No, Bank of America ATMs do not cash checks

Bank of America ATMs are designed to dispense cash and accept deposits, but they cannot process check cashing. 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 available to you.

This is a limitation built into how ATM hardware works. The machines can read account numbers and process standard transactions, but they cannot validate check signatures, verify funds, or handle the back-end processing that check cashing requires. Those steps need a person or a more sophisticated system.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America ATMs can deposit checks using their mobile check deposit feature or in-person at the ATM, but cannot cash them.
  • To cash a check, you must visit a Bank of America branch during business hours with a valid ID.
  • If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit the check and withdraw cash when ready at a teller or ATM.
  • Non-customers can cash Bank of America checks at any Bank of America branch, though fees may explore depending on the check amount.
  • Retail stores like Walmart, Target, and grocery chains often cash checks for lower fees than banks charge non-customers.

What happens when you deposit a check at a Bank of America ATM

Bank of America ATMs accept check deposits through their envelope-free deposit feature. You insert the check into the slot, the machine reads it, and the funds are added to your account. This is different from cashing — the money goes into your account first, then you can withdraw it.

The deposit usually posts within one business day for Bank of America customers. Once it clears, you can withdraw the cash at any ATM or ask a teller for cash back. If you need the money when ready, this is faster than waiting for a mailed check to clear, but it still requires a deposit step.

Cashing a check at a Bank of America branch

If you are a Bank of America customer, walk into any branch with your check and ID. A teller will verify the check, confirm you have funds in your account, and give you cash. This takes about five minutes. You can cash checks written to you or to you and another person.

If you are not a Bank of America customer, you can still cash a Bank of America check at any Bank of America branch. The bank will charge a fee — typically $5 to $15 depending on the check amount — and will ask for a valid ID. Some branches may refuse to cash very large checks from non-customers without additional verification.

When to use a retail store instead of a bank

Walmart, Target, Kroger, and most grocery chains offer check cashing services. Their fees are often lower than what banks charge non-customers — usually $2 to $5 for personal checks under $1,000. Hours are often longer than bank branches, and the process is usually faster.

The trade-off is that retail check cashing has limits. Most stores will not cash checks over $1,000 to $2,000, and some require you to have a store loyalty account or make a purchase. Call ahead to confirm the store's policy before you go.

Mobile check deposit as an alternative

If you have a Bank of America account and a smartphone, you can photograph the front and back of a check using the Bank of America mobile app. The app submits the image, the check clears within one business day, and the funds appear in your account. You can then withdraw cash at any ATM.

This works for checks up to $2,500 per day and $5,000 per month. You still cannot get cash when ready — the check must clear first — but you avoid a trip to the branch. Some employers also offer direct deposit, which skips the check entirely and puts money straight into your account.

Checks that Bank of America may refuse to cash

Bank of America will not cash a check if it is post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), or if the signature does not match the ID you present. They will also refuse checks with alterations, missing information, or unclear printing.

If the check is written to two people with "and" between the names, both people must be present with ID. If it says "or," either person can cash it alone. Checks written to a business or organization require the appropriate documentation — a business license or corporate resolution — which most people do not have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit a check at a Bank of America ATM and withdraw cash the same day?

You can deposit the check at an ATM, but the funds typically do not post until the next business day. Once they post, you can withdraw cash at any ATM or ask a teller for cash back. If you need cash when ready, visit a branch and ask a teller to cash the check directly.

What ID do I need to cash a check at Bank of America?

A valid government-issued photo ID is required — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bank of America will not accept expired IDs or IDs without a photo. The name on the ID must match the name on the check.

Can I cash a check written to someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the check must be present with a valid ID. If the check is written to two people with "and" between the names, both must be present. If it says "or," either one can cash it alone.

How much does it cost to cash a check at Bank of America if I do not have an account?

Bank of America charges $5 to $15 depending on the check amount. The exact fee varies by branch and check size. Retail stores typically charge $2 to $5 for the same service, making them a cheaper option for non-customers.

What if my check is older than six months?

Bank of America will not cash a stale-dated check — one that is more than six months old. Contact the person or organization that issued the check and ask them to issue a new one. Some will do this when ready; others may require you to return the original.