The main ways to put money into a Bank of America savings account
You can move money into a Bank of America savings account through a transfer from another account you own, a direct deposit from your employer or a government program, a mobile check deposit, an ATM deposit, or a cash deposit at a branch. The method you choose depends on where the money is coming from and how quickly you need it to arrive. Some routes are when ready; others take a day or two.
Bank of America offers these deposit methods to all customers with an active savings account. You do not need special permission to use any of them — they are built into your account. The main difference between them is speed and convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Transfers from another Bank of America account you own appear when ready in your savings account.
- Direct deposits from employers or government programs take one to two business days to clear, depending on when your employer or program sends the payment.
- Mobile check deposits through the Bank of America app process within one business day, though the funds may not be available to spend when ready.
- ATM and branch deposits of cash or checks are available for withdrawal the next business day, though timing varies by deposit time and location.
- Transfers from accounts at other banks take one to three business days through standard ACH transfer, or up to same-day through Zelle if both banks support it.
Transfers from another Bank of America account you own
If you have a checking account or another account at Bank of America, you can move money to your savings account when ready through the Bank of America website or mobile app. Log in, select the account you want to transfer from, choose your savings account as the destination, enter the amount, and confirm. The money appears in your savings account when ready.
You can also call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask a representative to move the money for you. This takes slightly longer — usually a few minutes while the representative processes it — but the result is the same. There is no fee for transfers between your own Bank of America accounts.
Direct deposits from your employer or a government program
Direct deposit sends money automatically from your employer's payroll system or from a government program (such as Social Security or unemployment benefits) directly into your Bank of America savings account. To set this up, you need to provide your employer or the program with your Bank of America account number and routing number. Bank of America's routing number is 026009593 for most accounts, though some specialty accounts use a different number — check your statements or call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm yours.
Once direct deposit is set up, the money arrives on the day your employer or program sends it. This is usually one to two business days before the date you see on your pay stub or benefit notice, because the payment system processes overnight. The money is available to withdraw the next business day after it arrives in your account.
To set up direct deposit, ask your employer's payroll department or the government program for a form, or log into their system and enter your Bank of America details there. Most employers and programs let you do this online without paperwork.
Mobile check deposits through the Bank of America app
The Bank of America mobile app lets you photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it without visiting a branch or ATM. Open the app, select "Deposit a Check," take clear photos of both sides of the check, enter the amount, choose your savings account as the destination, and submit. The app will tell you when the deposit is processed.
Mobile check deposits are usually processed within one business day. However, the funds may not be available to withdraw when ready — Bank of America typically holds mobile check deposits for one business day, meaning if you deposit on a Monday, the money is usually available on Tuesday. Checks over a certain amount (Bank of America's limit varies) may be held longer or may require you to visit a branch instead.
After you submit a mobile check deposit, do not spend the check itself or deposit it anywhere else. Write "Deposited via mobile" on the back and keep it for 30 days in case Bank of America needs to verify it.
Cash and check deposits at an ATM or branch
You can deposit cash or checks at any Bank of America ATM or at a branch during business hours. At an ATM, insert your debit card, select "Deposit," choose your savings account, insert the cash or checks, and confirm the amount. The ATM will print a receipt. At a branch, hand the cash or checks to a teller and tell them which account to deposit into.
Cash deposits at ATMs are usually available the next business day. Check deposits at ATMs are also usually available the next business day, though Bank of America may hold them longer depending on the check amount and your account history. Deposits made at a branch during business hours are processed the same day, but availability follows the same timeline — usually the next business day for withdrawal.
Bank of America ATMs are located at most branches and many other locations. You can find the nearest one through the Bank of America website or app. Deposits made after the ATM's cutoff time (usually 9 p.m. or later, depending on the machine) are processed the next business day.
Transfers from accounts at other banks
If your money is at another bank, you can move it to your Bank of America savings account through an ACH transfer or through Zelle. An ACH transfer is the standard method and takes one to three business days. To set up an ACH transfer, log into your Bank of America account, select "Transfer Money," choose "From another bank," and follow the prompts to link your other bank account. Bank of America will ask you to verify the account by depositing small amounts into it, which takes one to two business days.
Zelle is faster if both your bank and Bank of America support it. Zelle transfers are usually available within minutes to a few hours. To use Zelle, open the Bank of America app, select "Send Money," choose "Zelle," enter the recipient's email or phone number (which would be your own if you are transferring between your own accounts), and the amount. However, Zelle is designed for sending money to other people, not for moving your own money between accounts — some banks do not allow Zelle transfers to your own accounts.
The fastest way to move money from another bank is to deposit a check through mobile deposit or to visit an ATM at your other bank and withdraw cash, then deposit it at Bank of America. Both of these routes are faster than waiting for an ACH transfer to clear.
Holds and when your money is available to spend
Bank of America distinguishes between when money is deposited (arrives in your account) and when it is available (you can withdraw or spend it). A check deposit might arrive in your account on Monday but not be available until Tuesday. This is called a hold, and it protects the bank in case the check bounces.
Cash deposits are usually available the next business day. Check deposits are usually available the next business day, but Bank of America may hold them for up to five business days if the check is large, if your account is new, or if you have had checks bounce before. Direct deposits and transfers from other Bank of America accounts are available when ready. Transfers from other banks through ACH are available once the transfer completes, which is one to three business days.
If you need the money sooner, ask Bank of America whether they will release the hold early. Some branches will do this for regular customers or for smaller amounts. You can also call 1-800-432-1000 and ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money into someone else's Bank of America savings account?
Yes, if you know their account number and routing number, you can set up a transfer or direct deposit to their account. However, most people do this by having the other person give you their account details and then using your bank's transfer system to send the money. Bank of America does not allow deposits to someone else's account through their ATMs or mobile app — only through transfers from your own account.
What is the maximum amount I can deposit at once?
Bank of America does not publish a single maximum deposit amount — it varies by deposit method and by your account history. Mobile check deposits are usually limited to $2,500 per day, though this can be higher for established customers. ATM deposits may have limits as well. For large amounts, visit a branch or call 1-800-432-1000 to ask about your specific limit.
Do I get charged a fee for depositing money into my savings account?
No. Bank of America does not charge fees for deposits to your own savings account, regardless of the method. However, if you are transferring from another bank and that bank charges a fee for outgoing transfers, you will pay that fee to them, not to Bank of America.
How do I know if my deposit went through?
Log into your Bank of America account online or through the app and check your savings account balance and transaction history. You will see the deposit listed there once it has been processed. You can also call 1-800-432-1000 and ask a representative to confirm.
What if I deposited a check and it bounced?
If the check bounces, Bank of America will reverse the deposit and remove the money from your account. They will notify you by mail or through your account. If you have already spent the money, you may owe Bank of America the amount of the bounced check. Contact Bank of America when ready if this happens to discuss your options.