You can cash a check at any Bank of America branch, at the teller window, with your ID
Walk into a Bank of America branch with the check and a valid photo ID. Hand both to the teller. They will verify the check, confirm you have funds available in your account (if it's drawn on Bank of America), and give you cash. The whole process takes about five minutes. You do not need to have an account at Bank of America to cash a check there, though the bank may charge a fee if you don't.
If the check is drawn on Bank of America and you have an account there, cashing is free. If the check is drawn on another bank, Bank of America charges a fee — the amount varies by branch and account type, but typically ranges from $5 to $15. If you don't have a Bank of America account at all, expect to pay a fee regardless of which bank issued the check.
The teller will ask you to endorse the check (sign the back) before they hand over the cash. Some branches will also ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint, depending on the check amount and their fraud protocols.
Key Takeaways
- Bring the check and a valid photo ID to any Bank of America branch teller window during business hours.
- Cashing is free if you have a Bank of America account and the check is drawn on Bank of America; otherwise, you will pay a fee.
- The teller will ask you to sign the back of the check before handing over cash.
- The process takes about five minutes and you do not need to be a Bank of America customer.
What ID you need and what the teller will ask
Bring one valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The teller will compare your signature on the ID to the one you write on the back of the check. If the signatures don't match closely, they may ask for a second form of ID or decline to cash the check.
For checks over a certain amount (usually $5,000 to $10,000, though this varies by branch), the teller may ask for additional verification. This might include a second ID, a thumbprint, or questions about the source of the check. The bank is required by federal law to gather this information for large cash transactions.
If the check is postdated (dated in the future) or appears altered, the teller will refuse it. If the check is more than six months old, the bank may also refuse it, though some tellers will call the issuer to confirm it is still valid.
Cashing a check without a Bank of America account
You can cash a check at Bank of America even if you don't have an account there. Bring your ID and the check to any branch during business hours. The teller will process it the same way, but you will pay a fee — typically $5 to $15 depending on the check amount and the branch.
Some Bank of America branches in smaller towns or rural areas may have higher fees or may refuse to cash checks from non-customers. Call ahead to confirm the branch will cash it and ask what the fee will be. You can find the phone number and hours for any branch on the Bank of America website.
When the check is drawn on another bank
If the check is from a different bank — say, a Wells Fargo check or a local credit union check — Bank of America will still cash it, but you will pay a fee. The fee applies whether or not you have a Bank of America account.
The teller will send the check through the clearing system to verify the funds are there. This usually happens when ready, and you get your cash right away. If the check bounces later (the account has insufficient funds), Bank of America may reverse the transaction and deduct the amount from your account, or contact you to collect the money.
Timing and what happens if the branch is busy
Bank of America branches are typically open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location. If you go during peak times (lunch hour, Friday afternoon), you may wait 10 to 20 minutes. Going early in the morning or mid-week usually means a shorter wait.
If you cannot get to a branch, you can also deposit the check through the Bank of America mobile app or ATM (if you have an account), but that is not the same as cashing it — you will have the funds in your account, not in hand as cash. Mobile check deposit typically takes one to two business days to clear.
What to do if the teller refuses the check
The teller may refuse to cash a check if the signature on the back does not match your ID, if the check appears altered or forged, if it is postdated or very old, or if the issuing bank cannot confirm the funds are there. If this happens, ask the teller why they are refusing it. They are required to tell you the reason.
If the check is legitimate but the teller still refuses, ask to speak to the branch manager. Managers sometimes have authority to override the teller's decision, especially for regular customers or checks from well-known sources. If the manager also refuses, your only option is to deposit the check into your own account (if you have one) and wait for it to clear, or contact the person or business that issued the check and ask them to issue a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to cash a check there?
No. You can cash a check at any Bank of America branch with a valid photo ID, even if you don't have an account. You will pay a fee if you are not a customer or if the check is drawn on another bank.
How much does it cost to cash a check at Bank of America if I don't have an account?
The fee typically ranges from $5 to $15, depending on the check amount and the branch. Call the branch ahead of time to ask what they charge.
Can I cash a check that is made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you or have your name on it. If someone else wrote you a check but made it out to a different name, you cannot cash it at the bank. The person who issued the check would need to issue a new one in your name.
What if the check is postdated?
Bank of America will not cash a postdated check (one dated in the future). You will need to come back on or after the date on the check. Some banks will hold the check and cash it automatically on that date if you ask, but policies vary by branch.
How long does it take to cash a check at Bank of America?
The process usually takes about five minutes at the teller window. If the branch is busy, you may wait longer. If the check is drawn on another bank, the teller may take a few extra minutes to verify the funds, but you still get the cash the same day.