Bank of America ATMs do not cash checks
Bank of America ATMs cannot cash checks. They accept deposits, dispense cash, and handle balance inquiries, but they do not have the ability to read a check, verify the amount, and dispense cash in return. If you need to cash a check, you will need to visit a Bank of America branch during business hours or use one of the other methods described below.
This is true whether the check is drawn on a Bank of America account or another bank. The ATM network straightforward does not include check-cashing as a function.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America ATMs can deposit checks but cannot cash them — you must visit a branch or use an alternative method.
- A Bank of America branch can cash any check, including those drawn on other banks, if you have a valid ID and the check is made out to you.
- Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app lets you deposit a check without visiting a branch, though you cannot get cash the same day.
- Third-party check-cashing services, grocery stores, and some retailers will cash checks for a fee if you do not have a bank account or prefer not to visit a branch.
- Checks drawn on Bank of America accounts may clear faster if deposited at a Bank of America ATM rather than at another bank's ATM.
Cashing a check at a Bank of America branch
If you have a Bank of America account, you can cash a check at any Bank of America branch. Bring the check and a valid photo ID. The teller will verify that the check is made out to you, confirm the amount, and give you cash. This works for checks drawn on Bank of America accounts and checks drawn on other banks.
If you do not have a Bank of America account, you can still cash a check at a Bank of America branch, but the bank may charge a fee. The fee varies by location and the amount of the check, but typically ranges from $5 to $10 for non-customers. Call your local branch ahead of time to confirm the fee and whether they will cash the check.
Bank of America branches are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. You can find branch hours and locations on the Bank of America website or by calling 1-800-432-1000.
Depositing a check without visiting a branch
If you have a Bank of America account and a smartphone, you can deposit a check using the Bank of America mobile app. Open the app, select "Deposit a Check," take photos of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and confirm. The check is deposited into your account without a visit to the branch.
Mobile deposit is useful when you need the money in your account but do not need cash when ready. The check typically clears within one to two business days. You cannot receive cash the same day through mobile deposit — the money goes into your account first, and you would then need to withdraw it from an ATM or branch.
After you deposit a check through the app, you should write "Mobile Deposited" on the back of the physical check and keep it for your records for at least 30 days. Do not deposit the same check twice.
Cashing a check without a bank account
If you do not have a Bank of America account and do not want to pay a non-customer fee, you have several options. Many grocery stores, including Walmart and Target, will cash checks at their customer service desk for a small fee — usually $2 to $5 depending on the check amount. Some require you to have a store loyalty card or membership.
Check-cashing services are another option, though they typically charge higher fees than grocery stores — often 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. These services are common in urban areas and strip malls. Ask the service what documents they need before you visit; most require a photo ID and may ask for a second form of identification.
If the check is drawn on a Bank of America account, depositing it at a Bank of America ATM (even if you do not have an account) will add it to your account if you have one, or you can ask a Bank of America teller to cash it for the non-customer fee mentioned above.
What happens when you deposit a check at a Bank of America ATM
When you deposit a check at a Bank of America ATM, the machine scans the check, reads the amount, and adds it to your account. You do not receive cash — the money goes into your account as a deposit. The check clears within one to two business days, depending on when the check was written and which bank it was drawn on.
Checks drawn on Bank of America accounts typically clear faster than checks drawn on other banks because Bank of America can process them internally. Checks from other banks may take longer because they must be sent to the other bank for verification and payment.
After you deposit a check at an ATM, keep the receipt. If there is a problem with the deposit — for example, if the check bounces or the amount is wrong — you will need the receipt to dispute it with Bank of America.
When a check cannot be cashed or deposited
A check may be rejected if it is post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), or damaged so badly that the amount or account number cannot be read. A check may also be rejected if it is not signed, if the signature does not match the ID you present, or if the check is made out to someone else.
If a check is rejected at an ATM, you will receive a message on the screen explaining why. If a check is rejected at a branch, the teller will tell you the reason and may suggest that you contact the person who wrote the check to ask for a replacement.
If you believe a check was rejected in error, contact Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch with the check and your ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a Bank of America ATM if I do not have an account?
No. Bank of America ATMs do not cash checks for anyone. You would need to visit a Bank of America branch and pay a non-customer fee, or use a grocery store, check-cashing service, or other retailer that offers check-cashing services.
How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?
Most checks clear within one to two business days. Checks drawn on Bank of America accounts may clear faster because the bank processes them internally. Checks from other banks may take longer because they must be sent to the issuing bank for verification.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
Bank of America will not cash or deposit a check made out to someone else, even if that person signs the back. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person jointly. If the check is made out to someone else, ask that person to deposit or cash it themselves.
Can I deposit a check at a Bank of America ATM if my account is with another bank?
No. You can only deposit checks at ATMs belonging to your own bank. If you have an account with another bank, you must use that bank's ATM or visit a branch to deposit a check.
What should I do if a check I deposited bounces?
Contact Bank of America when ready. The bank will reverse the deposit and remove the funds from your account. You may also face a fee for the returned check. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to provide a replacement or reimbursement.