day timeline as mobile deposits.
- In-person branch deposits are when ready but only during branch hours, which vary by location.
- You must endorse the check (sign the back) before any deposit method will accept it.
- Checks must be made payable to you or to you and another person — Bank of America will not accept checks made out to someone else.
Depositing a check through the Bank of America mobile app
Open the Bank of America app, go to the Deposit Checks section (usually under the account menu or a "+" icon), and select the account where you want the money to go. Take a clear photo of the front of the check, then the back. The app will ask you to confirm the check amount and the account number printed on the check. Review the details, then submit.
The funds will be held as pending for one business day, then posted to your account. You can check the status in the app at any time. After the deposit posts, you should destroy the physical check or write "deposited" across it so it does not get deposited twice by accident.
The app works on both iPhone and Android. You need a Bank of America checking or savings account to use this feature. If you do not have the app yet, read it from the App Store or Google Play and log in with your online banking username and password.
Using a Bank of America ATM to deposit a check
Find a Bank of America ATM near you (use the ATM locator on the Bank of America website or app). Insert your debit card and enter your PIN. Select "Deposit" from the menu, then choose the account you want to deposit into. The ATM will ask you to insert the check into the slot. Make sure the check is endorsed (signed on the back) before you insert it.
The ATM will scan the check and display the amount on the screen. Confirm that the amount is correct, then complete the transaction. The check will be retained by the ATM. Your account will show the deposit as pending when ready, and the funds will post within one business day, just like a mobile deposit.
ATM deposits are available 24/7 at any Bank of America ATM. You do not need to be a Bank of America customer to use an ATM, but you do need to own the check or be listed as a payee on it.
Depositing a check in person at a Bank of America branch
Visit any Bank of America branch during business hours with your check and a form of ID. Hand the check and your debit card or account number to the teller. The teller will verify the check amount, endorse it on your behalf if you have not already, and process the deposit into your account. The funds will be available when ready in most cases, though the teller may place a hold on large checks (the exact threshold varies by branch and account history).
In-person deposits are the only method that gives you when ready access to the funds. If you need the money the same day, this is your only option. Branch hours vary by location — most branches are open Monday through Friday during business hours and some are open on Saturday mornings. Use the Bank of America branch locator to find hours near you.
What you need to know before you deposit
The check must be made payable to you, or to you and another person. Bank of America will not accept a check made out to someone else, even if that person signs it over to you. If the check is made out to two people with "and" between the names, both people must endorse it. If it says "or," either person can endorse it alone.
Endorse the check by signing your name on the back, in the white space near the top. Some banks ask you to write "for deposit only" above your signature, though Bank of America does not require this. Do not write anything else on the back of the check — it can cause the deposit to be rejected.
The check must be in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank. Post-dated checks (checks dated in the future) may be rejected or held until the date on the check. Checks older than six months may also be rejected, though the bank may contact the issuer to confirm.
How long it takes for the money to show up
Mobile app and ATM deposits post as pending when ready, then become available within one business day. "One business day" means the next calendar day that is not a weekend or federal holiday. If you deposit on a Friday, the funds will post on Monday. If you deposit on a holiday, they will post the next business day.
In-person branch deposits are when ready — the money is in your account right away. However, the bank may place a temporary hold on the funds if the check is large, if your account is new, or if you have a history of returned checks. If a hold is placed, the teller will tell you when the funds will be released.
Once the deposit posts, the money is yours to use. You can withdraw it, transfer it, or use it to pay bills. The physical check is destroyed by the bank and cannot be deposited again.
What to do if your check deposit is rejected
A check can be rejected for several reasons: the check is not endorsed, it is made out to someone else, the amount is illegible, the routing number is missing or wrong, or the check is damaged. If your deposit is rejected through the app or ATM, you will receive a notification explaining why. Read the reason carefully — most rejections can be fixed by resubmitting the check or depositing it in person instead.
If you deposited in person and the teller rejected the check, ask them to explain the reason. Some issues, like a missing signature, you can fix on the spot. Others, like a check made out to the wrong person, cannot be fixed — you will need to contact the person who issued the check and ask for a new one made out to you.
If you believe the rejection was a mistake, you can contact Bank of America customer service through the app, by phone, or in person at a branch. Have the check with you when you contact them so you can describe the issue clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a check made out to my business at my personal Bank of America account?
No. The check must be made payable to the account holder or to the account holder and another person. If you have a business account with Bank of America, you can deposit business checks there. If you only have a personal account, you will need to open a business account or ask the person who issued the check to issue a new one in your personal name.
What if I do not have a Bank of America debit card for the ATM?
You can still use the mobile app to deposit the check — you only need your online banking login. If you want to use an ATM, you will need a debit card or a PIN-enabled account. Contact Bank of America to set up a PIN if you do not have one.
How much can I deposit at one time?
There is no stated limit for check deposits through the mobile app or ATM. However, the bank may place a hold on very large checks (usually over $5,000, though this varies) and may contact you to verify the deposit. In-person deposits have no limit, and the teller can process large checks when ready.
Can someone else deposit a check made out to me?
Only if the check is made out to you and that person, or if you endorse it and they deposit it in their own account. Bank of America will not accept a check made out to you if someone else is depositing it into their account, even with your permission. The check must match the account holder's name.
What happens if I lose the check after I deposit it through the app?
Nothing — the bank has already scanned and processed it. You should destroy the physical check or write "deposited" on it so it cannot be cashed or deposited again by mistake. The bank keeps a digital record of the deposit, so you have proof if there is ever a dispute.