You can cash a Bank of America check at most Bank of America branches, at Walmart, at check-cashing services, or through a mobile app—but each route has different fees and requirements

Bank of America does not require you to have an account with them to cash one of their checks. The bank itself will cash the check for free at any branch during business hours, as long as you bring a valid photo ID. If you do not want to visit a branch, you have other options: Walmart cashes checks at customer service for a fee (usually $3 to $6 depending on the check amount), some grocery stores and pharmacies cash checks for their customers, and dedicated check-cashing services will cash it for a percentage of the amount (typically 1 to 3 percent). You can also deposit the check into a mobile wallet like PayPal, Square Cash, or your bank's app if you have an account elsewhere, and those services often deposit the funds within one to two business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America branches cash their own checks for free if you show a valid photo ID, regardless of whether you have an account.
  • Walmart customer service cashes checks for a flat fee of $3 to $6, depending on the check amount, and does not require an account.
  • Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount (usually 1 to 3 percent) and are open longer hours than banks, but cost more overall.
  • Mobile payment apps like PayPal and Square Cash can deposit checks if you have an account with them, often within one to two business days.
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies sometimes cash checks for customers, but policies vary by location and store.

Cashing at a Bank of America branch for free

Walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours with the check and a valid photo ID. The teller will verify the check is genuine, confirm your identity, and hand you the cash. This takes about five to ten minutes. You do not need to be a customer, and there is no fee. Bank of America branches are typically open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Check the branch locator on the Bank of America website or call ahead to confirm hours before you go.

The main limitation is that you must go in person during business hours. If you need cash outside those times or do not have a branch nearby, one of the other methods below will work better for you.

Cashing at Walmart customer service

Walmart cashes checks at the customer service desk in most stores. The fee is $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks from $1,001 to $5,000. You will need a valid photo ID and the check itself. The process takes about five minutes. Walmart is open much later than banks—most locations are open until 10 or 11 p.m.—so this is useful if you need cash outside normal banking hours.

Not every Walmart location offers check cashing, so call ahead or ask at customer service when you arrive. Some Walmart stores in rural areas or smaller towns do not have this service. If the store does cash checks, you can walk out with cash the same day.

Using a check-cashing store

Dedicated check-cashing businesses will cash the check for a percentage of the amount, usually 1 to 3 percent depending on the check size and the store's rates. A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash. You will need a valid photo ID and sometimes a second form of ID. The process is fast—usually five to ten minutes—and these stores are often open evenings and weekends when banks are closed.

The trade-off is cost. Over time, if you cash checks regularly without an account, the fees add up. Check-cashing stores are most practical for occasional use or when you need cash urgently outside business hours. You can find locations by searching "check cashing near me" or looking at Google Maps.

Depositing through a mobile app

If you have a bank account with any bank other than Bank of America, you can often deposit the check through your bank's mobile app using mobile check deposit. You photograph the front and back of the check, and the bank deposits it into your account. The funds usually appear within one to two business days. This method is free and works anytime, day or night.

Some banks and payment apps like PayPal, Square Cash, and Chime also offer mobile check deposit to their customers. The requirements vary—some require you to have had the account for a certain period before you can deposit checks. If you do not have an account anywhere, this route is not available to you unless you open one first.

Cashing at grocery stores and pharmacies

Many grocery stores and pharmacies (like Kroger, Safeway, Walgreens, and CVS) cash checks for their customers at the customer service desk or pharmacy counter. Fees vary by store—some charge a flat fee of $2 to $5, while others charge a percentage. You will need a valid photo ID. Call the store ahead of time to confirm they cash checks and what the fee is, because policies differ by location and chain.

This option works best if you shop at these stores regularly and they are convenient to you. The hours are usually longer than banks, and the fees are often lower than dedicated check-cashing stores.

What to do if the check is damaged or unsigned

If the check is torn, stained, or otherwise damaged, most places will still cash it as long as the routing number, account number, and check amount are readable. If the check is unsigned or signed incorrectly, no one will cash it—you will need to contact the person or business that issued it and ask for a replacement or a corrected check.

If you are unsure whether a check is damaged enough to cause problems, call the Bank of America branch or check-cashing location before you go. They can tell you whether they will accept it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to cash a Bank of America check?

No. Bank of America will cash their own checks for free at any branch if you show a valid photo ID, even if you do not have an account with them.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

Most places require a valid photo ID to cash a check. If you do not have one, you cannot cash the check at a bank, Walmart, or check-cashing store. Your options are limited to depositing it through a mobile app if you have a bank account elsewhere.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At a bank branch or Walmart, cashing takes five to ten minutes. Mobile deposit through an app is instant, but the funds appear in your account within one to two business days. Check-cashing stores are also fast—usually five to ten minutes.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash?

Bank of America branches will cash checks of any amount if you have the ID. Walmart has a limit of $5,000 per check. Check-cashing stores may have limits depending on the store; call ahead to confirm if your check is large.

What if the check is post-dated?

A post-dated check (one dated in the future) should not be cashed before that date. Most tellers will refuse to cash it. Wait until the date on the check arrives, then cash it.