Bank of America ATMs can cash checks, but only certain types
Bank of America ATMs will cash checks for you, but with a significant limit: the machine will only cash checks drawn on Bank of America accounts. If the check is from another bank, the ATM will not process it. You also cannot cash a check at an ATM if you do not have a Bank of America account yourself — the machine reads your debit card to verify your account and deposit funds.
The process is straightforward if both conditions are met. Insert your Bank of America debit card, select the check cashing option from the menu, and the ATM will guide you through the rest. You can cash the check when ready without waiting for a teller, and the funds appear in your account right away.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America ATMs cash checks only if the check is drawn on a Bank of America account and you have your own Bank of America debit card.
- You cannot use an ATM to cash a check from another bank, even if you have a Bank of America account.
- Checks cashed at an ATM are processed when ready, with funds available in your account the same moment.
- If you need to cash a check from another bank, you will need to visit a Bank of America branch during business hours and speak with a teller.
What happens when you insert a check into the ATM
When you place a check into a Bank of America ATM, the machine scans it to read the routing number — the code that identifies which bank the account belongs to. If that routing number does not match Bank of America's system, the ATM will reject the check and return it to you. The machine cannot process checks from other banks, no matter how large the amount or how long you have held the account.
If the check is from a Bank of America account, the ATM reads the account number and amount, then asks you to confirm the details on the screen. Once you confirm, the check is scanned and held inside the machine. The funds are transferred to your account when ready, and you receive a receipt showing the transaction.
Checks from other banks require a visit to a branch
If someone gives you a check drawn on Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, or any other bank, you cannot cash it at a Bank of America ATM. Your only option is to visit a Bank of America branch in person during business hours and ask a teller to process it for you.
When you bring the check to a teller, you will need to show a government-issued ID and your Bank of America debit card or account number. The teller will verify the check and deposit it into your account. Depending on the bank that issued the check, the funds may be available when ready or may take one to two business days to clear — this is called the hold period, and it exists because the teller's bank must confirm the money actually exists in the other bank's account before releasing it to you.
Daily limits on ATM check cashing
Bank of America sets daily limits on how much you can cash at an ATM in a single day. These limits vary depending on your account type and your history with the bank, so the exact amount is not the same for every customer. Your account statement or the Bank of America website will show your personal limit.
If you try to cash a check larger than your daily limit, the ATM will reject it. You can either return with the check on another day, or visit a branch and ask a teller to process it — tellers have more flexibility than ATMs and may be able to override the limit for legitimate reasons.
Mobile check deposit as an alternative
If you have a smartphone, Bank of America's mobile app offers another way to deposit a check without visiting an ATM or branch. You photograph the front and back of the check using your phone camera, and the app sends the images to Bank of America for processing. The funds are usually available within one business day.
Mobile deposit works for checks from any bank, not just Bank of America. The process is faster than waiting in line at a branch and more flexible than being limited to ATM hours. You do need a Bank of America account and the mobile app installed on your phone, and some checks — such as very large amounts or checks older than six months — may not be accepted through the app.
What to do if the ATM keeps rejecting your check
If an ATM repeatedly rejects a check that you believe is from a Bank of America account, the problem is usually one of three things: the check is damaged or the ink is smudged, making it unreadable; the routing number does not actually belong to Bank of America; or you are using an ATM that is not part of the Bank of America network.
If the check is damaged, visit a branch with the original check and ask a teller to deposit it manually. If you are unsure which bank issued the check, look at the bottom left corner of the check — the routing number is printed there, and you can search that number online to confirm which bank it belongs to. If you used an ATM at a different bank's location, find a Bank of America ATM instead — some ATMs look similar but belong to other banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a Bank of America ATM if I do not have a Bank of America account?
No. The ATM requires you to insert your Bank of America debit card to verify your account before it will process any transaction, including check cashing. If you do not have an account, you cannot use the ATM for this purpose.
How long does it take for the money to show up after I cash a check at an ATM?
The funds appear in your account when ready when the ATM processes the check. You will see the deposit reflected in your balance right away, and the receipt will show the transaction time. There is no waiting period for Bank of America checks cashed at ATMs.
What if the check is post-dated — dated for a future day?
Bank of America ATMs will still process a post-dated check and deposit it when ready, even though the check is technically not supposed to be cashed until that future date. The funds will appear in your account right away. If you want to wait until the date on the check, you should deposit it in person with a teller and ask them to hold it.
Can I cash a check at any Bank of America ATM, or only at certain ones?
You can use any Bank of America ATM. The check cashing function is available at all of them. If you cannot find the option on the screen, ask a Bank of America employee at a nearby branch — the ATM may be an older model that does not support check cashing, or the function may be in a different menu location.
What is the maximum amount I can cash at an ATM?
The limit depends on your account type and your banking history with Bank of America. Check your account details online or call the customer service number on the back of your debit card to find out your personal limit. If you need to cash a larger check, visit a branch and speak with a teller.