Yes, you can deposit a tax refund check online at Bank of America using mobile deposit

Bank of America's mobile deposit feature lets you photograph the front and back of your tax refund check using your phone and send it to your account without visiting a branch. The check clears into your account within one to two business days in most cases. You need the Bank of America mobile app, a smartphone with a camera, and an active Bank of America checking or savings account.

Mobile deposit works for any check, including tax refunds from the IRS. The IRS mails refund checks the same way it mails other payments, so there is nothing special about the check itself — Bank of America's system treats it like any other paper check you want to deposit remotely.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Bank of America mobile app, open it, and select "Deposit a Check" to photograph both sides of your refund check.
  • Mobile deposit is free for Bank of America customers and usually clears within one to two business days.
  • You can also deposit a tax refund check at any Bank of America ATM that accepts deposits, or visit a branch in person.
  • The IRS refund check must be made out to you, and you cannot deposit a check made out to someone else even if they sign the back.
  • Keep the original check for at least 30 days after deposit in case the bank needs to verify it.

How to use mobile deposit for your tax refund check

Open the Bank of America mobile app on your phone and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Select "Deposit a Check" or "Mobile Deposit" — the exact wording depends on your app version. You will see a screen asking you to photograph the front of the check.

Place the check on a flat surface with good lighting. Take a photo of the front side, making sure all four corners and all text are visible and in focus. The app will show you a preview. If it looks clear, tap "Continue" and photograph the back of the check the same way. After you photograph both sides, the app asks you to enter the check amount and confirm your deposit account. Review everything, then tap "Submit" or "Deposit".

Bank of America will send you a confirmation message, usually within minutes. The funds typically appear in your account within one to two business days. Do not spend the money until you see it posted to your account balance — mobile deposits can occasionally fail if the image quality is poor or the check information does not match your account.

What to do if mobile deposit does not work

If the Bank of America app rejects your check images, the most common reason is poor lighting or a blurry photo. Try again in a brighter room, making sure the entire check is in frame and the text is sharp. If the app still rejects it, you have two other options: deposit at a Bank of America ATM or visit a branch.

Many Bank of America ATMs accept check deposits 24 hours a day. Insert your check into the slot marked for deposits, and the ATM will scan it and confirm the amount. The funds usually clear within one to two business days, the same as mobile deposit. If you prefer to speak with someone or have questions about your refund, visit any Bank of America branch during business hours and hand the check to a teller.

Requirements and limits for mobile deposit

Your Bank of America account must be in good standing — if your account is closed or frozen, you cannot use mobile deposit. You also need the Bank of America mobile app version 12.0 or later, which you can read free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Bank of America sets daily and monthly limits on mobile deposits. As of now, most customers can deposit up to $2,500 per day and $5,000 per month through mobile deposit, though these limits vary based on your account type and history. If your tax refund exceeds these limits, you can deposit part of it now and deposit the rest the next day, or visit a branch to deposit the full amount at once.

Why you should keep the original check after depositing

After you submit a mobile deposit, keep the physical check in a safe place for at least 30 days. If the bank needs to verify the deposit or if something goes wrong, they may ask you to provide the original check. The IRS also recommends keeping your records for at least three years in case you need to prove you received the refund.

Do not deposit the same check twice — once through mobile deposit and again at an ATM or branch. Depositing a check more than once is considered check fraud, even if you do it by accident. If you accidentally submit the same check twice, contact Bank of America when ready to report it.

What happens if your refund check is lost or damaged

If your tax refund check arrives damaged, torn, or with missing information, do not try to deposit it. Instead, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to report the problem. The IRS can issue a replacement check or deposit the refund directly to your bank account if you provide your routing and account numbers.

If your refund check is lost in the mail before it arrives, you can check the status on the IRS website using the "Where's My Refund?" tool at irs.gov. If the tool shows the check was mailed but you never received it, the IRS can stop payment on the original check and issue a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a mobile deposit to show up in my account?

Bank of America usually clears mobile deposits within one to two business days. The funds may appear as pending in your account within a few hours, but you should not spend the money until the deposit shows as posted and the full amount is available.

Can I deposit a tax refund check made out to two people?

If the check is made out to two names, both people must endorse (sign) the back of the check. Bank of America may still reject it or require both account holders to be present at a branch. If you are unsure, call Bank of America at the number on the back of your debit card before you try to deposit it.

What if I do not have a smartphone to use mobile deposit?

You can deposit your tax refund check at any Bank of America ATM that accepts deposits, or visit a branch during business hours and hand the check to a teller. Both methods are free and clear within one to two business days.

Do I need to sign the back of my check before mobile deposit?

Yes. Sign the back of the check in the white space at the bottom, then write "For Mobile Deposit Only" below your signature. This protects you if the check is lost before the deposit clears.

What if my refund check bounces after I deposit it?

Tax refund checks from the IRS do not bounce — they are backed by the U.S. government. If Bank of America reverses a deposit, it means the check image was unreadable or the check information did not match your account. Contact Bank of America to find out why the deposit was reversed, then resubmit the check or deposit it at a branch.