Your options for cashing a Bank of America check

You can cash a Bank of America check at any Bank of America branch, at an ATM if the check is under $1,000, or at most other banks and credit unions if you have an account there. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and grocery stores also cash checks, though they may charge a fee and have limits on the amount. The fastest route depends on whether you have a Bank of America account, what time it is, and how much the check is for.

If you do not have a Bank of America account, a teller at any Bank of America branch will cash it for you during business hours, though some branches may ask for ID and may charge a fee for non-customers. The fee varies by branch but is typically $5 to $10. If you have a Bank of America account, cashing is free at any branch and also free at most ATMs.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America customers can cash checks free at any branch, at most ATMs, and at many other banks and credit unions that have reciprocal agreements.
  • Non-customers can cash checks at any Bank of America branch during business hours, but most branches charge $5 to $10 and require a photo ID.
  • Retailers like Walmart and grocery stores cash checks for a fee (usually $3 to $6) and may limit the amount to $1,000 or $2,000.
  • Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app lets account holders deposit checks without visiting a branch, though the funds may take one to two business days to clear.
  • ATM check deposits are available to Bank of America customers at most ATMs and do not require a teller or a trip inside the branch.

Cashing at Bank of America branches

Any Bank of America branch will cash a check during business hours. If you have a account with Bank of America, there is no fee and no minimum or maximum amount. Bring your debit card or ID to the teller and hand over the check. The teller will verify the check and give you cash.

If you do not have a Bank of America account, the branch will still cash the check, but you will need a photo ID and the branch may charge a fee. The fee is not set by Bank of America corporate—it varies by branch and by region, but typically runs $5 to $10. Some branches waive the fee for small checks or for customers who open an account on the spot. Call your nearest branch before you go to ask about their fee policy.

Bank of America branches are open Monday through Friday, usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so check the Bank of America website or call ahead. If you need cash outside business hours, use an ATM or a retailer instead.

Using ATMs for check deposits and withdrawals

Bank of America customers can deposit checks at most Bank of America ATMs without talking to a teller. Insert the check into the ATM, follow the prompts, and the machine will scan it and credit your account. The funds usually appear in your account within one business day, though some checks take two business days to clear depending on when you deposit and the check amount.

ATM deposits are free for account holders and work 24 hours a day. The ATM will show you the amount it is crediting and give you a receipt. If the ATM rejects the check, it will return it to you and you can try again or take it to a teller. Checks over $1,000 may not be accepted at ATMs, so you will need to visit a branch instead.

Non-customers cannot use Bank of America ATMs to deposit checks. If you do not have an account, you will need to go to a branch, use a retailer, or open an account first.

Cashing checks at other banks and credit unions

If you have an account at another bank or credit union, you can often cash a Bank of America check there. Many banks and credit unions have reciprocal agreements that let customers of one institution cash checks from another. Call your bank or credit union first to confirm they will cash it and whether there is a fee.

Some banks charge a small fee to cash checks from other institutions—typically $5 to $15—while others waive the fee for customers. Credit unions are often more flexible than banks about cashing checks from other institutions. The teller will ask for your ID and may ask a few questions about the check before cashing it.

This option works best if your bank or credit union is open when you need the cash and if you already have an account there. If you do not have an account at another financial institution, this route is not available to you.

Cashing checks at retailers

Walmart, Target, grocery stores, and many other retailers offer check-cashing services. The fee is usually $3 to $6 for personal checks, and most retailers limit the amount to $1,000 or $2,000. You will need a photo ID. The process is fast—usually just a few minutes—and retailers are often open longer than banks.

Not all retailers cash checks, and policies vary by location. Walmart and Target cash checks at customer service, but some smaller stores do not offer the service at all. Call ahead or ask at the customer service desk when you arrive. Some retailers also cash checks only during certain hours or on certain days.

Retailer check cashing is a good option if you need cash outside bank hours or if you do not have a bank account. The fee is higher than a bank, but the convenience may be worth it. Be aware that some retailers may refuse to cash a check if it is post-dated, damaged, or if the amount seems unusually large.

Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app

Bank of America customers can deposit checks using the mobile app without visiting a branch or ATM. Open the app, go to Deposit Checks, take a photo of the front and back of the check, and submit it. The app will show you the amount being deposited and give you a confirmation number.

Mobile deposits are free and available 24 hours a day. The funds usually appear in your account within one business day, though some checks take two business days to clear. The app will tell you when the funds are available. You can then withdraw the cash at an ATM or use the funds to pay bills or transfer money.

Mobile deposit is the fastest and most convenient option if you have a Bank of America account and a smartphone. You do not have to leave home or wait for the bank to open. The only downside is that you have to wait for the funds to clear before you can use them, so if you need cash immediately, you will need to use an ATM or visit a branch instead.

What to do if the check is damaged or post-dated

A damaged check—one that is torn, stained, or hard to read—may be refused by a teller or ATM. If the check is only slightly damaged, a Bank of America teller may still cash it if they can read the routing number, account number, and amount. If the damage is severe, the teller may ask you to contact the person or business that issued the check and request a replacement.

A post-dated check is one dated in the future. Bank of America and most other banks will not cash or deposit a post-dated check before the date on the check, even if you ask them to. If you try to deposit a post-dated check early, the ATM or teller will reject it. You will have to wait until the date on the check arrives, then try again.

If a check is lost, stolen, or you suspect fraud, contact the person or business that issued it right away. They can issue a stop payment and send you a replacement check. Do not try to cash a check you did not receive or that you did not authorize someone to write.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have an account at that bank or credit union. Many financial institutions have reciprocal agreements that let their customers cash checks from other banks. Call your bank first to confirm they will do it and whether there is a fee. If you do not have an account there, they will not cash it for you.

How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?

Most checks clear within one business day, though some take two business days. The timing depends on when you deposit the check, the amount, and the bank that issued the check. Bank of America will show you an estimated clear date when you deposit. You can withdraw the funds once they clear, but using them before they clear can result in overdraft fees.

What if the check amount is over $1,000?

ATMs will not accept checks over $1,000, so you will need to visit a Bank of America branch or use mobile deposit. Retailers also have limits—usually $1,000 to $2,000—so large checks are best handled at a branch. Bring your ID and the check to a teller during business hours.

Do I need an ID to cash a check?

Yes. Bank of America and other banks require a photo ID to cash any check, whether you have an account or not. Retailers also ask for ID. Bring a driver's license, passport, or state ID. Without ID, the teller or cashier will not cash the check.

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

No. A check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If the check is made out to someone else, that person must endorse it (sign the back) and you must also sign it, and even then, many banks will refuse to cash it. The safest option is to ask the person who issued the check to issue a new one in your name instead.