The fastest way to cash a Bank of America check

You can cash a Bank of America check at any Bank of America branch without a fee, even if you do not have an account there. Walk in with the check and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The teller will verify the check and give you cash on the spot, usually within a few minutes.

If you have a Bank of America account, you can also deposit the check into your account using the mobile app, an ATM, or a branch teller. Mobile deposit is often the fastest option if you are not in a hurry for when ready cash — you photograph the front and back of the check, and the funds usually appear in your account within one business day.

Key Takeaways

  • You can cash a Bank of America check at any Bank of America branch with just a photo ID, whether or not you have an account.
  • If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit checks through the mobile app, an ATM, or a teller without visiting a branch.
  • Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app is often the fastest way to get funds into your account if you do not need cash when ready.
  • Checks drawn on other banks can be cashed at Bank of America, but the teller may ask additional questions or place a hold on the funds.
  • ATM deposit is available 24/7 at most Bank of America locations, so you can deposit a check outside of business hours.

Cashing a check in person at a Bank of America branch

Bring the check and a valid photo ID to any Bank of America branch during business hours. The teller will ask you to endorse the check — that means signing the back of it — and will verify that the account the check is drawn from has enough money to cover it. This verification usually takes just a few minutes.

The teller will then count out your cash and hand it to you. There is no fee for this service at Bank of America branches. If the check is very large or if the teller has questions about it, they may ask where the check came from or what it is for — this is normal and does not mean anything is wrong.

Depositing a check if you have a Bank of America account

If you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, you have three ways to deposit a check without going to a branch. The mobile app is the easiest: open the Bank of America app, go to the deposit section, take a photo of the front and back of the check, and submit it. The funds usually show up in your account within one business day, though sometimes it takes longer depending on when you deposit it and what day of the week it is.

You can also deposit a check at a Bank of America ATM by inserting the check into the machine, just as you would with cash. ATMs are available 24/7, so you can deposit a check at night or on a weekend. The third option is to hand the check to a teller at a branch during business hours — they will process it when ready and the funds will be available the same day or the next business day.

What happens when you deposit a check

When you deposit a check, the bank puts a hold on the funds for a set number of days. A hold means the money is in your account, but you cannot withdraw it yet. For checks drawn on Bank of America accounts, the hold is usually one business day. For checks from other banks, the hold can be up to five business days, depending on the bank and the amount.

You can see the hold in your account — the deposit will show as "pending" until the hold lifts. Once the hold is gone, the money is yours to use. The bank uses this time to confirm that the check is real and that the account it came from actually has the money.

Cashing a check from another bank at Bank of America

Bank of America will cash checks drawn on other banks, but the process is slightly different. You still need a photo ID, and you still sign the back of the check. However, the teller may ask more questions — where the check came from, what it is for, or whether you have an account at the other bank. These questions help the bank make sure the check is legitimate.

The teller will verify the check by contacting the other bank or checking their system. This can take longer than cashing a Bank of America check, sometimes 10 to 15 minutes. If the teller cannot verify the check right away, they may ask you to come back later or may offer to deposit it instead of cashing it. There is no fee for cashing a check from another bank at Bank of America.

When a check might be refused or delayed

A teller may refuse to cash a check if the signature on the back does not match the ID you show, if the check is post-dated (dated in the future), or if the check appears to be damaged or altered. If the check is very old — more than six months — the bank may also refuse it, though some banks will still cash old checks if the account holder approves.

If you do not have a photo ID, the teller cannot cash the check. You will need to bring one of these: a driver's license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, ask the teller what other forms of ID they accept — policies vary slightly by branch.

Using mobile deposit safely

Mobile deposit is convenient, but it is important to handle the check correctly. After you photograph the check through the app, write "deposited" across the back so you do not accidentally try to cash it again. Keep the physical check for at least 30 days in case the bank needs to verify the deposit. Do not throw it away when ready.

Make sure you are in good lighting when you take the photos and that the entire check is visible in the frame — the app will tell you if the image is too blurry or cut off. If the deposit is rejected, the app will explain why, and you can either retake the photos or bring the check to a branch instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can cash a Bank of America check at any branch with just a photo ID, even if you do not have an account. Checks from other banks may require more questions from the teller, but you still do not need an account.

How long does it take to get the money after I deposit a check?

If you cash a check in person, you get the money when ready. If you deposit a check, the hold is usually one business day for Bank of America checks and up to five business days for checks from other banks. You can see the hold status in your account.

Can I deposit a check through the app if I do not have a smartphone?

No, mobile deposit requires the Bank of America app. If you do not have a smartphone, you can deposit checks at an ATM or by handing them to a teller at a branch during business hours.

What if the check is made out to someone else?

You cannot cash or deposit a check made out to someone else unless they sign it over to you. They must endorse the back of the check and write "pay to the order of" followed by your name, then sign it. Even then, some banks will not accept third-party checks, so ask the teller first.

Is there a limit to how much I can deposit through mobile?

Bank of America sets daily and monthly limits on mobile deposit. These limits vary based on your account type and history. Check your app or call the bank to find out your specific limit.