The fastest place to cash a Bank of America check is any Bank of America branch or ATM
If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit or cash a check at any of the bank's roughly 4,300 branches nationwide, or at any Bank of America ATM that accepts deposits. Walk in with the check and your ID, and the teller will either deposit it to your account or give you cash on the spot. There is no fee for this, and it takes minutes.
If you do not have a Bank of America account, you can still cash a check there, but the bank will charge you a fee — typically $6 to $15 depending on the check amount and your location. Ask the teller for the exact fee before you proceed. You will need a valid ID.
ATM deposits work only if you have a Bank of America account. The check clears within one business day for most deposits made before 9 p.m. Eastern time.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America customers can deposit or cash checks at any branch or ATM for free.
- Non-customers can cash checks at a Bank of America branch but will pay a fee of $6 to $15.
- Grocery stores, Walmart, and check-cashing services will cash Bank of America checks without requiring an account, though fees vary widely.
- Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app lets account holders photograph and deposit checks from home.
- Some employers and payroll services will cash paychecks directly without a bank account.
Cashing a check at a grocery store or retail chain
Most large grocery chains and Walmart will cash Bank of America checks if you have a valid ID. Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Whole Foods all offer check-cashing services at customer service desks. Walmart cashes checks at its money center or customer service desk. Fees are usually lower than at a check-cashing store — often $2 to $5 — but policies vary by location.
Call ahead or ask at the desk before you get in line, because not every store location offers this service, and some have limits on the check amount they will cash. Weekend and evening hours may also be restricted.
Check-cashing stores and payday lenders
Dedicated check-cashing businesses like ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, and Advance America will cash Bank of America checks. These services are available in most neighborhoods and often have longer hours than banks, including evenings and weekends.
The trade-off is cost. Check-cashing fees at these stores typically run 2 to 5 percent of the check amount, which means a $500 check could cost you $10 to $25. Some stores charge a flat fee instead. Ask for the exact fee before you hand over the check.
These services do not require a bank account or a credit check, only a valid ID. The transaction is usually complete within minutes.
Mobile deposit if you have a Bank of America account
The Bank of America mobile app lets you photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it directly to your account without visiting a branch. Open the app, select "Deposit a Check," take clear photos of both sides, and submit. The bank typically makes the funds available within one business day.
This option is free and works from home or anywhere you have your phone and the check. You do not need to sign the check before photographing it, but you must sign it before submitting the deposit through the app.
Payroll services and employer direct cash
If the check is a paycheck, your employer or their payroll processor may offer to cash it directly or deposit it to a prepaid card without requiring a bank account. Ask your HR or payroll department whether this option is available. Some employers use services like when ready Financial or PayActiv that let employees access earned wages before payday.
This route avoids check-cashing fees entirely, but it is only available if your employer participates in the program.
What to do if the check is not in your name
If the check is made out to someone else, most places will not cash it without that person present with ID. Some banks and check-cashing stores will cash a third-party check if the original payee signs the back and you also sign it, but this practice is becoming less common due to fraud concerns.
Your safest option is to ask the person whose name is on the check to cash it themselves, or to deposit it into their account and have them transfer you the money. If that is not possible, call the check issuer and ask them to issue a new check in your name.
Comparing your options by cost and speed
| Option | Cost | Speed | Requires Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America branch (account holder) | Free | Minutes | Yes |
| Bank of America branch (non-account holder) | $6–$15 | Minutes | No |
| Grocery store or Walmart | $2–$5 | Minutes | No |
| Check-cashing store | 2–5% of check amount | Minutes | No |
| Mobile deposit (Bank of America app) | Free | 1 business day | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a Bank of America check at another bank?
Most banks will not cash a check drawn on another bank unless you have an account there. Some credit unions and community banks may do it for a fee, but your best option is to use a check-cashing service, grocery store, or Bank of America branch.
What ID do I need to cash a check?
A valid government-issued photo ID is required at all locations — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some places may ask for additional information like a phone number or address, but the photo ID is the minimum.
How long does a deposited check take to clear?
Bank of America typically makes funds available within one business day for checks deposited before 9 p.m. Eastern time. The actual clearing process can take longer, but you can usually spend the money the next day. Large checks or checks from out-of-state banks may take longer.
Will Bank of America cash a check if I do not have an account?
Yes, but you will pay a fee of $6 to $15. Non-account holders must go to a branch with a valid ID; ATM deposits are not available without an account.
What happens if I try to cash a check with a wrong amount or misspelled name?
Most places will refuse to cash it. If the amount is wrong, contact the check issuer and ask for a corrected check. If your name is misspelled slightly, some tellers may accept it, but do not count on it — ask first.