Bank of America will cash checks for customers and non-customers, but the process and any fees depend on who you are and what kind of check it is

If you have a Bank of America account, you can cash checks at any branch during business hours at no charge. If you don't have an account, Bank of America will still cash checks, but you'll pay a fee — usually between $6 and $15 depending on the check amount — and you'll need to show a valid ID. The fastest way is to walk into a branch with the check and your ID. You can also deposit checks through their mobile app or ATM if you have an account, though that's different from cashing them.

The key difference: cashing means you get cash in hand right away. Depositing means the money goes into your account and becomes available after a hold period, usually one to two business days for checks from other Bank of America customers, longer for checks from other banks.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America customers can cash checks at any branch for free during business hours with a valid ID.
  • Non-customers can cash checks at Bank of America branches but will be charged a fee, typically $6 to $15 depending on check amount.
  • You must show a valid government-issued ID to cash any check, whether you're a customer or not.
  • If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit checks through the mobile app or ATM without visiting a branch.
  • Cashing a check gives you cash when ready, while depositing puts money in your account with a waiting period before you can use it.

What you need to cash a check as a Bank of America customer

Bring the check and a valid ID to any Bank of America branch. Valid IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The check must be made out to you or to you and someone else — if it's made out to someone else entirely, the bank won't cash it.

If the check is made out to two people (for example, "John Smith and Jane Doe"), both people typically need to be present with ID. Some branches may allow one person to cash it if the other has signed the back, but policies vary by location, so call ahead if you're unsure.

You don't need to have the check in your account for a certain amount of time first. Walk in, show your ID and the check, and you'll get cash. The teller will ask you how you want the cash — all in one denomination, or split between bills and coins, for example.

What non-customers pay and what they need

If you don't have a Bank of America account, the bank charges a fee to cash your check. The fee structure varies: checks under $100 typically cost $6, checks between $100 and $5,000 cost around $10, and checks over $5,000 may cost $15. These amounts can change, so ask the teller before you proceed.

You'll still need a valid government-issued ID. The check must be made out to you, and you must sign the back of it in front of the teller. Some branches may refuse to cash very large checks for non-customers, or may require additional verification. If you're cashing a check for more than $5,000, call the branch first to confirm they can do it.

The fee applies even if the check is drawn on Bank of America — meaning even if the person who wrote the check has a Bank of America account. The fee is for the service of cashing it, not for processing a check from another bank.

Cashing checks through the mobile app or ATM

If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit checks without going to a branch. Use the Bank of America mobile app to photograph the front and back of the check, or use a Bank of America ATM to insert the check directly. Both methods are free.

This is deposit, not cash — the money goes into your account, not into your hand. Bank of America typically makes the funds available within one business day for checks from other Bank of America customers, and within two to five business days for checks from other banks. You can't cash a check this way; you can only deposit it.

If you need cash when ready, you can deposit the check and then withdraw cash from an ATM right away, but you're using your own account balance or a line of credit, not the check funds themselves. The check is still subject to the hold period.

What happens if the check bounces or has a problem

If you cash a check and it later bounces — meaning the account it was drawn on doesn't have enough money — Bank of America will deduct the amount from your account if you're a customer. You may also be charged a returned check fee, typically $12 to $35. If you're a non-customer, the bank will attempt to recover the money from you, and you could face legal action if you don't repay it.

If a check is post-dated (dated for a future date), Bank of America may still cash it when ready. If a check is stale-dated (more than six months old), the bank can refuse to cash it, though some branches may make exceptions. If the check is damaged, torn, or the signature doesn't match your ID, the teller may refuse it.

Cashing checks at Bank of America ATMs

Bank of America ATMs do not cash checks. They only accept checks for deposit into your account. If you need cash, you must visit a branch during business hours and speak to a teller.

Some Bank of America ATMs allow you to withdraw cash after depositing a check, but again, you're withdrawing your own money or using credit, not the check funds. The check deposit itself goes through the standard hold period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

No, not at Bank of America. The check must be made out to you or to you and someone else. If it's made out to another person entirely, you cannot cash it at the bank. The person whose name is on the check must be present with ID.

What if I don't have a government ID?

Bank of America requires a valid government-issued ID to cash any check. If you don't have one, you cannot cash a check at the bank. You may be able to deposit it through the mobile app if you have an account, but you cannot cash it in person.

How long does it take to cash a check at Bank of America?

If you're a customer, cashing a check at a branch usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. You walk in, show your ID and the check, and the teller gives you cash. Non-customers may take slightly longer because the teller needs to verify the check and collect the fee.

Can I cash a check on a weekend or after hours?

Bank of America branches have varying hours. Most are open Monday through Friday and some on Saturday, but hours differ by location. You can check your branch's hours on the Bank of America website. You cannot cash checks at ATMs or through the app — only through a teller during branch hours.

What if the check amount is very large?

Bank of America can cash large checks, but the bank may place a hold on the funds or require additional verification for amounts over $5,000 or $10,000. If you're a non-customer, the fee will be higher. Call your branch ahead of time if you're cashing a check for more than $5,000 to confirm they can process it.