Where to Cash a Bank of America Check

Your options for cashing a Bank of America check

You can cash a Bank of America check at any Bank of America branch, at an ATM if the check is from a Bank of America account and you have a debit card, or at a retailer that offers check-cashing services. The fastest route is a Bank of America branch, where you can walk in with your ID and the check and walk out with cash the same day. If you do not have a Bank of America account, you can still cash the check at a branch, though some branches may ask for ID and may place a hold on the funds.

The method you choose depends on whether you have a Bank of America account, whether you need the cash when ready, and what hours work for you. A branch gives you the most straightforward path. An ATM works only if specific conditions are met. A retailer works anywhere but may charge a fee.

Key Takeaways

Bank of America branches will cash checks drawn on Bank of America accounts for customers and non-customers, though non-customers may face ID requirements or holds.
Bank of America ATMs can deposit checks into your account when ready, but you cannot withdraw cash from an ATM using a check.
Retailers including Walmart, Target, grocery stores, and check-cashing businesses will cash Bank of America checks for a fee, usually between $2 and $10 depending on the check amount.
Cashing a check at a branch takes minutes if you have an account; non-customers may wait longer or be turned away if the branch is busy.
Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app lets you photograph the check and deposit it to your account without visiting a branch, though you cannot get cash this way.

Cashing at a Bank of America branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and the check. If you have a Bank of America account, the teller will verify your identity against your account, cash the check, and hand you the money. The whole process takes five to ten minutes. If you do not have a Bank of America account, the branch may still cash it, but policies vary by location. Some branches will cash checks for non-customers without hesitation. Others may refuse or may place a hold on the funds, meaning you get the cash later rather than when ready.

Call the branch before you go if you do not have an account. The branch phone number appears on the Bank of America website when you search for locations near you. Ask whether they cash checks for non-customers and whether they need anything beyond your ID. Bring your ID regardless — every branch will ask for it.

Bank of America branches are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by branch. Check the Bank of America website or call ahead to confirm the branch near you is open when you plan to visit.

Using a Bank of America ATM to deposit the check

If you have a Bank of America account and a debit card, you can deposit the check at a Bank of America ATM without visiting a teller. Insert your card, select "Deposit," photograph the front and back of the check using the ATM's camera, and confirm the amount. The ATM will accept the check and credit your account. The funds are usually available the next business day, though some ATMs credit them when ready.

This method does not give you cash on the spot — it puts the money in your account. You would then need to withdraw cash from the same ATM or visit a branch. It is useful if you do not need the cash when ready and want to avoid a teller line, but it does not solve the problem of needing cash right now.

Cashing at a retailer or check-cashing business

Walmart, Target, grocery store chains, and dedicated check-cashing businesses will cash Bank of America checks. Walmart and Target typically charge $3 to $6 depending on the check amount. Grocery stores may charge $2 to $5. Dedicated check-cashing businesses may charge $5 to $10 or more. The fee is deducted from the check amount — if you cash a $100 check and the fee is $5, you receive $95.

Bring your ID and the check. The retailer will verify the check is legitimate, confirm you are the payee, and hand you cash. The process usually takes five to fifteen minutes. Hours are typically longer than bank branches — many retailers are open until 9 or 10 p.m. and some are open on Sundays.

Check the retailer's website or call before you go to confirm they cash checks and what the fee is. Not every location of a chain offers check-cashing services, so location matters.

Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app

If you have a Bank of America account, you can photograph the check using the Bank of America mobile app and deposit it without visiting a branch or ATM. Open the app, select "Deposit a Check," photograph the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit. The check is deposited to your account, usually within one business day.

This is the fastest way to get the money into your account, but it does not give you cash. You would then withdraw cash from an ATM or branch. It is useful if you can wait a day for the funds and do not need to handle a physical check in person.

What to do if the check is damaged or unclear

If the check is torn, faded, or hard to read, a Bank of America branch is your best option. Tellers can examine the check in person and decide whether it is acceptable. Retailers and ATMs may reject it automatically. Call the branch first and describe the damage — they can tell you whether to bring it in.

If the check is from someone else's Bank of America account and made out to you, all the methods above work the same way. If the check is made out to someone else, you cannot cash it. If the check is made out to you and another person, both of you must be present at a branch to cash it, or one of you must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [other person's name]" — though not all branches accept this, so call first.

Holds and timing

If you cash a check at a Bank of America branch and have an account, the funds are available when ready. If you are a non-customer, the branch may place a hold, meaning you get the cash later. The hold period varies but is usually one to three business days.

If you deposit a check at an ATM or through mobile deposit, the funds are usually available the next business day, though some deposits clear the same day. If you cash a check at a retailer, you get cash when ready, but you pay a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a Bank of America ATM without an account?

No. Bank of America ATMs require a debit card to access any function, including check deposit. If you do not have an account, you must visit a branch, use a retailer, or use a check-cashing business.

What if the check is post-dated?

A post-dated check is dated for a future date. Bank of America branches may refuse to cash it before that date, though some will. Retailers and check-cashing businesses typically will not. Call the branch first to ask.

Can I cash a check made out to my business?

If you have a Bank of America business account, yes — bring your ID and the check to a branch. If you do not have a business account, call a branch first. Policies for business checks vary more than for personal checks.

What if I lost the check or it was stolen?

Contact the person or organization that issued the check and ask them to stop payment on the original and issue a replacement. Do not try to cash a check you do not have. If the check was stolen and cashed by someone else, report it to Bank of America and the issuer.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash?

Bank of America does not publish a public limit on check amounts. Very large checks may require verification or a longer wait. Call the branch with the check amount if you are unsure.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.