Bank of America's check cashing policy

Bank of America does not charge a fee to cash a check if you have an account with them. You can cash checks at any Bank of America branch or at an ATM using mobile check deposit, and neither costs you money.

If you do not have a Bank of America account, the bank will cash a check for you, but only under specific conditions. You must present a valid government-issued ID, and the check must be drawn on a Bank of America account. The fee for non-customers is $6 for checks under $100 and $10 for checks $100 or more. Some branches may refuse to cash checks for non-customers altogether, so calling ahead is wise.

The rules are different if the check is not drawn on Bank of America. If you bring a check from another bank and you do not have a Bank of America account, the bank will not cash it. You would need to deposit it into an account or use another method to convert it to cash.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America account holders can cash checks at any branch or through mobile deposit at no cost.
  • Non-customers pay $6 for checks under $100 and $10 for checks $100 or more, but only for checks drawn on Bank of America.
  • Bank of America will not cash checks from other banks for non-customers under any circumstances.
  • Some branches may decline to cash checks for non-customers even if the check is drawn on Bank of America, so confirm availability before visiting.

How to cash a check as a Bank of America customer

The fastest way is mobile check deposit through the Bank of America mobile app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the funds typically appear in your account within one business day. You do not need to visit a branch.

If you prefer to cash the check in person, go to any Bank of America branch during business hours with your debit card or ID. Tell the teller you want to cash the check, not deposit it. The teller will give you cash on the spot. There is no fee and no waiting period.

ATM deposit is also free for customers, though you cannot withdraw cash from an ATM using a check—you can only deposit it. The funds post within one business day.

What happens if you do not have a Bank of America account

Call the branch before you go. Not all branches cash checks for non-customers, and policies vary by location. If they agree to cash your check, bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and the check itself.

The teller will verify that the check is drawn on Bank of America and that the account has sufficient funds. If both are true, you pay the fee ($6 or $10 depending on the amount) and receive cash. The transaction is immediate.

If the check is drawn on another bank—Chase, Wells Fargo, a credit union, or any other institution—Bank of America will not cash it for you. Your options then are to open a Bank of America account and deposit it, use a check cashing service, or ask the check writer for a different form of payment.

Alternatives to Bank of America check cashing

If you do not have a Bank of America account and the check is not drawn on Bank of America, a check cashing store is the most direct option. Fees vary widely—typically 1% to 3% of the check amount—but you get cash immediately. Walmart, grocery stores, and dedicated check cashing businesses all offer this service.

Opening a free checking account at Bank of America or another bank is often cheaper in the long run if you cash checks regularly. Many banks offer no-fee accounts with no minimum balance, and you can deposit checks for free.

If the check writer is someone you know, you could also ask them to write a check to your bank instead, or request a transfer through a peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal.

What to do if a check is refused or delayed

If Bank of America refuses to cash a check drawn on their bank, it usually means the account does not have enough money to cover it. The teller will tell you this. You can ask the check writer to deposit funds and try again later, or ask for a different form of payment.

If you deposited a check through mobile deposit and it has not posted after two business days, log into your account and check the status. The app will show whether the deposit was accepted, rejected, or is still processing. If it was rejected, you will see a reason (image quality, signature missing, or insufficient funds in the account the check was drawn on).

If a check you cashed turns out to be fraudulent or forged, Bank of America can reverse the transaction and charge back the cash to your account. This is rare but possible. If this happens, contact the branch where you cashed it and ask for an explanation.

Fees for other Bank of America check services

Depositing a check is always free for account holders, whether you do it in person, through an ATM, or via mobile app. There is no fee to order duplicate copies of a cancelled check, though the bank may charge $5 to $10 for a certified copy if you need it for legal or financial reasons.

If you write a check and it bounces (insufficient funds), Bank of America charges an overdraft fee, typically $35 per transaction. This is not a check cashing fee—it is a penalty on your own account. You can avoid it by keeping enough money in your account or by setting up overdraft protection linked to a savings account or credit line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a Bank of America ATM without an account?

No. ATM check deposit is only for account holders. Non-customers must visit a branch in person with a valid ID.

What if the check is post-dated or has a date in the past?

Bank of America will cash or deposit a post-dated check (one with a future date), though some banks do not. A check with a date in the past is still valid as long as it is within six years. The teller will process it either way.

Do I have to pay the $6 or $10 fee if I open an account on the spot?

No. Once your account is open and verified, the check cashing fee does not apply. You can deposit the check for free immediately. Opening an account takes about 10 minutes in branch.

What if the check is torn, stained, or hard to read?

The teller will assess whether the check is legible enough to process. If the amount, date, signature, or routing number is unclear, they may refuse it. If you can read all the critical information, they will usually accept it.

Can I cash a check written to someone else?

No. The check must be written to you or to you and another person. If it is written to someone else, that person must endorse it to you (sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]"), and you will both need to be present with ID to cash it.