To dispute an unauthorized ACH debit from your Bank of America deposit account, report it to the bank immediately by phone, app, or online. Under U.S. Regulation E, which covers electronic fund transfers (EFTs) including ACH debits, banks must investigate within 10 business days. You must notify them within 60 days after your account statement shows the error. This applies to consumer checking or savings accounts, not credit cards. No Bank of America-specific consumer ACH dispute policy page was found; these steps follow federal Regulation E requirements all U.S. banks must meet--confirm details directly with Bank of America.

What Controls ACH Debit Disputes at Bank of America

Regulation E, enforced by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Reserve, governs unauthorized EFTs from consumer deposit accounts. This includes ACH debits initiated using account access information obtained through fraud. Bank of America, as a financial institution holding such accounts, must comply.

Banks must investigate reported EFT errors within 10 business days and correct them--such as reversing an unauthorized debit--within one business day of determining fraud. Consumers limit their liability by notifying the bank promptly, with a maximum of $50 for unauthorized EFTs reported within two business days. The 60-day notice period starts from when the statement first shows the transfer.

Practical Steps to Dispute an ACH Debit with Bank of America

Contact Bank of America right away using their fraud reporting channels, such as the phone number for unauthorized activity or through online/app secure messaging. Provide the debit date, amount, payee name, and reason it was unauthorized, such as fraud.

Gather supporting evidence like account statements showing the debit or communications indicating fraud. Expect the bank to provisionally credit your account during the investigation if applicable under Regulation E. Resolution typically occurs within 10 business days, though extensions to 45 days are possible with notice.

Checklist for reporting:

• Note the exact ACH debit details (date, amount, payee).
• Report via phone or app immediately.
• Follow up in writing if requested, referencing your initial report.
• Keep records of all communications and evidence.

What Does Not Apply to ACH Debit Disputes

ACH debit disputes from deposit accounts follow Regulation E, not credit card processes under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). Bank of America's credit card dispute steps do not apply here.

This also differs from merchant refunds, ACH returns initiated by payees, or wire transfers.

Escalation and Limits If Bank of America Does Not Resolve

If the bank does not meet Regulation E duties, such as timely investigation or notice of extended review, file a complaint with the CFPB. CFPB Supervisory Highlights have noted violations like failures on the 60-day notice requirement.

Limits include cases where the debit was authorized, which may not qualify for reversal. Banks cannot charge fees for valid disputes under Regulation E. For deposit accounts, you may also contact your state attorney general or the FDIC as Bank of America's primary regulator.

FAQ

How soon must I report an unauthorized ACH debit to Bank of America?
Under Regulation E, notify within 60 days of the account statement showing the error; report fraud as soon as possible to minimize liability.

Will I get my money back automatically?
No--banks investigate and provide provisional credit if applicable, with full reversal only if unauthorized use is confirmed.

What if the ACH debit was authorized but for the wrong amount?
Regulation E covers billing errors; notify the bank within 60 days.

Can I start an ACH dispute over the phone?
Yes, initial reports can be verbal under Regulation E; follow up in writing if asked.

Is this the same as a credit card dispute at Bank of America?
No--Regulation E applies to deposit account EFTs; credit cards use separate FCBA rules.