The fastest places to cash a Bank of America check

You can cash a Bank of America check at any Bank of America branch during business hours without a fee, whether or not you have an account there. Walk in with the check and a valid ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and a teller will process it on the spot. Most branches cash checks within minutes.

If you do not have a Bank of America branch nearby, you have several other options that work without an account. Walmart, Target, and most grocery store customer service desks cash checks for a small fee — usually $3 to $6 depending on the check amount and the store's policy. CVS and Walgreens also offer check cashing at their pharmacy counters, typically for $2 to $5.

Check-cashing businesses and payday loan stores will cash Bank of America checks, though their fees are often higher than retail stores — sometimes $5 to $15 or more depending on the check amount. Call ahead to confirm they accept Bank of America checks and ask what their current fee is, since it varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America branches cash their own checks for free with just a valid ID, whether you have an account or not.
  • Walmart, Target, and grocery store customer service desks charge $3 to $6 to cash checks and do not require an account.
  • CVS and Walgreens pharmacy counters cash checks for $2 to $5, making them a middle-cost option if a bank branch is not convenient.
  • Check-cashing businesses charge higher fees — sometimes $5 to $15 — and should be your last resort unless other options are closed.
  • Always bring a valid government-issued ID; most places will not cash a check without one.

What happens when you cash a check at a Bank of America branch

When you walk into a Bank of America branch with a check and ID, the teller will ask you to endorse it — sign the back of the check in the designated area. If the check is made out to you, sign your name exactly as it appears on the front. If it is made out to multiple people, all payees may need to sign, depending on how the check is written.

The teller will then verify the check is legitimate by looking at the routing number, account number, and signature on the front. They will ask how you want the cash — in what denominations — and count it out in front of you. The entire process usually takes under five minutes.

Bank of America does not hold the funds or place a hold on the check when you cash it in person at a branch. You walk out with the money immediately. This is different from depositing a check, which may take one to two business days to clear.

Cashing checks at retail stores without a Bank of America account

Walmart and Target both offer check-cashing services at their customer service desks. Walmart typically charges $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks over $1,000, though fees vary slightly by location. Target's fees are similar. Both require a valid ID and will cash most personal checks, payroll checks, and government checks.

Grocery stores — including Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and regional chains — also cash checks at their customer service or front-end desk. Fees usually range from $2 to $5 depending on the store and check amount. Some grocery stores limit check cashing to customers with a loyalty card, so ask before you get in line.

The main advantage of retail check cashing is convenience: these stores are often open longer than banks and on weekends. The main disadvantage is that they may refuse checks if the routing number does not match their system or if the check looks altered or damaged. If a store refuses to cash your check, ask why — sometimes a second location will accept it.

Using pharmacy counters and other locations

CVS and Walgreens both cash checks at their pharmacy counters, usually for $2 to $5 per check. Hours are often longer than bank branches, and many locations are open on Sundays. Like retail stores, they require a valid ID and will usually cash personal checks, payroll checks, and government checks.

Some credit unions will cash Bank of America checks for non-members, though policies vary widely. Call your local credit union ahead of time to ask if they offer this service and what they charge. A few credit unions do it for free; others charge $2 to $5.

Banks other than Bank of America — such as Wells Fargo, Chase, or your own bank — may cash a Bank of America check if you are a customer, but most do not cash checks from other banks for non-customers. Call your bank first to confirm their policy before you go in.

When a check-cashing business is your only option

Check-cashing stores and payday loan businesses will cash almost any check, including Bank of America checks, but their fees are significantly higher than other options. Expect to pay $5 to $15 or more depending on the check amount and the business's fee structure. Some charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the check amount.

These businesses are useful only if you need cash outside normal business hours — many are open evenings and weekends — or if every other option has refused your check. Before you go in, call and ask what they charge for a check of your amount. Fees vary dramatically between locations.

Be cautious about providing personal information beyond what is necessary. Check-cashing businesses are regulated, but they collect more data than banks or retail stores. Ask what information they need before you hand over your ID or check.

What to do if a place refuses to cash your check

If a retail store, pharmacy, or check-cashing business refuses to cash your Bank of America check, ask why. Common reasons include: the check is damaged or appears altered, the routing number does not match their system, the check is post-dated (dated in the future), or the amount is unusually large for that location.

If the check is post-dated, you cannot cash it until that date arrives — this is a legal requirement, not a store policy. If the check is damaged, you can contact Bank of America and request a replacement check, though this takes several business days.

If the check appears to be legitimate but a store still refuses it, try a different location of the same chain or a different type of business. A Bank of America branch will always cash it if you have a valid ID, so that is your may provide fallback option.

Depositing instead of cashing if you have a Bank of America account

If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit the check instead of cashing it. Use the mobile app to deposit by photograph — take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the funds will be available within one to two business days. This is faster than going to a branch and avoids the need to carry cash.

You can also deposit at an ATM if your Bank of America account is linked to one. Insert the check into the ATM's check slot, and it will be processed overnight. ATM deposits are available 24/7, which is useful if you need to deposit outside business hours.

If you do not have a Bank of America account but want to avoid the fees of check cashing, opening a basic checking account is an option. Bank of America offers no-fee checking accounts, and once you have one, you can deposit checks for free and withdraw the cash at an ATM or branch whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks will not cash checks from other banks for non-customers. Your best option is a Bank of America branch, which will cash it for free. If that is not possible, try a retail store, pharmacy, or check-cashing business instead.

What if the check is made out to someone else?

You cannot cash a check made out to someone else unless they endorse it to you. The original payee must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]," then you sign below that. Not all businesses accept third-party checks, so call ahead.

Do I need a Bank of America account to cash a Bank of America check?

No. Any Bank of America branch will cash their own checks for anyone with a valid ID, regardless of whether you have an account. Retail stores and pharmacies also do not require an account, though they charge a fee.

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

Cashing a check at a Bank of America branch usually takes under five minutes. You get the cash immediately — there is no hold or waiting period. Retail stores and pharmacies typically take the same amount of time.

What if the check is damaged or torn?

Most places will refuse a damaged check because they cannot read the routing number or verify it is legitimate. Contact Bank of America and request a replacement check. This takes several business days, so plan ahead if you need the money urgently.