The fastest way is a Bank of America branch or ATM

If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit or cash a Bank of America check at any Bank of America branch during business hours, or at most Bank of America ATMs. Walk in with your check and a photo ID. If you're cashing rather than depositing, bring your debit card or account number so the teller can verify your account and pull the cash from your account balance.

Bank of America ATMs that accept deposits are marked on the ATM screen. Not all ATMs cash checks — only the ones labeled for cash withdrawal and deposit. If you're unsure whether a specific ATM near you handles check cashing, call your local branch or check the Bank of America website to find ATMs in your area and their capabilities.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America customers can cash checks at any Bank of America branch or at ATMs that offer cash withdrawal, using their debit card or account number.
  • Non-customers can cash Bank of America checks at any Bank of America branch for a fee, which varies by location and check amount.
  • Retail stores like Walmart, Target, and grocery stores often cash checks for a flat fee, usually between $3 and $10 depending on the store.
  • Check cashing services and payday loan stores will cash Bank of America checks but typically charge higher fees than banks or retailers.
  • Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app lets account holders deposit checks without visiting a branch, though the funds may take one to two business days to appear.

Cashing a check if you don't have a Bank of America account

Non-customers can cash a Bank of America check at any Bank of America branch. You'll need to show a photo ID and the check itself. Bank of America charges a fee for this service — the amount depends on your location and the check amount, so call ahead to ask what the fee will be at your nearest branch.

This option works if you only need to cash one or two checks, but if you're cashing checks regularly, the per-check fee adds up. In that case, a retail store or check cashing service may cost less overall.

Retail stores that cash checks

Many large retail chains will cash checks for a flat fee, usually between $3 and $10. Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and similar stores often have check cashing services at the customer service desk. The fee is the same whether you're cashing a $50 check or a $500 check, so this can be cheaper than a bank if you're cashing a larger amount.

Bring your photo ID and the check. Some stores limit the number of checks you can cash per day or per visit, so ask at the desk. Hours are usually the same as the store's regular hours, which is often longer than a bank branch.

Check cashing services and payday loan stores

Dedicated check cashing businesses and payday loan stores will cash Bank of America checks, but they typically charge higher fees than banks or retailers — sometimes 5% to 10% of the check amount. This means a $200 check could cost you $10 to $20 to cash.

These services are useful if you need cash outside of bank hours or retail store hours, or if other options aren't available near you. However, compare the fee to what a retail store or bank would charge before you go in. Some of these businesses also offer payday loans or other credit products — you're not required to use them just because you're cashing a check there.

Mobile deposit if you have a Bank of America account

The Bank of America mobile app lets you deposit checks without visiting a branch or ATM. Open the app, go to the deposit section, take a photo of the front and back of the check, and submit it. The funds usually appear in your account within one to two business days.

This is the most convenient option if you have an account, but it only works if you want to deposit the check into your account rather than get cash when ready. If you need cash right away, you'll still need to visit a branch, ATM, or retail store.

What to bring and what to expect

Regardless of where you cash the check, you'll need a photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The teller or cashier will look at the check to make sure it's made out to you (or to you and someone else), that it's not post-dated, and that it hasn't been altered.

If the check is made out to two people, both people usually need to be present with ID. If the check is damaged, torn, or the writing is unclear, some places will refuse to cash it. If you're unsure whether a check will be accepted, call ahead rather than making a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the check must be present with a photo ID. If the check is made out to two people, both usually need to be there. Some places may allow a third-party endorsement (where the original recipient signs the back and you sign below), but this is becoming less common and many banks and stores refuse it.

What if the check is post-dated?

A post-dated check has a date in the future. Most banks and retailers will not cash or deposit a post-dated check until that date arrives. If you need the money now, you'll have to wait or ask the person who wrote the check to write a new one with today's date.

How long does mobile deposit take?

The funds usually appear in your Bank of America account within one to two business days. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days, so a check deposited on Friday may not show up until Monday or Tuesday. Some accounts or check amounts may take longer.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash?

Bank of America branches typically don't have a hard limit, but very large checks may require a manager's approval or a call to verify funds. Retail stores often have daily limits — ask at the customer service desk. Check cashing services may also have limits depending on the store.

What if I lost the check?

Contact the person or business that wrote the check and ask them to issue a replacement. You'll need the replacement check to cash it — there's no way to cash a check you don't have. If it was a paycheck, contact your employer's payroll department. If it was a government check, contact the agency that issued it.