Bank of America will cash checks if you have an account with them, but the rules depend on the type of account and the check itself
If you hold a checking or savings account at Bank of America, you can cash checks at any branch during business hours. The teller will verify your identity, confirm the check is legitimate, and deduct the amount from your account. There is no fee for this service if you are a customer.
If you do not have a Bank of America account, the bank will not cash the check for you. Bank of America stopped cashing third-party checks (checks made out to someone else) years ago, and they do not cash checks for non-customers under any circumstance. You will need to use a different method to convert that check to cash.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America account holders can cash checks at any branch for free during normal business hours with a valid ID.
- Non-customers cannot cash checks at Bank of America, regardless of the check amount or who issued it.
- Mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app lets account holders deposit checks without visiting a branch.
- If you do not have a Bank of America account, you can deposit the check at your own bank, use a check-cashing service, or ask the check issuer for a different payment method.
- Checks made out to someone else (third-party checks) cannot be cashed at Bank of America even if you have an account.
What you need to cash a check as a Bank of America customer
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will match your name on the ID to the name on the check. If the check is made out to you, this process takes a few minutes.
The check must be signed by the person or business that issued it. If it is unsigned, post-dated (dated in the future), or more than six months old, the teller may refuse it. Checks that are torn, stained, or difficult to read can also be rejected.
You do not need to have the check deposited into your account. You can ask the teller to cash it instead, and they will hand you the money in cash or add it to your account balance—your choice.
How to cash a check without visiting a branch
Bank of America customers can use the mobile app to deposit checks without going to a branch. Open the app, select "Deposit a Check," take photos of the front and back of the check, and confirm the amount. The funds typically appear in your account within one business day, though sometimes it takes two.
This method works only if you want the money in your account. You cannot use mobile deposit to get cash directly. If you need cash when ready, you can withdraw it from an ATM after the deposit clears, but that requires waiting for the bank to process the deposit first.
Mobile deposit has limits. Bank of America typically caps mobile deposits at $2,500 per check and $5,000 per day for most customers, though these limits can vary based on your account type and history. Check your app or call the bank to confirm your specific limits.
What to do if you do not have a Bank of America account
If the check is made out to you and you have an account at another bank, deposit it there. Most banks accept checks from any issuer, and you do not need to be a customer of the bank that issued the check. This is usually the fastest and cheapest option.
If you do not have a bank account, you can take the check to a check-cashing service. These are independent businesses (not banks) that convert checks to cash for a fee, usually between 1 and 5 percent of the check amount. The fee is higher for larger checks and varies by location and the type of check.
Some grocery stores and retail chains like Walmart and Target offer check-cashing services at their customer service desk. The fees are often lower than standalone check-cashing businesses, typically 1 to 3 percent. Call ahead to confirm they cash checks and what their current fee is.
If the check is from an employer or government agency, ask them to issue payment a different way—direct deposit to a bank account, a prepaid card, or a paper check mailed to you. This avoids the check-cashing step entirely.
Checks made out to someone else
Bank of America does not cash or deposit third-party checks, even for account holders. A third-party check is one made out to someone else—for example, a check made out to your spouse, your business partner, or a family member. The bank will not process it, and you cannot cash it there.
If someone wants to give you money by check, ask them to make the check out to you directly. If they have already written it to someone else, they will need to contact the issuer (their bank, employer, or the government agency) and request a new check in your name. This can take several days or weeks.
Some states allow third-party checks if the original payee endorses the check and signs it over to you, but Bank of America does not honor this practice regardless of state law. Do not attempt to deposit a third-party check at Bank of America.
Timing and fees for check cashing
If you cash a check at a Bank of America branch as a customer, you get the money when ready—either in cash or added to your account balance right away. There is no fee and no waiting period.
If you use mobile deposit, the funds are usually available within one business day, sometimes two. Weekends and holidays can delay the process. The bank holds the funds for a short time while they verify the check is legitimate and the account that issued it has sufficient funds.
Check-cashing services at retail stores or independent businesses typically give you cash on the spot, but they charge a fee. The fee depends on the check amount and the business. A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash, depending on where you go.
What happens if a check bounces
If you cash a check and it later bounces (the account that issued it does not have enough money), Bank of America will reverse the transaction and deduct the amount from your account. You will also be charged an insufficient funds fee, usually $35, though this varies by account type.
If you cashed the check at a retail store or check-cashing service, that business may also charge you a fee or pursue you for the money. The person or business that issued the bad check is legally responsible for the amount, but collecting it is your problem.
To protect yourself, ask the check issuer for a different payment method if you do not recognize them or if the check seems unusual. Legitimate employers and government agencies rarely issue checks that bounce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a Bank of America ATM?
No. Bank of America ATMs accept check deposits, but they do not dispense cash for checks. You must visit a branch during business hours to cash a check and receive cash when ready. You can deposit a check at an ATM and withdraw the cash later once it clears, but that takes at least one business day.
What if the check is damaged or hard to read?
Bank of America may refuse a check that is torn, stained, faded, or illegible. If the amount, date, or signature is unclear, the teller will likely reject it. Contact the person or business that issued the check and ask for a replacement in better condition.
Can I cash a check made out to my business at Bank of America?
Yes, if you have a Bank of America business account and the check is made out to your business name. Bring your business ID or documentation showing you are authorized to conduct transactions on behalf of the business. Personal accounts cannot cash business checks.
How long does a cashed check stay in my account history?
Cashed checks appear in your Bank of America account history indefinitely. You can view them online or request a statement going back several years. The bank keeps records for at least seven years for regulatory reasons.
What if I lost a check that was made out to me?
Contact the person or business that issued the check when ready. Ask them to cancel the original check and issue a replacement. They may charge a small fee or require you to sign a form confirming the check was lost. Once they issue a new check, you can cash or deposit it normally.