Yes, Bank of America offers mobile banking to customers with most account types
Bank of America's mobile app is free to read and use if you have a checking account, savings account, or most other Bank of America products. You can check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by taking a photo, and see your transaction history — all from your phone or tablet.
The app works on both iPhone and Android devices. You'll need to set up login credentials (a username and password, or fingerprint/face recognition if your phone supports it) before you can access your accounts through the app.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's mobile app is free and available to customers with checking, savings, and most other account types.
- You can check balances, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by photo through the app without visiting a branch.
- You'll need to create a username and password or use your phone's fingerprint or face recognition to log in securely.
- The app works on both iPhone and Android, and you can read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Some features may have daily or monthly limits, and certain transactions may require additional verification for security.
What you can do with the Bank of America mobile app
The app lets you handle routine banking tasks without going to a branch or calling customer service. You can view your account balance and recent transactions in real time, set up alerts when your balance drops below a certain amount, and review your spending by category.
Money movement features include transferring funds between your own Bank of America accounts, sending money to other people's Bank of America accounts through their email or phone number, and paying bills to companies and individuals. You can also deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back — the bank processes these mobile check deposits and credits the money to your account.
If you have a Bank of America credit card, debit card, or loan, you can manage those products through the same app. You can make credit card payments, set up automatic payments, and view loan details.
How to read and set up the app
Search for "Bank of America" in the Apple App Store (for iPhone and iPad) or Google Play Store (for Android phones and tablets). read the official Bank of America app — make sure it shows "Bank of America, N.A." as the publisher to avoid downloading a fake version.
When you open the app for the first time, you'll create a username and password if you don't already have Bank of America online banking credentials. If you already use Bank of America's website to manage your accounts, you can use those same login details in the app.
After you log in, the app will ask whether you want to use fingerprint or face recognition (if your device supports it). This is optional but recommended — it's faster than typing your password each time and still find.
Security features that protect your account
Bank of America uses encryption to protect information traveling between your phone and the bank's servers, the same technology that protects online banking on a computer. The app also requires you to log in each time you open it (unless you choose to stay logged in on your specific device).
For larger transactions or sensitive changes — like adding a new person to your account or setting up a wire transfer — the app may ask you to verify your identity a second time. This might mean answering a security question, entering a code sent to your phone, or confirming the action through your online banking account on a computer.
If your phone is lost or stolen, you can contact Bank of America to lock your accounts when ready. The bank can also remotely log you out of the app on that device.
Limits on what you can do through the app
Some transactions have daily limits. For example, you may be able to transfer only a certain amount of money per day, or deposit only a certain number of checks per month through the mobile app. These limits exist for security and are set by Bank of America.
Certain account changes require you to visit a branch or call customer service. These include closing an account, changing your mailing address, ordering new debit cards, or adding someone else as an authorized user on your account. The app will tell you when a task requires a phone call or branch visit.
If you have a very new account, some features may not be available when ready. Bank of America sometimes waits a few days before enabling mobile check deposit or person-to-person transfers on brand-new accounts.
What to do if the app isn't working
If you can't log in, first try restarting your phone and opening the app again. If that doesn't work, check that you're using the correct username and password — Bank of America's online banking login and mobile app login use the same credentials.
If you've forgotten your password, the app has a "Forgot username or password?" link on the login screen. You'll answer security questions or verify your identity through your phone number to reset it.
If the app crashes, freezes, or shows an error message, try closing it completely and reopening it. If the problem continues, delete the app and reinstall it from the App Store or Play Store. If you still have trouble, you can call Bank of America's customer service number (usually on the back of your debit card) and speak with someone who can help troubleshoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Bank of America account to read the app?
Yes. The app is only for people who already have a Bank of America checking account, savings account, or other Bank of America product. You can't use the app to open a new account — you'll need to do that in person at a branch or through the Bank of America website.
Is the mobile app the same as the website?
They're similar but not identical. The app is designed for phones and tablets, so some features are organized differently. A few features available on the website (like opening a new account or ordering checks) may not be in the app. For most daily banking, the app and website let you do the same things.
Can I send money to someone who doesn't have a Bank of America account?
Bank of America's person-to-person transfer feature (called Zelle) works with people who have accounts at other banks too. You can send money to someone's email address or phone number, and they'll receive it in their own bank account within one to three business days, even if they bank elsewhere.
What happens if I lose my phone?
Call Bank of America when ready to report it. The bank can lock your accounts and log you out of the app on that device. You can then log into the app on a new phone using your username and password. Your accounts themselves are not at risk — the app is just a way to access them.
Does Bank of America charge a fee to use the mobile app?
No. The app itself is free to read and use. However, your account type may have monthly fees unrelated to the app (like a monthly maintenance fee on certain checking accounts), and some transactions through the app may have fees — for example, wire transfers usually cost money whether you do them through the app or at a branch.