Bank of America's check-cashing fees depend on whether you have an account there

If you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, you can cash checks at any Bank of America branch for free. The teller will verify the check and give you the money on the spot, no charge.

If you do not have a Bank of America account, the bank will cash your check but will charge you a fee. That fee varies based on the check amount. Bank of America does not publish a single flat fee — instead, the charge is a percentage of the check value, and the percentage changes depending on how much the check is for.

The exact fee structure changes over time and can vary slightly by location, so calling your local branch before you go in is the safest approach. You can find your nearest branch on Bank of America's website and call to ask what they charge for a non-customer check-cashing fee on a check of your amount.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America customers cash checks for free at any branch, regardless of check size.
  • Non-customers pay a percentage-based fee that increases with the check amount, though the exact rate varies by location and changes periodically.
  • Calling ahead to your local branch is the fastest way to learn the exact fee before you go in.
  • Some Bank of America branches may refuse to cash very large checks from non-customers, even with a fee.

Why Bank of America charges non-customers at all

Banks make money partly from the fees they charge for services. Cashing a check for someone without an account costs the bank time and carries a small risk — the check could bounce after they hand over the cash. Charging a fee discourages people from using the service casually and compensates the bank for the work and risk.

Bank of America's reasoning is straightforward: if you use their services regularly, you are a customer and the fee goes away. If you only come in once to cash a check, they charge you for that single transaction. It is the same logic behind why some banks charge monthly fees to customers who keep very small balances — the bank is covering the cost of maintaining your account.

How the fee is calculated

Bank of America uses a tiered fee structure for non-customer check cashing. This means the fee percentage goes up as the check amount goes up. A $100 check costs less (in percentage terms) than a $1,000 check.

Because this fee structure changes periodically and varies by branch location, you cannot rely on a number from six months ago or from a branch across town. The most reliable way to know what you will pay is to call the branch where you plan to cash the check and tell them the amount. They can quote you the exact fee before you arrive.

Alternatives to cashing at Bank of America

If the Bank of America fee seems high, you have other options. Many grocery stores and pharmacies (including Walmart, Target, and CVS) will cash checks for customers, usually for a flat fee of $3 to $5 regardless of check size. Some charge nothing if you make a purchase.

Check-cashing stores exist specifically for this purpose, though their fees are often higher than banks or retailers. A check-cashing store might charge 2 to 3 percent of the check amount, which on a $500 check could be $10 to $15.

If you receive checks regularly, opening a free checking account at any bank — including Bank of America itself — eliminates the fee entirely. Many banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee, so the only cost is the time it takes to open the account.

What to bring when you cash a check

Bring a government-issued photo ID. Bank of America will not cash a check without one, whether you are a customer or not. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.

Bring the check itself, unsigned. Do not sign the back of the check until the teller asks you to — they will want to watch you endorse it (sign it) as part of their verification process.

What happens if the check bounces

If you cash a check at Bank of America and the check later bounces (meaning the account it was drawn on does not have enough money), Bank of America will reverse the transaction. They will take the money back out of your pocket if you are a customer, or they will pursue you for repayment if you are not.

This is rare with personal checks from people you know, but it is a real risk with checks from strangers or unfamiliar businesses. If you are uncertain about a check, ask the teller how long Bank of America holds the funds before they are fully cleared. Most banks hold non-local checks for several business days, which gives time for the check to bounce before you spend the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a Bank of America ATM?

No. Bank of America ATMs do not have the ability to cash checks. You must go inside a branch and speak to a teller. This is true for both customers and non-customers.

What if the check is from another bank?

It does not matter. Bank of America will cash checks drawn on any bank — Wells Fargo, Chase, a local credit union, any of them. The fee for non-customers applies regardless of which bank issued the check.

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

No. Non-customers can cash checks at any Bank of America branch for a fee. You do not need an account. Bring a photo ID and the unsigned check.

What if my check is very large?

Some branches may refuse to cash very large checks from non-customers, even with a fee, because of the risk involved. Call ahead and ask. If they refuse, a check-cashing store or your own bank (if you have one) may be willing to handle it.

How long does it take to cash a check at Bank of America?

Usually five to ten minutes during normal branch hours, assuming the line is short. Bring your ID and the unsigned check, and the teller will handle the rest. Busy times (lunch hour, Friday afternoons) can mean longer waits.