Yes, you can cash a check at Bank of America if you have an account there
Bank of America will cash a check for you at any of its branches if you hold a checking or savings account with them. You do not need to deposit it—you can walk out with cash the same day. Bring your check and a valid photo ID. The teller will verify the check, confirm you have funds in your account to cover it, and hand you the money.
If you do not have a Bank of America account, the bank will still cash certain checks, but the rules are stricter and you may pay a fee. A check drawn on a Bank of America account (meaning the check is from someone else's Bank of America account) can be cashed by a non-customer, but Bank of America charges a flat fee—currently $6 for most personal checks, though this varies by location and check type. You will still need a valid photo ID.
Key Takeaways
- Account holders can cash checks at any Bank of America branch for free with just a photo ID and the check itself.
- Non-account holders can cash checks drawn on Bank of America accounts, but will pay a fee (typically $6) and must show photo ID.
- Checks not drawn on Bank of America cannot be cashed by non-customers at Bank of America branches.
- Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app is an alternative if you want to avoid going to a branch.
What you need to bring to cash a check
Bring the check itself and a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. The ID must match the name on your Bank of America account (if you have one) or match the name on the check if you are cashing a check made out to you.
If the check is made out to someone else and you are trying to cash it on their behalf, you will need that person to endorse it (sign the back) and provide their ID as well. Bank of America will not cash a check made out to a third party unless both the original payee and the person cashing it are present with ID.
How long it takes to cash a check
If you walk into a branch during business hours, the teller can cash your check in minutes. There is no hold period for account holders cashing checks drawn on their own Bank of America account. If the check is drawn on another bank, the teller may place a brief hold (usually one to three business days) before handing you the full amount, depending on the check amount and the other bank involved.
Non-customers cashing checks drawn on Bank of America accounts will also receive the money immediately, minus the fee. The teller will deduct the fee from the cash you receive.
Alternatives if you cannot go to a branch
If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit the check using mobile deposit through the Bank of America app instead of visiting a branch. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the app will process it. The funds will be available according to your account's deposit schedule—usually one to two business days for checks, though some deposits post the same day.
Mobile deposit does not give you cash immediately, but it avoids a trip to the branch and the check clears into your account automatically. This is the fastest option if you do not need physical cash right away.
What happens if the check bounces or is fraudulent
If you cash a check and it later bounces (the account it was drawn on has insufficient funds), Bank of America will reverse the transaction and deduct the amount from your account. You will also be charged a returned check fee, typically $12 to $35 depending on your account type. The person who wrote the check is responsible for the bounced check, but you bear the cost unless you can recover it from them directly.
If you cash a check that turns out to be fraudulent or forged, Bank of America may hold you liable for the amount, especially if you cashed it for someone else or if the fraud should have been obvious. Always verify that the check is legitimate before cashing it—check that the routing number and account number match the bank it claims to be from, and that the signature looks genuine.
Fees for non-customers cashing checks
Bank of America charges non-customers a flat fee to cash checks drawn on Bank of America accounts. The current fee is $6 for most personal checks, though some check types (such as cashier's checks or traveler's checks) may have different fees. The fee is deducted from the cash you receive, so if you cash a $100 check, you walk away with $94.
This fee applies only to checks drawn on Bank of America. If the check is drawn on another bank entirely, Bank of America will not cash it for you at all, regardless of whether you are a customer. In that case, you would need to go to the bank that issued the check or use a check-cashing service.
When Bank of America will not cash a check
Bank of America will refuse to cash a check if it is post-dated (dated in the future), if the signature does not match the ID, if the check is damaged or illegible, or if the amount written in words does not match the amount in numbers. The bank will also refuse if the check is more than six months old (considered stale-dated).
If you are a non-customer and the check is not drawn on Bank of America, the bank will not cash it under any circumstances. You would need to take it to the bank that issued the check, cash it at a check-cashing service, or ask the person who wrote it to deposit it into your account instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at Bank of America if I do not have an account?
Yes, if the check is drawn on a Bank of America account. You will pay a $6 fee and must show a valid photo ID. If the check is from another bank, Bank of America will not cash it for you.
Do I have to wait for a check to clear before I can cash it?
No. If you are an account holder, the teller will cash it immediately. Non-customers also receive cash immediately for checks drawn on Bank of America, minus the fee. The bank handles the clearing process on its end.
What if the check is made out to two people?
Both people named on the check must be present with valid ID to cash it. If only one person is present, Bank of America will not cash it—you would need to deposit it instead, which both account holders can do separately.
Can I cash a check over the phone or online?
No. You must either visit a branch in person or use mobile deposit (account holders only) to deposit the check. Mobile deposit does not give you cash, but the funds appear in your account within one to two business days.
What if I lost the check or it was damaged?
Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to issue a replacement. Bank of America will not cash a damaged or illegible check. Once you have the new check, bring it to a branch with your ID.