Mobile check deposit is, without a doubt, one of the most convenient banking features. It lets you use your smartphone or tablet to deposit a check into your bank account without needing to visit a branch or ATM.
All you have to do is take pictures of the front and back of the check via your bank’s mobile app and follow the prompted steps. Most financial institutions, including Bank of America, have this feature.
How fast is the Bank of America’s mobile check deposit?
Bank of America’s (BofA) mobile check deposits aren’t instant, but they’re still pretty quick.
If you perform a mobile check deposit before the daily cutoff time on a business day, BofA typically clears the funds by the next business day. The cutoff times are based on the timezone where you opened the account: 9 p.m. (ET and CST) or 8 p.m. (MT and PT).
New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/
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Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Eligible Direct Deposit is defined on the SoFi Bank Rate Sheet, available at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Members enrolled in Overdraft Coverage may be covered for up to $50 in negative balances on SoFi Bank debit card purchases only. Overdraft Coverage does not apply to P2P transfers, bill payments, checks, or other non-debit card transactions. Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Eligibility for Overdraft Coverage is determined by SoFi Bank in its sole discretion. Members can check their enrollment status, if eligible, at any time by logging into their account through the SoFi app or on the SoFi website.
Earn up to 3.80% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.10% APY) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account with Eligible Direct Deposit by 12/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/banking#2. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Can an instant mobile check deposit be delayed?
Yes. Even if a bank offers instant mobile check deposits, delays can happen. Your deposit might take longer if you’re a new customer, you deposited the check after the bank’s cutoff time or the type of check isn’t eligible for instant processing.
Large checks that exceed daily deposit limits or accounts already in overdraft can also trigger a hold. In some cases, delays simply come down to the bank’s internal review process or technical issues with the mobile app. The bank will typically notify you if a hold is placed on any deposited funds.
What types of checks does Bank of America accept for mobile deposit?
Bank of America only accepts checks from a US financial institution in US dollars. These are the types of checks eligible for mobile deposit:
Personal checks
Business checks
Government/treasury checks
Cashier’s checks
Bank of America does not accept these via mobile deposit:
US savings bonds
Checks from foreign banks
Money orders
Traveler’s checks
Image replacement documents
Third-party checks
Checks not payable in US dollars
Oversized or undersized checks (such as rebate checks)
Alternatives to instant mobile check deposit
If your bank doesn’t offer instant mobile check deposits or you simply don’t like using the feature, here are some alternative ways to deposit a check:
Check-cashing services. Retailers, grocery stores or dedicated check-cashing outlets will often give you cash right away, though they usually charge a fee.
Direct deposit. If you prefer not to receive physical checks, consider setting up direct deposit with your employer. Some banks even offer early access to paychecks, sometimes up to two days early.
Deposit at a branch or ATM. Though not as convenient as mobile check deposits, you can always deposit your check directly with a teller or ATM.
Third-party apps.GO2bank let you cash checks through your phone for a fee.
Bottom line
Bank of America’s mobile check deposits aren’t instant, but most deposits made before the cutoff time are available the next business day. If you need even quicker access to your money, consider signing up for direct deposits or opening an account with a bank that offers instant mobile check deposits.
See how other options for instant mobile check deposit work
Yes. Mobile check deposits use encryption and security features built into your bank's app. As long as you use the official Bank of America app and a secure internet connection, it's considered a safe way to deposit checks.
You'll need to endorse the back of the check by signing your name and writing "For mobile deposit only at Bank of America," or whatever endorsement instructions the bank provides in its app.
It depends on your account type and relationship with the bank. Some people have a monthly limit of $10,000, while others may have a different amount. You can check your monthly limit for mobile check deposits when you select your deposit account.
Jamela Adam is a personal finance writer with over three years of experience. Her work has been published in major publications, including Yahoo Finance, Forbes Advisor, U.S. News, Business Insider, GOBankingRates, CNN Underscored, and Chime. Jamela previously worked as a content marketing specialist and helped devise content strategies for major brands in the financial services space. She is also a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI).
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