For Canadians managing a US-domiciled cross-border account, depositing US cheques without visiting a physical branch is essential. Bank of America’s mobile cheque deposit feature allows you to fund your account using just your smartphone camera, saving you a time-consuming trip across the border.
However, Bank of America imposes strict monthly limits on mobile deposits to mitigate fraud. These limits vary significantly based on how long your account has been open and whether you are enrolled in their Preferred Rewards program. Understanding your specific mobile deposit limit ensures you can manage your cash flow effectively without encountering unexpected declined deposits.
Mobile Cheque Deposit Limits Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Account (Open < 3 Months) | Up to $2,500 USD per month |
| Standard Account (Open > 3 Months) | Up to $10,000 USD per month |
| Preferred Rewards (Open < 3 Months) | Up to $25,000 USD per month |
| Preferred Rewards (Open > 3 Months) | Up to $50,000 USD per month |
| Fund Availability (Cut-off Time) | Deposits before 9:00 PM ET clear next business day |
How to Check Your Limit and Deposit a Cheque
Follow these exact steps to view your personalized limit and submit a digital deposit:
- Open the Bank of America Mobile Banking app on your smartphone and log in.
- Select the Deposit Checks option from the bottom navigation menu.
- Choose the specific account you want to receive the funds. Your remaining monthly deposit limit will be displayed directly on this screen.
- Enter the exact cheque amount.
- Take a clear photo of the front and the endorsed back of the cheque.
- Tap Submit and wait for the immediate confirmation screen indicating your deposit is processing.
Troubleshooting Common Deposit Issues
Cross-border clients often face these three common roadblocks when utilizing the mobile deposit feature:
- Camera or App Errors: If the app repeatedly rejects the cheque image, ensure you are in a well-lit area and placing the paper on a dark, contrasting background. Additionally, verify in your phone settings that the Bank of America app has permission to access your device's camera.
- Exceeded Monthly Limits: Once you hit your personalized cap, you cannot use the mobile app to deposit another cheque until the limit resets at the beginning of the next calendar month. If you urgently need to deposit funds, you will have to mail the physical cheque to a Bank of America deposit centre.
- Held Funds or Locked Deposits: Depositing exceptionally large cheques or logging in from a Canadian VPN can sometimes trigger the bank's fraud detection system. If your deposit is placed on an extended hold, you must contact international customer service to verify the transaction.
Pro-Tip: To avoid automated deposit rejections and process your funds faster, ensure you correctly endorse the back of the cheque. You must sign your name exactly as it appears on the payee line and physically write "For Deposit Only at Bank of America" below your signature. Failure to include this specific phrase is the most common reason mobile deposits fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I increase my Bank of America mobile deposit limit?
The most effective way to naturally increase your limit is to keep your account open and in good standing for at least three months. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your debit card to formally request a limit increase, though approval is strictly at the bank's discretion based on your account history.
When will my mobile cheque deposit be available?
If you submit a mobile deposit before 9:00 PM Eastern Time on a standard business day, the funds are usually available the next business day. Deposits made on weekends, holidays, or after the evening cutoff time will take an additional business day to process and clear.
