Yes, you can cash a check at Bank of America if you have an account there
Bank of America will cash a check for you at any of its branches if you have a checking or savings account with them. You do not need to deposit it — you can ask the teller to give you the money in cash instead. The teller will ask for your ID, verify the check, and hand you the funds, usually the same day.
If you do not have a Bank of America account, the bank will still cash certain checks, but the rules are stricter. Bank of America will cash checks drawn on Bank of America accounts (checks from other Bank of America customers) for non-customers, but they may charge a fee — typically $6 to $15 depending on the check amount. They will not cash checks drawn on other banks if you are not a customer.
The fastest way is to visit a branch in person during business hours with your ID and the check. You can find your nearest branch and its hours on the Bank of America website or by calling 1-800-432-1000.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America customers can cash checks at any branch by showing ID and asking the teller to give cash instead of depositing.
- Non-customers can cash checks drawn on Bank of America accounts for a fee, but cannot cash checks from other banks.
- You will need a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) to cash any check.
- The check must be made out to you or to you and another person, and it must not be post-dated (dated in the future).
What you need to bring to the branch
Bring the check itself and a valid photo ID. Bank of America accepts a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The name on your ID must match the name the check is written to.
If the check is made out to two people (for example, "John Smith and Jane Smith"), both people must be present with ID, or one person must have a signed power of attorney from the other. If the check is made out to you and another person with the word "or" between the names instead of "and", only one of you needs to be present.
Do not bring a check that is post-dated (dated in the future). Bank of America will not cash it until that date arrives, and the teller may refuse it entirely.
Cashing a check without a Bank of America account
If you do not have an account at Bank of America, you can still cash a check, but only if it is drawn on a Bank of America account — meaning the person or business who wrote the check has their account at Bank of America. The check will have "Bank of America" printed on it.
Bank of America charges a fee for this service. The fee depends on the amount of the check: checks under $100 may cost $6, and larger checks may cost $10 to $15. Ask the teller what the fee will be before you proceed.
If the check is drawn on a different bank, Bank of America will not cash it for you. In that case, you would need to go to the bank that issued the check, or open an account and deposit it.
When Bank of America cannot cash your check
Bank of America will refuse to cash a check if it is damaged, torn, or illegible. If the check is stained, faded, or missing important information like the routing number or account number, the teller cannot process it.
The bank will also refuse if the check is post-dated (dated in the future), if it is more than six months old, or if it appears to have been altered. If the signature on the check does not match the signature on your ID, the teller may ask questions or refuse the check.
If your check is refused, ask the teller why. Sometimes the issue is straightforward — for example, the check may have been written incorrectly — and you can contact the person who wrote it to get a replacement.
Depositing instead of cashing
If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit the check instead of cashing it. Depositing puts the money into your account rather than giving you cash. The funds usually become available within one to two business days, though sometimes it takes longer depending on the check amount and the bank it was drawn on.
You can deposit a check in several ways: at a branch with a teller, at an ATM using the mobile deposit feature in the Bank of America app, or by mailing it to the bank. Mobile deposit is often the fastest and most convenient if you have the Bank of America app on your phone.
Cashing a check at other banks or retailers
If you cannot go to Bank of America or if the check is not drawn on Bank of America, you have other options. You can cash the check at the bank that issued it — the bank name is printed on the check. Most banks will cash checks drawn on their own accounts for non-customers, though they may charge a fee.
Some retailers also cash checks, including Walmart, Target, and grocery stores. Fees vary widely, and not all locations offer this service. Call ahead to confirm. Check-cashing stores are another option, but they typically charge higher fees than banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cash a check at Bank of America?
If you are a Bank of America customer cashing a check in person at a branch, you get the cash when ready — usually within a few minutes. The teller verifies the check and hands you the money on the spot. If you are a non-customer cashing a Bank of America check, the process is the same.
Can I cash a check online or by mail?
No. Bank of America does not cash checks online or by mail. You must visit a branch in person or use mobile deposit (if you have an account) to deposit the check instead. Mobile deposit puts the money in your account within one to two business days rather than giving you cash.
What if the check is written to my business, not to me personally?
You will need to bring the check, your personal ID, and proof that you are authorized to cash checks on behalf of the business — such as a business license or a letter from the business owner. Bank of America may ask additional questions. Call your local branch ahead of time to confirm what documents they need.
Can I cash a check if I do not have an ID?
No. Bank of America requires a valid photo ID for all check-cashing transactions. If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you can get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. A passport also works if you have one.
What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?
If the check bounces (the account does not have enough money), Bank of America may take the cash back from your account if you are a customer, or pursue you for repayment if you are not. The person who wrote the check is responsible for the bounced check, but the bank may hold you liable. Ask the teller if the check has cleared before you leave the branch.