Bank of America will deposit some third-party checks, but only under specific conditions

Bank of America accepts third-party checks—checks made out to someone else that you then deposit—but the bank has strict rules about which ones it will take. The check must be endorsed by the original payee (the person it was written to), and you must also sign it. Bank of America requires both signatures to appear on the back of the check in a specific order: the original payee signs first, then you sign below them. The bank will not deposit a third-party check if either signature is missing or if the signatures are in the wrong order.

Beyond the signature requirement, Bank of America has additional limits. The original payee must be present with you when you deposit the check, or the bank may refuse it. Some branches enforce this rule more strictly than others, so your experience may depend on which location you visit. The bank also reserves the right to refuse any third-party check at its discretion, even if it meets all the stated requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Both the original payee and you must sign the back of the check, with the original payee signing first.
  • Bank of America may require the original payee to be present during the deposit, depending on the branch.
  • The bank can refuse a third-party check even if it meets all signature and endorsement requirements.
  • Mobile deposit and ATM deposit of third-party checks are not available; you must go to a branch in person.
  • Some Bank of America branches have stopped accepting third-party checks altogether, so calling ahead is worth the time.

What signatures and endorsements Bank of America requires

The original payee—the person the check was written to—must write their signature on the back of the check, usually in the endorsement area. Below that signature, you write your own name and signature. Bank of America staff will look for both names and both signatures in that order. If the original payee signs below you instead of above you, the bank may reject the check.

Some people try to write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. Bank of America does not require this language, but it does not hurt. What matters is that both people have signed. If you are depositing a check made out to two people (such as "John Smith and Jane Doe"), both of them must endorse it, and then you sign below both of them.

Whether the original payee must be present at the bank

Bank of America's official policy does not explicitly state that the original payee must be physically present when you deposit the check. However, many branches do require it or ask for it. The reason is fraud prevention: the bank wants to confirm that the original payee actually agreed to let you deposit their check. If you show up alone with a check signed by someone else, a teller may ask you to bring that person back before they will process the deposit.

This rule is not applied uniformly across all branches. Some locations are more flexible, especially if the check is small or if you are a long-standing customer. Others enforce it strictly. Before you go to the branch, call ahead and ask whether the original payee needs to come with you. This saves a trip and prevents the check from being rejected at the counter.

Limits on the amount and frequency of third-party check deposits

Bank of America does not publish a specific dollar limit for third-party checks, but the bank does monitor deposits for patterns that suggest fraud or money laundering. If you deposit multiple third-party checks in a short period, especially for large amounts, the bank may flag the account for review. This does not mean the deposit will be rejected, but it may be held longer than usual while the bank investigates.

If you regularly deposit third-party checks as part of a business or as a payroll agent for others, you should speak with a Bank of America business banker about setting up a formal arrangement. A business account or a payroll service account may have different rules and may be better suited to your situation than depositing personal checks repeatedly.

Mobile and ATM deposit of third-party checks

Bank of America does not allow third-party check deposits through its mobile app or ATM. You must visit a branch in person and speak with a teller. This is a deliberate security measure: the bank wants a human to verify the signatures and confirm the original payee's consent before the money is accepted.

If you are trying to deposit a third-party check outside of branch hours, you will have to wait until the branch reopens. There is no workaround through the app or ATM. Plan accordingly if you need the money quickly.

What happens if Bank of America refuses your third-party check

If a teller refuses to deposit your third-party check, ask why. The most common reasons are missing signatures, signatures in the wrong order, or the original payee not being present. If the reason is a missing signature or wrong order, you can ask the original payee to correct it and try again at the same branch or a different one.

If the bank refuses the check because of its fraud prevention policy or because the branch has stopped accepting third-party checks altogether, you have limited options. You can ask the original payee to deposit the check into their own account and then transfer the money to you, or you can try a different bank if you have an account elsewhere. Some credit unions and smaller banks are more flexible with third-party checks than Bank of America is.

Alternatives to third-party checks

If Bank of America will not accept a third-party check, the original payee can deposit it into their own account and then send you the money through a bank transfer, wire transfer, or peer-to-peer payment app like Zelle or Venmo. This is often faster and carries less fraud risk for both of you. The original payee gets the money into their account first, and then they control how and when it reaches you.

Another option is to ask the person who wrote the check to write a new check made out directly to you instead. This avoids the third-party issue entirely and is usually the simplest solution if the original payee is willing to ask for a replacement check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a third-party check if the original payee is not my family member?

Yes, the relationship does not matter. Bank of America's rule is about signatures and fraud prevention, not about who you know. The original payee still needs to endorse the check and may need to be present, regardless of whether they are related to you.

What if the original payee already signed the check but did not write their name?

Bank of America may reject it because the signature alone is not enough to confirm who endorsed it. Ask the original payee to write their printed name next to their signature on the back of the check. This makes it clear who signed it and reduces the chance of rejection.

Can I deposit a third-party check at a Bank of America ATM if I have the original payee's permission?

No. Bank of America does not allow third-party check deposits through ATMs under any circumstances. You must go to a branch and speak with a teller in person.

What if my Bank of America branch refuses all third-party checks?

Some branches have stopped accepting them due to fraud concerns. If this happens, ask whether another nearby branch will accept them, or consider having the original payee deposit the check into their account and transfer the money to you instead.

How long does Bank of America hold a third-party check before crediting it?

The hold time depends on the check amount and the bank's fraud review. Most third-party checks clear within two to five business days, but if the bank flags it for review, the hold can extend to ten business days or longer. Ask the teller for an estimated timeline when you deposit it.