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. This takes a few minutes and requires your account and a valid ID.

If you do not have a Bank of America account, the bank will still cash certain checks, but the rules are stricter and you may pay a fee. The specifics depend on what kind of check it is and whether you are a customer.

Key Takeaways

  • Account holders can cash checks at any Bank of America branch during business hours with just their ID and the check.
  • Non-customers can cash Bank of America checks and some government checks without a fee, but other checks may carry a charge.
  • The teller will verify the check and your ID before handing over cash, which usually takes five to ten minutes.
  • If the check amount is very large, the branch may need to order cash in advance or limit what they can give you that day.

What you need to bring as an account holder

Bring the check and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The teller will ask you to sign the back of the check if you have not already. That is all you need.

The teller will verify that your signature matches the ID, confirm your account is in good standing, and count out the cash. Most branches can do this in under ten minutes during normal hours.

Cashing a check without a Bank of America account

Bank of America will cash checks drawn on Bank of America accounts for non-customers at no charge. This means if the check is from another person or business that banks with Bank of America, you can cash it there even if you do not have an account.

The bank will also cash U.S. Treasury checks, cashier's checks issued by Bank of America, and money orders issued by Bank of America without charging a fee. For other types of checks — personal checks from non-Bank of America accounts, for example — the bank charges a fee. The fee amount varies and you should ask the teller before you proceed.

Non-customers must show a valid photo ID and may face additional verification steps. Some branches limit the amount of cash they will give a non-customer in a single transaction.

What happens if the check is very large

If you want to cash a check for several thousand dollars or more, call the branch ahead of time. Large amounts of cash are not always kept on hand, and the branch may need a day or two to order it from a regional center.

Telling the branch in advance prevents a wasted trip. You can find your nearest branch number on the Bank of America website or by calling 1-800-432-1000.

When a check cannot be cashed the same day

The teller may put a hold on the check if there is a problem — for example, if the signature does not match your ID, if the check is post-dated (written for a future date), or if the account it is drawn on appears to have insufficient funds. In these cases, you cannot get cash that day.

The teller will explain why and tell you when to come back. If you need the money urgently, ask whether depositing the check instead would be faster — deposits sometimes clear within one business day, though that depends on the check type and the account it comes from.

Alternatives if Bank of America cannot help

If the check is drawn on a different bank, you can cash it at that bank's branch instead. You will need a valid ID, and the process is the same as at Bank of America.

If you do not have access to the bank that issued the check, you can deposit the check into your own account at any bank and withdraw the cash once it clears. This takes longer but works for any check. Some check-cashing services and grocery stores also cash checks for a fee, though the fee is usually higher than a bank would charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to cash a check there?

No, but the rules are different. Customers can cash any check. Non-customers can cash Bank of America checks and government checks for free, but other checks may have a fee.

What if the check is post-dated?

Bank of America will not cash a post-dated check — one written for a future date. You can deposit it instead, and it will be held until the date on the check. Ask the teller whether depositing is an option for your situation.

Can I cash a check on my phone or online?

No. You must go to a branch in person with the physical check and your ID. Bank of America does allow you to deposit checks through its mobile app, but that is different from cashing them.

What if I lost my ID?

You cannot cash a check without a valid photo ID. If your ID is lost, you will need to get a replacement from your state's DMV or passport office before you can cash the check at the bank.

How much cash can I get?

As an account holder, you can cash a check for the full amount shown on it, as long as the branch has that much cash available. For very large amounts, call ahead. Non-customers may face limits depending on the branch.