Bank of America will cash checks at any of its branches, whether you have an account there or not

You can walk into any Bank of America branch with a check and cash it on the spot. You do not need to be a Bank of America customer. The teller will verify the check, confirm you have a valid ID, and give you cash. The whole process usually takes a few minutes.

If the check is written to you personally, bring a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If the check is made out to multiple people, everyone named on the check must be present with ID. If the check is made out to a business or organization, bring documentation showing you are authorized to receive funds on their behalf.

Bank of America does charge a fee to cash checks for non-customers. The fee varies by the amount of the check and your location, but typically ranges from $5 to $10 for checks under $5,000. You can call your local branch ahead of time to ask what the exact fee will be for your check amount.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America cashes checks for anyone with a valid ID, regardless of whether you have an account at the bank.
  • Non-customers pay a fee, usually $5 to $10 depending on the check amount and branch location.
  • You must bring a government-issued ID and present yourself in person at a branch during business hours.
  • If a check is made out to multiple people, all payees must be present with ID to cash it.
  • Large checks or checks with issues may require additional verification or a longer wait time.

What happens if the check has a problem

If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), Bank of America will not cash it until that date arrives. If the check is stale-dated (more than six months old), the bank may refuse to cash it, though some branches will contact the check writer to confirm it is still valid. If the check is damaged, torn, or has writing that makes it hard to read, the teller may ask you to contact the person or business that wrote it and request a replacement.

If the check is written for more money than the account it is drawn on actually contains, the teller will tell you the check cannot be cashed. You can ask the check writer to deposit funds or write a new check, but Bank of America cannot cash a check that will bounce.

Cashing checks if you are a Bank of America customer

If you have a checking or savings account at Bank of America, you can cash checks without paying a fee. You can also cash checks at the ATM by depositing them and withdrawing cash the same day, though this depends on the check clearing first — usually one business day for checks drawn on other Bank of America accounts, and up to five business days for checks from other banks.

Bank of America customers can also use mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app. You photograph both sides of the check, submit it through the app, and the funds appear in your account within one to two business days. You do not get cash immediately, but you avoid the trip to the branch.

Alternatives if you do not want to pay the fee

If the check is drawn on a Bank of America account, you can go to any Bank of America branch and cash it for free as a non-customer. The bank will not charge you because they are collecting the money from their own customer's account.

If the check is drawn on another bank, you can cash it at that bank's branch for free if you have an ID. For example, if the check is from Wells Fargo, go to a Wells Fargo branch and cash it there. You do not need an account at that bank either — they will cash checks drawn on their own accounts for anyone with ID.

You can also deposit the check into your own bank account and withdraw cash from an ATM or teller window. This avoids the Bank of America fee but requires you to have a bank account somewhere and wait for the check to clear.

What to bring and when to go

Bring your government-issued ID — driver's license, passport, or state ID. Bring the check itself. If you are cashing a check made out to someone else, bring a signed endorsement from that person on the back of the check, plus both IDs.

Go during branch hours, which are typically Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., though hours vary by location. Call ahead or check the Bank of America website to confirm your branch's hours. If you go during peak times — lunch hours or Friday afternoons — you may wait longer.

How to find your nearest Bank of America branch

Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website or mobile app. Enter your zip code or city, and it will show you every branch nearby, along with hours, phone numbers, and services offered. You can also call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to ask which branch is closest to you.

Not all branches offer the same services. Some smaller branches may have limits on check amounts they will cash, or may ask you to wait while they verify a large check. Calling ahead to confirm the branch can handle your check amount saves a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Yes, if that person signs the back of the check and is present with you and a valid ID. Both of you must show ID to the teller. If the check is signed over to you but the original payee is not present, most Bank of America branches will not cash it.

What if the check amount is very large?

Bank of America may place a hold on large cash withdrawals or ask you to come back the next day while they verify the check. Checks over $10,000 trigger federal reporting requirements, so the bank will ask for additional information and may take longer to process the transaction.

Can I cash a check at a Bank of America ATM?

No, you cannot cash a check directly at an ATM. You can deposit a check at an ATM and withdraw cash once it clears, but this takes one to five business days depending on the check source. For immediate cash, you must go to a branch and speak with a teller.

What if I do not have a government ID?

Bank of America requires a government-issued ID to cash any check. If you do not have one, you cannot cash a check at the bank. You would need to open an account at a bank that accepts alternative forms of ID, or ask the check writer to deposit it into an account for you.

Do I need to call ahead before I go?

For most checks, no. Walk in during business hours with your ID and the check, and a teller will cash it. For very large checks, checks with issues, or if you want to confirm the fee amount, calling ahead saves time.