Bank of America will cash checks for non-customers, but the terms depend on the check type and the branch location

Bank of America does not have a blanket policy against cashing checks for people without accounts. What matters is whether the check is drawn on a Bank of America account, whether you have ID, and whether the individual branch chooses to cash it. Some branches will cash any check; others limit non-customer check cashing to Bank of America checks only. A few branches refuse non-customer check cashing entirely. The only way to know what your local branch will do is to call or visit in person.

If the check is drawn on Bank of America, your odds of getting it cashed are higher. If it is drawn on another bank, you are asking Bank of America to take on the fraud risk and the processing cost, which is why many branches decline. Even when a branch agrees to cash a non-customer check, they may charge a fee — typically $5 to $10 — and they may place a hold on the funds while the check clears.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America checks are more likely to be cashed at any branch than checks from other banks.
  • Non-customer check cashing is at the branch manager's discretion, so policies vary by location.
  • You will need a valid government-issued ID, and the check must be made out to you or be properly endorsed.
  • Fees for non-customer check cashing typically range from $5 to $10, and funds may be held for several business days.
  • If your local branch refuses, a check-cashing store or your own bank are faster alternatives than trying other branches.

What ID and documents you need to bring

Bank of America requires a valid government-issued photo ID to cash any check, whether you are a customer or not. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport will work. The name on the ID must match the name on the check.

If the check is made out to someone else and that person has signed it over to you, bring both the original check and the endorsement. Bank of America staff will verify the signature matches the ID of the person who endorsed it. Some branches are strict about this; others are not. If the endorsement looks questionable or the signature does not match well, the branch may refuse to cash it.

Bank of America checks versus checks from other banks

A check drawn on Bank of America is one where the routing number and account number belong to Bank of America. You can find this information at the bottom left of the check. If it is a Bank of America check, the branch can verify the account and funds when ready, which is why they are more likely to cash it for non-customers.

Checks drawn on other banks carry more risk for Bank of America. The branch has to trust that the check is legitimate and that the account holder has the funds. Even if the check clears later, the branch has already handed over cash. This is why many branches refuse non-customer checks from other banks, or cash them only for a higher fee.

If you have a check from another bank, your own bank is the safest bet. They can verify your identity against their records and often waive the fee for account holders. If you do not have a bank account, a check-cashing store will cash it for a fee, usually 1% to 3% of the check amount.

Fees and holds on non-customer check cashing

Bank of America does not publish a standard fee for non-customer check cashing because the policy is set at the branch level. Fees typically range from $5 to $10 for a personal check. Cashier's checks and other official checks may have different fees or may be cashed without charge.

Even after the check is cashed, Bank of America may place a hold on the funds. This means the money goes into the teller's drawer but you cannot withdraw it when ready. Holds typically last one to three business days for local checks and up to five business days for out-of-state checks. During this time, if the check bounces, Bank of America can reverse the cash they gave you.

What to do if your local branch refuses

If the branch manager says no, you have three practical options. First, try calling another Bank of America branch in your area. Policies vary, and a branch a few miles away may have a different stance. This is worth a phone call before you make a trip.

Second, open a Bank of America account if you plan to cash checks regularly. The account does not need a large opening deposit, and once you are a customer, check cashing is free and when ready. Many people find this worthwhile if they receive checks frequently.

Third, use a check-cashing store. These businesses cash checks for anyone with ID, regardless of bank affiliation. The fee is usually 1% to 3% of the check amount, so a $500 check costs $5 to $15. The trade-off is that the fee is higher than Bank of America's, but the process is faster and you do not need a bank account.

How long it takes to get the cash

If the branch agrees to cash the check and does not place a hold, you walk out with cash the same day. This usually happens for Bank of America checks under $1,000 when you have a valid ID and the check is made out to you.

If the branch places a hold, you have to return after the hold period ends — typically one to three business days — to withdraw the cash. Some branches will let you withdraw a portion of the check amount when ready and hold the rest, but this is not may provide.

If the check bounces after you have already received the cash, Bank of America will attempt to reverse the transaction. If you have already spent the money, you may be responsible for repaying it, and the bank may close your account or report you to ChexSystems, a banking history database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at any Bank of America branch, or does it have to be the one where the account is held?

Non-customer check cashing is handled by the branch you visit, not the branch where the account is held. Any Bank of America branch can cash a Bank of America check, but policies on non-Bank of America checks vary by location. Call ahead to confirm the specific branch will cash it.

What happens if the check is post-dated or has already passed the date on it?

A post-dated check (one with a future date) should not be cashed before that date, though some tellers may not catch it. A check that is more than six months old is considered stale and most banks, including Bank of America, will refuse to cash it. If your check is old or post-dated, contact the person who wrote it and ask for a new one.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to cash a check at Bank of America?

No. Bank of America will cash a check for anyone with a valid government-issued photo ID, regardless of citizenship status. The ID must be current and match the name on the check. A passport, driver's license, or state ID card all work.

What if the check amount is very large, like $5,000 or more?

Large checks are subject to the same policies as smaller ones, but the branch may require additional verification or may place a longer hold. Some branches have internal limits on how much cash they will hand over to non-customers in a single transaction. Call the branch before you arrive to confirm they can handle the amount.

Can I cash a check if it is made out to my business instead of my personal name?

Bank of America will not cash a business check for a non-customer without a business account. If you own the business, open a business checking account. If you do not own it but are authorized to deposit checks on its behalf, the business owner needs to be present with ID, or you need a power of attorney document.