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 a certain amount, through a mobile deposit, or at a retailer that offers check cashing. The fastest route depends on whether you have a Bank of America account, how much the check is for, and whether you need the money immediately or can wait for a deposit to clear.
If you have a Bank of America account, depositing the check is usually free and takes one to two business days to clear. If you don't have an account, you'll need to either visit a branch with your ID or use a third-party check casher, which charges a fee.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America customers can deposit checks at any branch, ATM, or through the mobile app without paying a fee.
- Non-customers can cash checks at a Bank of America branch with a valid ID, though some branches may decline or charge a fee.
- Check cashing services at retailers like Walmart, grocery stores, and check cashing shops will cash Bank of America checks but charge a percentage of the check amount.
- Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app works for account holders and typically clears within one to two business days.
- ATM deposits are available for Bank of America customers but may have limits on the amount you can deposit at once.
Cashing at a Bank of America branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your check and a valid ID. If you have a Bank of America account, the teller will deposit it or cash it on the spot at no charge. If you don't have an account, the teller may still cash it, but policies vary by branch and some will refuse. Call ahead to confirm your local branch will cash it for a non-customer.
Bring your government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will verify the check is legitimate and that your signature matches the ID. If the check is made out to someone else, the person named on the check must be present and sign the back.
Branch hours vary, but most are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours. Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website to find the nearest location and confirm hours before you go.
Using a Bank of America ATM
If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit a check at any Bank of America ATM without visiting a teller. Insert your debit card, select deposit, and follow the prompts to photograph the front and back of the check. The ATM will display the amount it read and ask you to confirm before processing.
ATM deposits typically clear within one to two business days. Some ATMs have daily limits—often $5,000 or $10,000 per transaction—so if your check exceeds that amount, you'll need to visit a branch or split the deposit across multiple days. Check your account agreement or call Bank of America customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to confirm the limit at your ATM.
ATM deposits are free for account holders. Non-customers cannot use this method.
Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app
Bank of America customers can photograph a check using the mobile app and deposit it without visiting a branch or ATM. Open the app, go to Deposit, and take clear photos of the front and back of the check. The app will read the amount and ask you to confirm before submitting.
Mobile deposits clear within one to two business days. There is no fee. Most accounts have a daily limit of $2,500 to $5,000 per check and $5,000 to $10,000 per day, depending on your account type and history. New accounts may have lower limits. Check your account settings in the app or call customer service to confirm your limit.
Write "For Mobile Deposit Only" on the back of the check before photographing it. Do not deposit the physical check elsewhere after submitting it through the app—wait for the deposit to clear first, then destroy the check.
Check cashing at retailers and third-party services
Walmart, grocery stores, and dedicated check cashing shops will cash Bank of America checks for a fee. The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount—typically 1 to 3 percent—or a flat fee of $3 to $10, depending on the retailer and the check amount. A $200 check might cost $3 to $6 to cash.
Bring your government-issued ID. Some retailers require a second form of ID or a phone number on file. The cashier will verify the check and hand you cash on the spot, usually within minutes. There is no waiting period.
Not all retailers cash checks, and policies differ by location. Call ahead or ask at the customer service desk before getting in line. Walmart cashes checks at most locations during store hours. Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods often cash checks as a service to customers, though some limit it to customers with loyalty cards.
What to do if the check is damaged or has problems
If the check is torn, faded, or has missing information, a Bank of America branch teller can still process it if enough of the check is legible and the routing number, account number, and amount are clear. Bring the check and your ID to a branch and explain the damage. The teller will decide whether to accept it.
If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), Bank of America will not cash or deposit it until that date arrives. If you try to deposit it early, the system will reject it. Wait until the date on the check or contact the person who wrote it and ask them to issue a new check with today's date.
If the check is unsigned or signed by someone other than the account holder, it cannot be cashed. The person whose name appears on the check must sign it. If the check is made out to two people with "and" between the names, both must endorse it. If it says "or," either one can cash it alone.
Fees and timing by method
| Method | Fee | Speed | Who Can Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America branch (account holder) | None | Immediate or 1–2 days | Account holders only |
| Bank of America branch (non-customer) | None (varies by branch) | Immediate | Anyone with valid ID |
| Bank of America ATM | None | 1–2 business days | Account holders only |
| Mobile deposit | None | 1–2 business days | Account holders only |
| Retailer check cashing | 1–3% or $3–$10 | Immediate | Anyone with valid ID |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a Bank of America check if I don't have an account?
Yes. Visit a Bank of America branch with your government-issued ID and the check. The teller may cash it, though some branches have policies against cashing checks for non-customers. Call the branch first to confirm. If they refuse, use a retailer check cashing service instead.
How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?
Most Bank of America checks clear within one to two business days. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days. If you deposit on a Friday, the check typically clears by Monday or Tuesday. Large checks or checks from out-of-state banks may take longer.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
The person whose name is on the check must sign the back and be present with a valid ID. If the check says "and" between two names, both must sign and be present. If it says "or," either person can cash it alone. A third party cannot cash a check made out to someone else.
Can I cash a check at a Bank of America ATM without an account?
No. ATM deposits are only for account holders. Non-customers must visit a branch or use a retailer check cashing service.
What happens if I deposit a check through mobile deposit and then try to cash the physical check?
Do not do this. Once you submit a check through mobile deposit, treat it as deposited. If you cash the physical check afterward, you will be depositing the same check twice, which is check fraud. Wait for the mobile deposit to clear, then destroy the physical check.