Yes, you can cash a check at Bank of America without an account

Bank of America will cash a check for you even if you don't have an account with them. You'll need to bring the check and a valid government-issued ID to any branch. The teller will verify the check and process it on the spot. You'll receive cash immediately—no waiting period.

The catch is the fee. Bank of America charges a check cashing fee for non-customers. The fee varies depending on the check amount, but typically ranges from $6 to $15 for personal checks. Cashier's checks and checks drawn on Bank of America itself are usually free or cost less. Ask the teller for the exact fee before you hand over the check.

If you have a Bank of America account, you can cash checks for free at any branch, and you can also deposit them through the mobile app or ATM. Account holders can also cash checks at any Bank of America ATM that accepts deposits, though the check must be drawn on a Bank of America account for this to work.

Key Takeaways

  • Non-customers pay a fee ($6 to $15 depending on check amount) to cash a personal check at Bank of America, but the cash is available immediately.
  • You must bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work.
  • Checks drawn on Bank of America itself usually have a lower fee or no fee at all for non-customers.
  • Bank of America customers can cash checks for free at any branch and can deposit checks through the mobile app or ATM without visiting a teller.

What ID you need to bring

Bank of America requires a valid government-issued photo ID to cash any check. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. The ID must not be expired—an expired license will not be accepted, even if you have a newer one at home.

If you don't have a government-issued ID, Bank of America will not cash the check. You'll need to get an ID first. Your state's DMV can issue a state ID card even if you don't drive, and the process usually takes a few weeks. If you need cash urgently and don't have an ID, you may need to ask the check writer to cash it themselves or use a check-cashing service instead.

Fees for non-customers

The fee structure at Bank of America depends on the check amount and who wrote it. For a personal check from a non-customer, expect to pay between $6 and $15. Larger checks cost more to cash. A check for $100 might cost $6, while a check for $5,000 could cost $15.

Checks drawn on Bank of America accounts are cheaper or free for non-customers—the bank doesn't have to verify funds at another institution. Cashier's checks and government checks (tax refunds, Social Security) also typically have lower fees or no fee. Ask the teller what the fee will be before you proceed. If it's too high, you can decline and try another option.

How long it takes

Cashing a check at a Bank of America branch is immediate. The teller will verify the check, confirm your ID, deduct the fee, and hand you cash. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is. You walk out with the money in your pocket.

There is no hold period for non-customers cashing checks at the teller window. The bank assumes the risk of the check bouncing after you leave, so they process it right away. If you deposit a check instead of cashing it, the timeline is different—deposited checks may take one to two business days to clear, even for account holders.

Cashing checks through the mobile app or ATM

If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit checks without visiting a branch. The mobile app lets you photograph the front and back of the check and submit it for deposit. The check clears in one to two business days, and the funds go into your account. You can then withdraw the cash at an ATM or request it at a teller window.

Bank of America ATMs also accept check deposits if you have an account. Insert the check into the deposit slot, and the ATM will read it and credit your account. This works 24/7, so you don't have to wait for branch hours. Non-customers cannot use the ATM deposit feature—they must visit a teller in person.

What happens if the check bounces

If you cash a check and it bounces (the account doesn't have enough money), Bank of America will attempt to recover the cash from you. For non-customers, the bank may contact you by phone or mail to demand repayment. If you don't repay, the bank can refer the debt to a collection agency or pursue legal action.

For account holders, a bounced check will reverse the deposit and create a negative balance in your account. Bank of America will charge you a returned check fee (typically $35) and may charge overdraft fees if your account goes negative. The check writer is also responsible for repaying you, but collecting from them is your problem, not the bank's.

Alternatives if you don't want to pay the fee

If the Bank of America fee is too high, you have other options. The bank that issued the check (the one printed on the check) will usually cash it for free if you go to one of their branches with an ID. This works even if you don't have an account there. Find the routing number on the bottom left of the check and search for a branch near you.

Check-cashing services and payday loan stores also cash checks, but their fees are often higher than Bank of America's—sometimes 2% to 5% of the check amount. Walmart and some grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee (usually $3 to $6), which may be cheaper if your check is large. If you have a friend or family member with a bank account, you can ask them to deposit the check and give you the cash, though this requires trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a Bank of America ATM without going inside?

No, not as a non-customer. ATM check deposits only work for account holders. You must visit a teller inside the branch to cash a check if you don't have an account. Account holders can use the ATM, but the check is deposited to their account, not cashed for immediate cash.

What if the check is postdated or has a future date on it?

Bank of America will not cash a postdated check (one with a date in the future). Federal law allows banks to refuse postdated checks. You'll need to wait until the date on the check arrives, then return to cash it. Some banks will accept them anyway, but Bank of America's policy is to decline.

Do I need to endorse the check before cashing it?

Yes. Sign the back of the check in front of the teller. The teller will watch you sign it to confirm your signature matches your ID. If the check is made out to someone else, you cannot cash it—only the person named on the check can cash it or deposit it.

Can I cash a check if it's torn or damaged?

It depends on how damaged it is. If the routing number, account number, or amount is illegible, Bank of America will likely refuse to cash it. If it's just a small tear that doesn't affect the critical information, the teller may accept it. Ask the teller to look at it first—they'll tell you whether it's acceptable.

What time do I need to arrive to cash a check?

Bank of America branches are typically open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hours vary by location, so check your local branch's hours online before you go. You must arrive before closing time, as the teller window closes at the end of business hours.