The fastest way to deposit your tax refund check at Bank of America
You can deposit a mailed tax refund check at Bank of America in three ways: through the mobile app using mobile check deposit, at an ATM, or in person at a branch. Mobile check deposit is usually the fastest — you photograph both sides of the check and it typically posts within one business day. If you do not have the app or prefer not to use it, an ATM deposit takes about the same time. Walking into a branch works too, but you will wait in line and the result is the same as the other methods.
Before you deposit, make sure the check is made out to you (or you and a spouse if it is a joint return). The check should not be damaged, torn, or written on. If your name on the check does not match your Bank of America account exactly — for example, if the check says "John Smith" but your account is under "John Michael Smith" — contact Bank of America before depositing. They can tell you whether it will go through or whether you need to sign the back in a specific way.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app is the fastest method and usually posts within one business day.
- The check must be made out to you and match the name on your account, or the deposit may be rejected.
- You can also deposit at any Bank of America ATM or walk into a branch during business hours.
- Once deposited, the funds are typically available within one to two business days, though the exact timing depends on when you deposit and your account history.
How to use mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app
Open the Bank of America mobile app and sign in to your account. Tap "Deposit a Check" or look for a deposit option in the menu — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it will be clearly labeled. Select the account where you want the money to go.
Place the check on a flat surface with good lighting. Take a photo of the front side of the check, making sure all four corners and all the text are visible and in focus. The app will tell you if the image is too blurry or cut off. Then flip the check over and photograph the back side the same way. Some checks have nothing on the back; photograph it anyway.
Review the check amount that the app shows you — it should match what is printed on the check. If it does not, delete the photos and try again with better lighting or a steadier hand. Once you confirm the amount, the app will ask you to endorse (sign) the back of the check. Sign your name on the back, then take a final photo of your signature. Submit the deposit through the app.
The app will confirm that your deposit was received. The funds usually appear in your account within one business day, though Bank of America sometimes holds deposits for up to two business days if your account is new or if you have not used mobile deposit before.
Depositing at a Bank of America ATM
Find a Bank of America ATM near you using the bank's website or app. Insert your debit card and sign in. Select "Deposit" or "Make a Deposit" from the menu.
The ATM will ask you to insert the check into the slot. Make sure the check is right-side up and facing the correct direction — the machine will reject it if it is upside down or backwards. The ATM will scan the check, read the amount, and show you what it sees on the screen. Verify that the amount is correct. If it is wrong, the ATM will return the check and you can try again or use a different method.
Once you confirm the amount, the ATM will accept the check and give you a receipt. The deposit posts the same way as a mobile deposit — usually within one business day. Keep your receipt until you see the money in your account.
Depositing in person at a Bank of America branch
Bring your check and a photo ID to any Bank of America branch during business hours. You do not need an appointment. Walk up to the teller and say you want to deposit a check. Hand over the check and your ID.
The teller will ask which account to deposit it into if you have more than one. They will scan the check, confirm the amount with you, and may ask you to sign the back if you have not already. They will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. The funds post the same way as other deposit methods — usually within one business day.
This method is useful if you are uncomfortable with the app or ATM, or if something about the check looks unusual and you want to talk to someone in person before depositing.
When the deposit might be delayed or rejected
Bank of America may hold a deposit for longer than one business day if your account is brand new, if you have never deposited a check before, or if the check amount is unusually large. The bank may also hold it if the check is damaged, if the signature on the back does not match the name on the front, or if the routing number or account number printed on the check is unreadable.
A deposit can be rejected outright if the check is made out to someone other than you, if it is post-dated (dated in the future), or if it is stale-dated (more than six months old — though tax refund checks are usually current). If your deposit is rejected, the check will be returned to you and you can try again or contact Bank of America to ask what went wrong.
If you are concerned about a delay, call Bank of America at the number on the back of your debit card. They can tell you whether the deposit is being held and when it will post.
What to do with the check after you deposit it
Once the deposit is confirmed in the app or you have received a receipt, you can write "Deposited" and the date on the back of the check. Keep the check in a safe place for at least 30 days in case there is a problem with the deposit and you need to prove you sent it in. After 30 days, you can shred it or throw it away.
Do not deposit the same check twice. If you accidentally deposit it through the app and then try to deposit it at an ATM, the second deposit will be rejected — but it is worth knowing so you do not worry if that happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the money to show up in my account?
Usually one business day. Bank of America sometimes takes up to two business days, especially if you are new to the bank or if the deposit is large. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days, so a check deposited on Friday may not post until Monday.
Can I deposit a check made out to my spouse if we have a joint account?
If the check is made out to both of you, yes — deposit it into the joint account. If it is made out only to your spouse, ask your spouse to sign the back and then sign their name below their signature. Some banks accept this, some do not. Call Bank of America before depositing to ask whether they will take it.
What if the check is torn or damaged?
If the tear is small and does not affect the check number, routing number, or amount, try depositing it anyway — the machine or teller may accept it. If the damage is significant, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to ask for a replacement check.
Do I need to endorse the check before I deposit it through the app?
The app will ask you to sign the back of the check as part of the deposit process, so you do not need to sign it beforehand. If you are depositing at an ATM or in person, sign the back before you hand it over or insert it.
Can I deposit the check to someone else's Bank of America account?
No. The check must be deposited into an account in your name. If you want to give the money to someone else, deposit it into your account first, then transfer it to them once it posts.