Bank of America ATMs do not cash checks

Bank of America ATMs cannot cash checks. They can only deposit checks into your account. If you need cash from a check, you must deposit it first and then withdraw the money separately, or go to a Bank of America branch during business hours and ask a teller to cash it for you.

This is true for all Bank of America ATMs nationwide. The machines are designed to accept check deposits and dispense cash from your existing account balance, but they cannot process the two-step transaction of cashing a check in a single visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America ATMs accept check deposits but do not cash checks directly—you must use a branch teller or deposit first and withdraw later.
  • Mobile check deposit through the Bank of America app lets you deposit checks without visiting an ATM or branch, though the funds may take one to two business days to clear.
  • Branch tellers can cash checks for account holders during business hours, and some branches offer extended hours on weekdays and limited Saturday service.
  • Non-customers can cash Bank of America checks at any Bank of America branch, but the teller may charge a fee or require ID verification.
  • If you need cash immediately from a check, depositing at an ATM and withdrawing from the same machine works only if your account has sufficient cleared funds.

How to deposit a check at a Bank of America ATM

To deposit a check using a Bank of America ATM, insert your debit card, enter your PIN, and select the deposit option. The ATM will prompt you to insert the check into the deposit slot. The machine reads the check, displays the amount on screen for you to confirm, and then accepts it. The deposit is recorded immediately in your account, though the funds may not be available for withdrawal until the next business day or later, depending on when the check clears.

Bank of America's mobile app also lets you deposit checks without visiting an ATM. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit it through the app. The check is deposited into your account, and you can destroy the original check after the deposit is confirmed. Mobile deposits typically take one to two business days to clear.

Getting cash from a check at a Bank of America branch

If you need cash immediately, visit a Bank of America branch during business hours and ask a teller to cash the check. Bring your debit card or ID. The teller will verify the check, confirm you have an account, and give you cash on the spot. This is the fastest way to convert a check to cash without waiting for a deposit to clear.

Branch hours vary by location. Most branches are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations staying open until 6 p.m. or later. Many branches are also open on Saturday mornings, typically from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but Sunday hours are rare. Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website or app to find hours at your nearest location.

Cashing a check if you are not a Bank of America customer

Non-customers can cash a Bank of America check at any Bank of America branch. You will need to show a government-issued ID, and the teller may ask for a second form of ID. Some branches charge a fee to cash checks for non-customers—this fee varies and is not set by Bank of America corporate, so call ahead to ask. Other branches do not charge a fee.

If you do not want to visit a branch, you can deposit the check at an ATM if you have a Bank of America account, but you cannot cash it there. Some third-party check-cashing services and retail stores like Walmart or grocery stores will also cash checks, though they typically charge a fee and may have limits on the check amount.

What happens if you deposit a check and withdraw immediately

If you deposit a check at a Bank of America ATM and then try to withdraw cash from the same machine, the withdrawal will only succeed if your account already has enough cleared funds to cover it. The ATM does not let you withdraw money from a check that has not yet cleared. Checks typically clear within one to two business days, depending on the bank that issued the check and the time of day you deposited it.

If you deposit a check late in the day or on a Friday, it may not clear until Monday or Tuesday. Weekend deposits are processed on the next business day. If you need cash from a check before it clears, your only option is to visit a branch teller and ask them to cash it, or to use a check-cashing service.

Alternatives if the ATM or branch is not available

If you cannot reach a Bank of America branch or ATM, several other options exist. Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and retailers like Walmart offer check-cashing services, though they charge a fee (typically $2 to $5 depending on the check amount) and may have daily or per-check limits. Walmart, for example, cashes checks up to $5,000 for a flat fee.

Some employers offer paycheck advances or direct deposit, which eliminates the need to cash checks at all. Credit unions and other banks may also cash checks for non-members, though policies vary. If you receive checks regularly, opening a bank account—even a basic checking account with no minimum balance—is usually cheaper than paying check-cashing fees over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a Bank of America ATM if I have a savings account?

No. Bank of America ATMs do not cash checks for any account type. You must either deposit the check and wait for it to clear, or visit a branch teller during business hours to cash it directly.

How long does it take for a check to clear after I deposit it at an ATM?

Most checks clear within one to two business days. Checks deposited late in the day or on weekends are processed on the next business day. Some checks from out-of-state banks may take longer. Bank of America will show the deposit in your account immediately, but the funds may not be available for withdrawal until the check clears.

What if the check is damaged or the ATM rejects it?

If an ATM rejects a check, try depositing it at a different ATM or visit a branch teller. Checks that are torn, stained, or illegible may be rejected by the machine. A teller can often process a damaged check manually if the amount and account information are still readable.

Can I cash a third-party check at Bank of America?

Bank of America generally does not cash third-party checks (checks made out to someone else and signed over to you). You would need to contact your branch directly to ask, as policies can vary. Most banks have stopped accepting third-party checks due to fraud risk.

Is there a fee to cash a check at a Bank of America branch if I am a customer?

No. Bank of America does not charge customers a fee to cash checks at the branch. Non-customers may be charged a fee, which varies by branch.