Cash a Bank of America check at any Bank of America branch, at an ATM if the check is under $100, or at a retailer that offers check cashing

The fastest option is a Bank of America branch. Walk in with your check and a valid ID, and a teller will cash it on the spot—no account required. Most branches are open weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday mornings; hours vary by location, so call ahead or check online.

If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit the check into an ATM instead of cashing it, which takes seconds. Some ATMs accept checks under $100 for immediate cash withdrawal, though this varies by machine and location.

If you don't have access to a branch or ATM, retailers like Walmart, Target, and grocery store customer service desks cash Bank of America checks. They typically charge a fee—usually $3 to $5—and may require a photo ID and a second form of identification. Call the store first to confirm they cash checks and what ID they need.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America branches cash checks for free with just a valid ID, and you don't need an account.
  • Bank of America ATMs can deposit checks instantly if you have an account, and some allow cash withdrawal for checks under $100.
  • Retailers like Walmart and Target cash Bank of America checks for a fee of $3 to $5, and you'll need two forms of ID.
  • Check your local branch hours before you go, since weekend and evening availability varies.

Cashing at a Bank of America branch

This is the simplest route. Bring the check and a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Hand both to a teller and they will cash it. You do not need a Bank of America account, and there is no fee.

Branch hours vary, but most locations open at 9 a.m. on weekdays and close between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday hours are typically 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and most branches are closed Sunday. Find your nearest branch and its hours on the Bank of America website or by calling 1-800-432-1000.

If the check is postdated (dated for a future day), the teller may refuse to cash it until that date arrives. If the check is damaged, torn, or the signature is unclear, the teller may ask you to contact the person who wrote it for a replacement.

Using a Bank of America ATM

If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit a check into any Bank of America ATM. The deposit posts to your account immediately or within one business day, depending on when you deposit it. You can then withdraw cash from the same ATM or another one.

Some Bank of America ATMs allow you to withdraw cash directly from a check deposit if the check is under $100. This feature is not available at all machines, so if one ATM declines, try another location or go to a branch instead.

ATM deposits work 24/7, so this is the fastest option if you need cash outside branch hours. You will need your Bank of America debit card and PIN to complete the transaction.

Cashing at a retailer

Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and most grocery stores cash checks at their customer service desk. Bank of America checks are treated like any other check, so the process is the same. Bring the check and two forms of ID—typically a driver's license plus a credit card, utility bill, or bank card.

Fees range from $3 to $5 per check, though some stores waive the fee if you are a member of their rewards program. Call the store's customer service desk before you go to confirm they cash checks that day and what ID they require.

Retailer check cashing is slower than a bank branch—expect to wait in line—and some stores have daily limits on how much they will cash. If your check is large or postdated, ask the cashier whether they can process it before you hand it over.

What to do if the check is damaged or unclear

If the check is torn, stained, or the signature is hard to read, a teller or cashier may refuse it. Ask the person who wrote the check to issue a replacement. Do not try to repair a damaged check with tape or write on it yourself—this can make it uncashable.

If the signature looks forged or the check number does not match the bank routing number, the teller will decline it. This is a fraud protection measure. Contact the person who gave you the check and ask them to verify it or provide a new one.

Cashing a check if you don't have ID

Bank of America branches and most retailers require a valid photo ID to cash a check. If you do not have one, you have limited options. Some retailers will cash a check with a non-photo ID like a utility bill or bank statement, but this is rare and depends on the store's policy.

If you have a Bank of America account but no ID, you can deposit the check at an ATM using your debit card and PIN, then withdraw cash. This bypasses the ID requirement entirely. If you do not have an account, contact your local branch and ask whether they can make an exception; some will if you can provide other proof of identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a Bank of America check at a different bank?

Most banks will cash a check drawn on another bank, but they may charge a fee ($5 to $15) or require you to have an account with them. Bank of America branches cash Bank of America checks for free regardless of whether you bank there, so that is the better option.

How long does it take to cash a check at Bank of America?

At a branch, cashing takes 5 to 10 minutes once you reach a teller. At an ATM, deposit takes seconds. At a retailer, expect 10 to 20 minutes depending on the line.

What if the check is postdated?

Bank of America branches and most retailers will not cash a postdated check until the date on the check arrives. You can deposit it at an ATM, but the funds may not be available until the date passes. Ask the teller or cashier if you are unsure.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash?

Bank of America branches have no stated limit for check cashing. Retailers often have daily limits—Walmart typically caps check cashing at $5,000 per day, though this varies by location. Call ahead if your check is large.

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, they must endorse it to you by signing the back and writing "Pay to the order of [your name]," then you both go to the bank together. Most banks discourage this practice and may refuse.