Where to Cash a Bank of America Check

Your main 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 under a certain amount, through a mobile deposit using the Bank of America app, or at a retailer that offers check-cashing services. The fastest route depends on whether you have a Bank of America account, how much the check is for, and how quickly you need the cash.

If you have a Bank of America account, depositing the check into your account is usually free and takes one to two business days to clear. If you do not have an account or need cash when ready, you have other paths — but they may cost you a fee or require you to visit a physical location.

Key Takeaways

Bank of America customers can deposit checks at any branch, through a mobile app, or at an ATM, with funds typically available within one to two business days.
Non-customers can cash checks at any Bank of America branch during business hours, though you will need a valid ID and the teller may ask questions about the check.
Retailers like Walmart, grocery stores, and check-cashing services will cash Bank of America checks, but fees range from $2 to $10 depending on the check amount and the retailer.
Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app works for account holders and is free, but the check must be under the mobile deposit limit, which varies by account type.
ATM deposits are free for account holders but only work during certain hours, and some ATMs have daily or per-transaction limits on check deposits.

Cashing at a Bank of America branch as a non-customer

If you do not have a Bank of America account, you can still walk into any Bank of America branch and ask a teller to cash the check. You will need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will verify the check is genuine and that you are the person it is written to.

Bank of America does not charge a fee to non-customers for cashing checks drawn on Bank of America accounts. However, the teller may ask you questions about where the check came from or why you are cashing it, especially if the amount is large. This is standard fraud prevention. Bring the check and your ID, and go during branch hours — most branches are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours.

Depositing through the Bank of America mobile app

If you have a Bank of America account, the mobile deposit feature in the Bank of America app is the fastest way to get the check into your account without visiting a branch. You photograph the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit it. The deposit is free and takes seconds.

The check must be under your account's mobile deposit limit. For most checking accounts, this limit is $2,500 per check and $5,000 per day, though limits vary by account type and how long you have held the account. Once you submit the deposit, funds are usually available within one to two business days. After the deposit clears, you can destroy the check — do not deposit it again in person or at an ATM.

Using an ATM to deposit a check

Bank of America ATMs accept check deposits from account holders at any time, even outside branch hours. Insert the check into the ATM, follow the prompts, and the deposit posts to your account. There is no fee. Funds typically clear within one to two business days, though some ATMs may hold the deposit longer if it is submitted late at night.

ATM deposits have limits. Most Bank of America ATMs accept up to $5,000 in checks per day, though some machines have lower limits. If your check is larger than the ATM limit, you will need to visit a branch or use mobile deposit. Also, some ATMs are not equipped to accept checks — if the machine does not have a check slot, you cannot use it for this purpose.

Cashing at a retailer or check-cashing service

Retailers like Walmart, Target, grocery store chains, and dedicated check-cashing services will cash Bank of America checks for a fee. The fee depends on the check amount and the retailer. Walmart typically charges $3 to $6 for personal checks under $1,000, while other retailers may charge $5 to $10. Check-cashing services often charge higher fees, sometimes 2 to 3 percent of the check amount.

You will need a valid ID and the check must be made out to you. Some retailers limit the check amount they will cash — for example, Walmart may not cash checks over $5,000. Call ahead to confirm the retailer you plan to visit accepts Bank of America checks and ask about their current fee. This route is useful if you need cash when ready and do not have a Bank of America account, but the fee adds up if you cash checks regularly.

What to do if the check is damaged or unclear

If the check is torn, water-damaged, or the writing is faded or smudged, a teller or retailer may refuse to cash it. If the check is from Bank of America and you have an account, try mobile deposit first — the app may read it even if the image is not perfect. If mobile deposit fails, visit a branch and explain the damage to the teller. They can sometimes process a damaged check if they can verify the account and amount.

If the check is not from Bank of America, or if the damage is severe, contact the person or business that issued the check and ask for a replacement. This is the most reliable path. Do not attempt to write over faded areas or make corrections to the check yourself — this can make it uncashable and may raise fraud concerns.

Timing and hold periods

How long it takes for a cashed or deposited check to clear depends on the method and the check amount. If you cash the check in person at a Bank of America branch or a retailer, you get the cash when ready — there is no hold. If you deposit the check into your account, the funds are usually available within one to two business days, though Bank of America may place a longer hold on larger checks or if your account is new.

Mobile deposits and ATM deposits follow the same timeline as in-branch deposits. If you deposit a check late in the day or on a weekend, the processing clock starts the next business day. If you need the money urgently, cashing the check in person is the only way to get cash on the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a Bank of America check at a different bank?

Most banks will not cash checks drawn on other banks for non-customers. Your best options are Bank of America itself, a retailer like Walmart or a grocery store, or a check-cashing service. Call ahead to confirm they accept Bank of America checks.

What if the check is made out to two people?

Both people named on the check must be present with valid ID to cash it. Some retailers and branches will not cash two-party checks at all due to fraud risk. Call ahead to confirm the location you plan to visit will accept it.

How long does mobile deposit take?

The deposit posts to your account when ready after you submit it through the app, but the funds are usually not available for withdrawal for one to two business days. This is the bank's standard hold period, not a delay in the app itself.

Is there a fee to cash a Bank of America check at a Bank of America branch if I am not a customer?

No. Bank of America does not charge non-customers to cash checks drawn on Bank of America accounts. You only need a valid ID and the check itself.

What happens if I try to deposit the same check twice?

The second deposit will be rejected or flagged as a duplicate. If you have already deposited the check through mobile deposit, do not deposit it again at an ATM or branch. Destroy the physical check once the mobile deposit clears.

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.