You can cash a Bank of America check without an account, but your options depend on where you cash it and what ID you have
Bank of America will cash its own checks at any of its branches for free if you show a valid ID, even if you don't have an account there. If you don't want to visit a branch, you can deposit the check into an account at another bank using mobile deposit or in person—that bank doesn't care who issued the check. You can also take it to a check-cashing service, though they charge a fee that typically ranges from 1 to 5 percent of the check amount, depending on the service and the check size.
The fastest route is usually a Bank of America branch if one is near you. The slowest and most expensive is a check-cashing store. The middle ground—depositing into another bank's account—is free but requires you to have an account somewhere and wait for the check to clear.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America branches will cash Bank of America checks for free with a valid photo ID, regardless of whether you have an account.
- You can deposit a Bank of America check into any other bank's account using mobile deposit or in person, and that bank will process it without charging you.
- Check-cashing services and grocery stores will cash the check for a fee, usually between 1 and 5 percent of the amount.
- You need a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for any of these methods to work.
Cashing at a Bank of America branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with the check and a valid photo ID. The teller will verify the check and your ID, then hand you cash on the spot. There is no fee, and you do not need to be a customer. This takes about 5 to 10 minutes during normal business hours.
Bring a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The check must be made out to you (or to you and someone else, though some branches may ask both parties to be present). If the check is post-dated—dated for a future day—Bank of America will not cash it until that date arrives.
Depositing into another bank's account
If you have a checking or savings account at any other bank, you can deposit the Bank of America check there without paying a fee. Most banks now offer mobile deposit, which means you photograph the front and back of the check using their app and submit it from your phone. The check clears in 1 to 3 business days, depending on the bank and the amount.
If you don't have a mobile app or prefer to deposit in person, go to any branch of your bank with the check and your ID. They will process it the same way. This method costs nothing and works for checks of any size, but you have to wait for the funds to appear in your account.
Using a check-cashing service or retail store
Check-cashing stores, grocery stores with check-cashing services, and some pharmacies will cash Bank of America checks for a fee. The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount—typically 1 to 5 percent—though some places charge a flat fee instead. A $500 check might cost $5 to $25 to cash, depending on where you go.
Bring the check and a valid photo ID. The process is quick, usually 5 to 15 minutes. The downside is the cost: if you cash checks regularly, these fees add up. Call ahead or check the store's website to confirm they cash checks and what their fee is, because policies vary by location.
What to do if the check is damaged or has problems
If the check is torn, stained, or hard to read, Bank of America branches may still cash it if they can verify it is legitimate. Bring it in and let the teller look at it. If they cannot read the routing number, account number, or amount, they may refuse and tell you to contact the person or business that issued the check and ask for a replacement.
If the check is made out to a business or organization rather than to you personally, you cannot cash it. If it is made out to you and another person, both of you typically need to be present and sign the back. Some banks and check-cashing services will make exceptions if one person signs and the other authorizes it in writing, but this is not standard.
Comparing your options by cost and speed
| Method | Cost | Speed | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America branch | Free | Same day (5–10 min) | Valid photo ID |
| Deposit at another bank | Free | 1–3 business days | Account at that bank, valid ID |
| Check-cashing service | 1–5% of check amount | Same day (5–15 min) | Valid photo ID |
| Grocery or retail store | 1–5% of check amount | Same day (5–15 min) | Valid photo ID |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to endorse the check on the back?
At a Bank of America branch, the teller will usually ask you to sign the back of the check in front of them. At a check-cashing service or retail store, you will also sign the back. If you are depositing into another bank's account, you may sign the back or leave it blank—policies vary, so ask the teller.
What if I don't have a photo ID?
Bank of America and most check-cashing services require a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you cannot cash the check at these places. Your best option is to ask the person who issued the check to deposit it into your account directly, or to ask a trusted friend or family member with ID to cash it and give you the money.
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it is made out to someone else entirely, you cannot cash it, even if they sign the back. The person named on the check must be present and provide ID.
How long does a deposited check take to clear?
Most checks clear in 1 to 3 business days. Large checks or checks from out-of-state banks may take longer—up to 5 business days. The bank will tell you the expected date when you deposit it. You can usually use the money before it fully clears, but if the check bounces, the bank will reverse the deposit and charge you a fee.
What if the check bounces after I cash it?
If you cash the check at a Bank of America branch and it later bounces, Bank of America will contact you and ask you to return the cash. If you deposited it at another bank, that bank will reverse the deposit and may charge you a returned-check fee. Check-cashing services typically hold you responsible for returning the money if the check is bad.