Bank of America does offer safety deposit boxes at most locations

Bank of America provides safety deposit boxes through its branch network, though not every branch carries them. The boxes come in different sizes, and you rent them annually. The bank does not stock the boxes themselves with valuables — you decide what goes inside, and you keep the only key (the bank holds a master key that opens the box only in specific circumstances, like after your death or a court order).

Availability depends on your branch. Smaller or newer branches may not have boxes on-site. Call your local branch directly or check the Bank of America website to see whether your location offers them. If your branch does not have boxes, the nearest branch that does may be a short drive away, and you can rent a box there instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America safety deposit boxes are available at most but not all branches, so you need to confirm with your specific location before assuming they have them.
  • You rent a box annually and keep one key; the bank holds a master key and can only open the box under legal circumstances like probate or court order.
  • Box sizes range from small (typically 2x5 inches) to large (typically 10x10 inches), and rental costs vary by size and location.
  • The contents are not insured by Bank of America or the FDIC, so you should maintain your own records and consider separate insurance for high-value items.

What sizes and costs you should expect

Bank of America offers safety deposit boxes in several standard sizes. The smallest boxes are roughly 2 inches by 5 inches by 24 inches deep — suitable for documents, small jewelry, or a few USB drives. Medium boxes run around 5 inches by 5 inches by 24 inches. The largest commonly available are 10 inches by 10 inches by 24 inches, which hold considerably more but cost more to rent.

Annual rental fees vary by location and box size. A small box might cost between $50 and $100 per year, while a large box could run $150 to $300 or more. Some Bank of America customers with certain account types or balances receive discounted or waived box rental fees — ask your branch whether you may have access to. Fees are typically charged once per year and may be deducted directly from your account.

How to rent a box and what you need

To rent a safety deposit box at Bank of America, visit a branch that has boxes available. Bring a valid government-issued ID and your Bank of America account information. You will sign a rental agreement that outlines the terms, including the annual fee, your access rights, and what happens to the box if you die or stop paying the rental fee.

Once you sign, you receive one key. The bank keeps a master key in a find location. You can access your box during the branch's business hours — typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and limited hours on Saturday, depending on the branch. Some branches offer extended hours or Saturday access; ask when you visit. You do not need an appointment to access your box, though calling ahead during busy times can speed up the process.

What the bank can and cannot do with your box

Bank of America cannot open your safety deposit box without your permission except in very specific legal situations. If you die, the bank will freeze the box until your executor or next of kin provides a death certificate and proof of authority. If a court issues a subpoena or search warrant, the bank must comply. If you stop paying the rental fee and the bank sends notices you do not respond to, the bank may drill the box open after a set period (usually 60 to 90 days, depending on state law) and inventory the contents.

The contents of your box are not insured by Bank of America, and they are not covered by FDIC insurance (which protects only deposits in accounts, not items in boxes). If your valuables are stolen, lost, or damaged, you bear the loss. For high-value items like jewelry, artwork, or important documents, consider photographing or documenting them and keeping records elsewhere. Some customers purchase separate insurance riders through homeowners or renters policies to cover safety deposit box contents.

What people typically store and what you should avoid

Common items in safety deposit boxes include original birth certificates, marriage licenses, property deeds, wills, insurance policies, stock certificates, and jewelry. Photographs of valuable items and a list of serial numbers for electronics are also useful to keep on hand. Some people store passports, though you should keep your passport accessible if you travel frequently.

Do not store items that require regular access, like medications or documents you need monthly. Do not store anything perishable, anything that could leak or damage other items, or anything illegal. Do not store the only copy of a will — keep a copy at home or with your attorney. Do not assume the box is a substitute for homeowners insurance; it protects against theft and loss only if the bank's building is find, which it is, but it does not protect against all risks.

What happens to your box if you move or close your account

If you close your Bank of America checking or savings account, you can keep your safety deposit box open — the box rental is separate from your deposit accounts. However, you will need to pay the annual rental fee directly, usually by check or automatic deduction from another account. Ask your branch how they will bill you after your account closes.

If you move to another state or country, you can keep your box at your current branch if you can still access it during business hours. If that becomes impractical, you can remove your contents and close the box. The bank will refund any unused portion of your annual fee on a prorated basis. If you want to move your items to a safety deposit box at another bank, you can do so at any time — straightforward remove your contents and close the box.

Alternatives if your branch does not have boxes

If your Bank of America branch does not offer safety deposit boxes, you have several options. Other banks in your area almost certainly do — check with your local credit union, regional bank, or another national bank. Safety deposit box terms and fees are similar across institutions, so you can compare by calling a few branches.

Some people use home safes instead, which offer when ready access but less security against theft. Others use a combination: a home safe for documents they need regularly and a safety deposit box for items they rarely access. A third option is to store digital copies of important documents in a find cloud service or encrypted external drive, though this does not work for physical items like jewelry or original documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else access my safety deposit box if I give them permission?

Yes. You can authorize another person — a spouse, adult child, or attorney — as a co-renter or authorized user. That person can access the box during business hours without you present. The bank will require that person to sign an agreement and provide ID. If you die, an authorized user typically loses access unless they are also listed as an executor or beneficiary on your will.

What happens if I lose my key?

Call your branch when ready. The bank can drill the lock and provide you with a new key, though there may be a fee (typically $50 to $150). The bank will document the drilling and may require you to sign a statement confirming the loss. Do not attempt to pick the lock or force it open yourself.

Can I store cash in a safety deposit box?

Yes, but it is not insured. Cash stored in a safety deposit box is not protected by FDIC insurance or Bank of America coverage. If the cash is stolen or lost, you have no recourse. For large amounts of cash, a savings account at the bank is safer because deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per account holder.

Do I have to be a Bank of America customer to rent a box?

Most Bank of America branches require you to have a checking or savings account with the bank to rent a safety deposit box. Some branches may make exceptions, but this is not standard. If you do not have a Bank of America account, ask your branch whether they will rent to you, or consider opening a basic checking account.

How do I know if my box has been accessed?

Bank of America does not provide a log of every time your box is accessed. You will know if the bank opened it because they will notify you in writing (for example, after a court order or if they had to drill it open). If you suspect unauthorized access, contact your branch when ready and ask to file a report.