The fastest way to cash a Bank of America check
If you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, the simplest option is to deposit the check into your account at any Bank of America branch or ATM, then withdraw cash when ready if you need it. You can also use the Bank of America mobile app to deposit checks by taking photos of the front and back — the money usually appears in your account within one business day.
If you don't have a Bank of America account, you can still cash the check at any Bank of America branch during business hours. Bring the check and a valid photo ID. The teller will verify the check and give you cash on the spot. There is no fee for this service if you're cashing a check drawn on a Bank of America account.
Outside of Bank of America locations, your options depend on whether you have an account elsewhere and how quickly you need the money.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America customers can deposit checks at any branch or ATM, or use mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app for next-business-day availability.
- Non-customers can cash Bank of America checks for free at any Bank of America branch with a valid photo ID during business hours.
- If you have an account at another bank, you can deposit the check there, though it may take longer to clear than at Bank of America.
- Grocery stores, check-cashing services, and some retailers will cash Bank of America checks, but may charge a fee or require membership.
Cashing at your own bank if you're not a Bank of America customer
If you have a checking or savings account at another bank — Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, a credit union, or a community bank — you can deposit a Bank of America check there. The check will clear, but it may take longer than depositing it at Bank of America itself. Most banks clear checks from other banks within two to three business days, though some take longer.
You can deposit the check in person at a branch, through an ATM if your bank offers mobile deposit, or by mailing it. If you need cash when ready and don't want to wait for the check to clear, ask the teller whether your bank will give you a cash advance against the check. Some banks do this for account holders, though it depends on the bank's policy and your account history.
Cashing at grocery stores and retailers
Many grocery stores, including Walmart, Target, and regional chains, will cash checks at their customer service desk. Bring the check and a valid photo ID. The store will charge a fee — typically between $2 and $5 for a personal check, though fees vary by store and check amount. Some stores limit the amount they will cash in a single transaction.
Membership-based stores like Costco or Sam's Club may cash checks for members only. Call ahead to confirm the store's check-cashing policy and current fees, since these change and not all locations offer the service.
Check-cashing services and payday lenders
Check-cashing businesses exist specifically to cash checks on the spot. You'll find them in most neighborhoods — search "check cashing near me" to locate one. Bring the check and a valid photo ID. The service will verify the check and give you cash when ready.
The trade-off is cost. Check-cashing services typically charge between 1% and 5% of the check amount as a fee. On a $100 check, that could be $1 to $5. On a $500 check, it could be $5 to $25. Payday lenders also cash checks but often charge higher fees and may push you toward taking a loan instead of just cashing the check. Use these only if you have no other option and need the cash when ready.
Mobile payment apps and peer-to-peer transfers
If the person who wrote you the check has a mobile payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App, you can ask them to send you the money through the app instead of using the paper check. This avoids the cashing process entirely. The money usually arrives within minutes or a few hours, depending on the app.
Some mobile payment apps also let you photograph a check and deposit it directly into a linked bank account, similar to Bank of America's mobile deposit feature. Check your app's features or contact the app's support to see whether this option is available to you.
What to do if the check is damaged or has problems
If the check is torn, stained, or has writing on the back that isn't an endorsement, some places will refuse to cash it. Bank of America branches are usually more flexible about damaged checks than retailers or check-cashing services. If a branch won't cash it, ask the person who wrote the check to issue you a replacement.
If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), most places will not cash it until that date arrives. If it's stale-dated (more than six months old), banks are not required to cash it, though some will. Ask the writer to issue a new check if yours is stale-dated.
Comparing your options by speed and cost
| Where to Cash | Speed | Cost | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America branch (non-customer) | Same day, when ready | Free | Valid photo ID |
| Bank of America ATM (customer) | Same day, when ready | Free | Bank of America debit card |
| Bank of America mobile app (customer) | Next business day | Free | Bank of America account |
| Your own bank branch | 2–3 business days | Free | Account at that bank, valid ID |
| Grocery store or retailer | Same day, when ready | $2–$5 per check | Valid photo ID |
| Check-cashing service | Same day, when ready | 1–5% of check amount | Valid photo ID |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a Bank of America check at a different bank?
You can deposit it at your own bank, but cashing it (getting cash when ready) depends on that bank's policy. Most banks will let you deposit it and withdraw cash once it clears, which takes a few business days. Some banks offer cash advances on checks for account holders, but not all do.
Do I need an account to cash a Bank of America check?
No. You can cash it for free at any Bank of America branch with a valid photo ID, even if you don't have an account there. You will need an ID at any other location as well.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
Most places will not cash a check made out to another person. The person whose name is on the check needs to endorse it (sign the back) and be present with you, or they need to deposit it into their own account and send you the money another way.
How long does a Bank of America check take to clear?
If you deposit it at Bank of America, it usually clears the same day or next business day. If you deposit it at another bank, it typically takes 2–3 business days. Checks deposited through a mobile app may take slightly longer than in-person deposits.
Is there a limit to how much I can cash at one time?
Bank of America branches have no stated limit for cashing checks. Grocery stores and check-cashing services often have limits — sometimes $500 to $1,000 per transaction. Call ahead if you're cashing a large check to confirm the location can handle it.