No, Bank of America ATMs do not cash checks
Bank of America ATMs are designed to dispense cash and accept deposits, but they cannot cash checks. If you need to turn a check into cash, you will need to use a different method — either visit a Bank of America branch during business hours, use a check-cashing service, or deposit the check and withdraw cash separately.
The reason is technical: ATMs cannot read the amount written on a check or verify the funds are available. They can only process checks as deposits, which means the money goes into your account rather than being handed to you in cash on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America ATMs accept check deposits but do not dispense cash for checks — you must visit a branch or use an alternative method.
- A Bank of America branch teller can cash a check for you during business hours, even if you do not have an account there.
- Mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app lets you deposit a check and withdraw the cash from an ATM once it clears.
- Third-party check-cashing services and retail stores charge a fee but can cash checks outside of bank hours.
- Depositing a check and withdrawing cash is free but takes one to two business days for the check to clear.
Cashing a check at a Bank of America branch
The simplest way to cash a check is to walk into a Bank of America branch and ask a teller. You do not need to have a Bank of America account — the bank will cash checks for non-customers, though some branches may ask for a photo ID and may charge a small fee for non-account holders. Call ahead to confirm your local branch's policy on non-customer check cashing.
Branches are open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at most locations. If you need cash outside these hours, you will need to use a different method. Bring the check and a valid ID; the teller will verify the check is signed and the amount is legible, then hand you the cash.
Depositing the check and withdrawing cash later
If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit a check using the ATM or the mobile app, then withdraw cash once the check clears. Mobile check deposit is the fastest route: open the Bank of America app, select "Deposit a Check," photograph the front and back of the check, and submit it. The check is usually available within one to two business days.
Once the check clears, you can withdraw the cash from any Bank of America ATM using your debit card. This method is free and works at any time, but it requires you to wait for the check to clear before you can access the full amount. Some accounts allow you to withdraw a portion of the check before it fully clears — check your account terms or call customer service to confirm.
Check-cashing services and retail stores
If you need cash immediately and do not have a Bank of America account or cannot reach a branch, check-cashing services and some retail stores will cash checks for a fee. Walmart, Target, and many grocery stores offer check cashing at the customer service desk. Fees typically range from $2 to $10 depending on the check amount and the store's policy.
Check-cashing services are independent businesses that specialize in this work. They are usually open longer hours than banks and can cash checks faster, but the fees are higher — often 2% to 3% of the check amount. Search online for "check cashing near me" to find locations and compare fees before you go.
What happens if the check bounces
If you cash a check and it later bounces — meaning the account it was drawn from does not have enough funds — you are responsible for returning the cash. If you cashed it at a Bank of America branch, the bank will reverse the transaction and may charge you a returned-check fee. If you cashed it at a third-party service, that service will pursue you for repayment.
The person who wrote the check is also liable to their own bank and may face overdraft fees or legal action. If you suspect a check is fraudulent or will bounce, do not cash it — contact the person who wrote it and ask them to verify the funds are available.
Mobile wallet and digital payment alternatives
If the person paying you can use a digital payment method instead of a check, that is often faster and safer. Bank of America supports Zelle, which transfers money directly from one bank account to another in minutes. Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App also work for peer-to-peer payments and can be transferred to your bank account within one to three business days.
Ask the person who owes you money whether they can send payment through one of these methods instead. It eliminates the need to cash a check and reduces the risk of fraud or a bounced check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a Bank of America ATM if I have an account there?
No. Bank of America ATMs do not have the ability to cash checks, even for account holders. You must either visit a branch, deposit the check and withdraw cash later, or use a third-party check-cashing service.
Will Bank of America cash a check if I do not have an account?
Most Bank of America branches will cash checks for non-account holders, but policies vary by location. Some branches charge a fee for non-customers. Call your local branch ahead of time to confirm they will cash it and whether there is a fee.
How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?
Most checks clear within one to two business days. Some checks may clear faster, and others may take longer depending on the bank that issued the check. Bank of America will tell you the expected clear date when you deposit the check.
What is the fee for cashing a check at Walmart or Target?
Walmart charges $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks over $1,000. Target charges $2 to $5 depending on the check amount. Fees vary by store and may change, so ask at the customer service desk before you cash the check.
Can I cash a check written to someone else?
No. A check must be cashed by the person whose name is on it, or by someone the payee has signed it over to (called a third-party check). Many banks and check-cashing services no longer accept third-party checks due to fraud risk. Ask the original payee to cash it or deposit it themselves.