How to Move Money Into Your Bank of America Savings Account

The main ways to add money to your Bank of America savings account

You can move money into a Bank of America savings account through a direct deposit from your employer, a transfer from another account you own, a deposit at an ATM or branch, or a mobile check deposit. Each method moves the money at a different speed and requires different setup. Direct deposit is the fastest and most hands-off. Transfers from your own accounts are when ready or next-business-day depending on the account type. ATM and branch deposits are when ready but limited by how much cash you can deposit at once. Mobile check deposit takes one to two business days to clear.

The method you choose depends on where the money is coming from and how quickly you need it in the account. If you are receiving a paycheck, direct deposit is the standard. If you are moving money from another bank, a transfer works. If you have cash on hand, an ATM or teller deposit is the most direct route.

Key Takeaways

Direct deposit from an employer is the fastest way to add money regularly and requires you to provide your Bank of America account and routing number to payroll once.
Transfers between your own Bank of America accounts happen when ready, while transfers from other banks typically take one to three business days.
ATM deposits accept cash and checks and post when ready, though some ATMs have daily limits on how much you can deposit.
Mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app lets you photograph a check and deposit it without visiting a branch, though the funds take one to two business days to clear.
Bank of America branches accept cash and check deposits during business hours, and tellers can answer questions about deposit limits specific to your account.

Setting up direct deposit from your paycheck

Direct deposit is the most reliable way to add money to your savings account if you receive a regular paycheck. You provide your employer's payroll department with your Bank of America account number and the bank's routing number. Bank of America's routing number is 026009593 for most accounts, though some specialty accounts may use a different number — you can confirm yours by logging into your online banking, calling 800-432-1000, or asking a teller.

Once your employer has this information, they deposit your paycheck directly into the account on your regular payday. The money typically appears in your account on the same day or the next business day, depending on when your employer sends the file to the bank. You only need to set this up once; it continues until you change your direct deposit instructions with payroll.

If you are unsure whether your employer has the correct account number, log into your Bank of America online banking or mobile app, go to the account details section, and verify the account and routing number before giving them to payroll. A wrong account number means your paycheck goes somewhere else.

Transferring money from another Bank of America account

If you have multiple Bank of America accounts — a checking account, another savings account, or a money market account — you can move money between them when ready through online banking or the mobile app. Log in, select the account you want to transfer from, choose "Transfer Money," select your savings account as the destination, enter the amount, and confirm. The money appears in your savings account within minutes.

You can also set up recurring transfers if you want to move a fixed amount regularly — for example, $100 every payday. This is useful if you want to automate your savings without thinking about it each time.

Transferring money from another bank

If the money is in an account at a different bank, you have two main options: an external transfer or a wire transfer. An external transfer is slower but free. A wire transfer is faster but costs money.

For an external transfer, log into your Bank of America online banking, select "Transfer Money," choose "Transfer from another bank," and enter the other bank's account details. Bank of America will pull the money from that account. This typically takes one to three business days. The receiving bank (Bank of America) usually posts the money within one business day of receiving it, but the sending bank may take longer to release it.

For a wire transfer, call Bank of America at 800-432-1000 or visit a branch. Wire transfers move money the same business day if you initiate before the bank's cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. Eastern), but Bank of America charges a fee — typically $15 to $30 depending on whether the wire is domestic or international. Ask the fee amount before you authorize the transfer.

Depositing cash or checks at an ATM

Bank of America ATMs accept both cash and checks. Find an ATM, insert your debit card, select "Deposit," choose your savings account, and follow the prompts. For cash, the ATM counts the bills and confirms the amount on screen. For checks, the ATM scans the front and back and confirms the amount you entered. The deposit posts to your account when ready, though the check may take one to two business days to fully clear.

Most Bank of America ATMs have daily deposit limits — commonly $5,000 for cash and $10,000 for checks, though these vary by location and account type. If you need to deposit more, use a branch or split the deposit across multiple days. If an ATM rejects your deposit, it returns the cash or check when ready.

Depositing cash or checks at a Bank of America branch

You can walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours and deposit cash or checks directly to a teller. Bring your debit card or account number so the teller knows which account to credit. The teller counts the cash, scans the checks, and gives you a receipt showing the deposit amount and which account received it. Cash deposits post when ready. Checks post when ready to your available balance but take one to two business days to fully clear.

Branch deposits have no daily limit — you can deposit as much as you need in one visit. If you have questions about your account or need help, a teller can answer them while you are there. Branches are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours and Saturday mornings; hours vary by location.

Using mobile check deposit

The Bank of America mobile app lets you deposit a check without visiting a branch or ATM. Open the app, go to "Deposit a Check," select your savings account, photograph the front and back of the check, and submit. The app confirms the check amount and the account it will go to. The funds typically appear in your account within one to two business days.

Mobile check deposit works for personal checks, business checks, and government checks. It does not work for starter checks, checks with damage or alterations, checks older than six months, or checks made out to multiple people. If the app rejects your check, you can still deposit it at an ATM or branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for money to show up after I deposit it?

Cash deposits at an ATM or branch post when ready. Check deposits post when ready to your available balance but take one to two business days to fully clear. Direct deposits and transfers from other banks take one to three business days. Wire transfers arrive the same business day if initiated before the bank's cutoff.

Is there a limit to how much I can deposit?

ATM deposits typically have daily limits of $5,000 for cash and $10,000 for checks. Branch deposits have no limit. Direct deposits and transfers have no limit. If you regularly deposit large amounts, a teller can tell you the specific limits for your account type.

Can I deposit a check made out to someone else?

No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person whose name is also on the account. If the check is made out to someone else, that person must deposit it into their own account or sign it over to you in writing, though third-party check deposits are increasingly difficult to process.

What if I do not have my debit card when I want to deposit cash?

At a branch, you can provide your account number or routing number to the teller. At an ATM, you need your debit card or a PIN-enabled card linked to the account. If you do not have either, visit a branch instead.

Can I set up automatic deposits to my savings account?

Yes. If the money is coming from direct deposit, set it up with your employer once. If you want to transfer money from another Bank of America account automatically, set up a recurring transfer in online banking. If the money is coming from another bank, you can set up a recurring external transfer, though it takes longer than internal transfers.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.