You can deposit to your BOA checking account from abroad, but your options depend on where you are and what tools you have access to

If you're outside the United States, you can still move money into your Bank of America checking account. The most reliable methods are mobile check deposit (if your phone works), wire transfer from another bank, or having someone in the US deposit cash or a check on your behalf. ATM deposits don't work outside the US. International wire transfers take 1 to 5 business days and cost $15 to $20. Mobile check deposit works anywhere you have internet and a smartphone camera, but only if you have a check to photograph.

The method you choose depends on whether you have a physical check, access to another bank account, or someone stateside who can help. Each has different costs, speed, and requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Mobile check deposit is free and works from anywhere with internet if you have a check to photograph and deposit through the BOA app.
  • International wire transfers from another bank take 1 to 5 business days and cost $15 to $20, depending on the sending bank.
  • You cannot use BOA ATMs outside the United States to deposit cash, even if you have a BOA debit card.
  • Having someone in the US deposit cash or a check to your account in person is free but requires you to trust them with your account details or a signed check.
  • BOA's international money transfer service (if available in your country) may have higher fees than a standard wire transfer but offers more control over the exchange rate.

Mobile check deposit: free and fastest if you have a check

If someone sends you a check or you have one in your possession, mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app is the cheapest and fastest option. Open the BOA mobile app, go to Deposits, select Mobile Check Deposit, photograph the front and back of the check, and submit. The funds typically appear in your account within one business day, though BOA may hold the deposit for up to five business days if the check amount is large or if it's your first deposit.

You need a smartphone with a working camera and internet access. The check must be made out to you and signed by the payer. Mobile check deposit is free—no fees from BOA. The only limitation is that you need an actual check; this method does not work for cash or transfers from other people's accounts.

Wire transfers from another bank account

If you have access to another bank account (yours or someone else's), you can initiate a wire transfer to your BOA checking account. You will need your BOA account number, routing number (021000021 for most BOA accounts), and your full name as it appears on the account. Wire transfers from outside the US typically take 1 to 5 business days and cost $15 to $20, depending on the sending bank's fees.

To send a wire, log into the other bank's website or app, select wire transfer, enter your BOA account details, and specify the amount. Some banks charge the sender; others charge the receiver. Ask the sending bank which applies. International wires may also involve currency conversion fees if the sending account is in a different currency. BOA does not charge a fee to receive a wire transfer.

Having someone deposit cash or a check in the US

If you have a trusted person in the United States, they can deposit cash or a check to your BOA account in person at any BOA branch or ATM. This is free and instant at an ATM (for cash deposits) or takes one business day at a branch (for checks). You have two options: give them a signed blank check from your checkbook, or provide your account number and routing number so they can make a deposit in your name.

The risk is that you're sharing your account details or signing a blank check, which requires trust. If you use a blank check, write "For Deposit Only" and your account number on the back to limit how it can be used. If you provide your account number directly, the person can deposit funds but cannot withdraw them without additional authorization.

Bank of America's international money transfer service

BOA offers an international money transfer service called BOA International Money Transfer, available in select countries. You can send money from your BOA account to another account in the US or receive money from abroad into your BOA account. Fees and exchange rates vary by country and transfer amount. This service is typically more expensive than a standard wire transfer but gives you more control over the exchange rate and timing.

To use this service, log into your BOA online banking account and look for the International Money Transfer option under Transfers. Not all countries are supported, and availability depends on your location. If the service is not available where you are, you will see a message stating that transfers to your country are not currently supported.

What does not work: ATM deposits and cash deposits outside the US

You cannot deposit cash to your BOA checking account using a BOA ATM outside the United States, even if you have a BOA debit card. BOA ATMs abroad only allow withdrawals, not deposits. Similarly, you cannot walk into a non-BOA bank branch outside the US and deposit money to your BOA account—foreign banks do not have access to the US banking system in that way.

If you need to deposit cash while abroad, your only option is to have someone in the US deposit it for you, or to transfer money from another bank account using a wire transfer. Some international money transfer services (like Wise, OFX, or Remitly) allow you to send money from a local bank account in your country to a US bank account, but these are third-party services, not BOA.

Timing and holds on deposits from abroad

Mobile check deposits typically post within one business day but may be held for up to five business days if the amount is large or if BOA flags the deposit for review. Wire transfers take 1 to 5 business days depending on the sending bank and whether the transfer crosses multiple currency zones. Cash deposits made by someone in the US at a BOA ATM post immediately; deposits at a branch post within one business day.

BOA may place a hold on any deposit made from abroad if the amount is unusually large, if it's your first deposit, or if the check or wire appears unusual. If your deposit is held, BOA will send you a notification through your online banking account or by email. You can contact BOA customer service to ask about the hold, but they cannot always remove it before the hold period expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check to my BOA account if I'm in a country where BOA doesn't operate?

Yes. Mobile check deposit works in any country with internet access. Photograph the front and back of the check using the BOA app and submit it. The check must be made out to you and signed. The funds post within one business day in most cases.

What's the cheapest way to deposit money to my BOA account from abroad?

Mobile check deposit is free if you have a check. If you don't have a check, having someone in the US deposit cash at a BOA ATM is free and instant. Wire transfers cost $15 to $20 and take several days. International money transfer services vary in cost but are usually more expensive than a wire.

How long does a wire transfer to my BOA account take from outside the US?

Wire transfers typically take 1 to 5 business days, depending on the sending bank and whether the transfer crosses multiple currency zones. Some banks process wires faster than others. Ask the sending bank for an estimated delivery date when you initiate the transfer.

Can I deposit cash directly to my BOA account using an ATM outside the US?

No. BOA ATMs outside the United States only allow withdrawals, not deposits. You must either have someone in the US deposit the cash for you, or transfer money from another bank account using a wire transfer.

What information do I need to provide for a wire transfer to my BOA account?

You need your BOA account number, BOA routing number (021000021), your full name as it appears on the account, and your address. Some banks also ask for a phone number or email. Provide this information to the sending bank when you initiate the wire.