The fastest places to cash a Bank of America check
You can cash a Bank of America check at any Bank of America branch or ATM without a fee if you have an account there. Walk in with your ID and the check, and a teller will process it on the spot—usually in minutes. If you do not have a Bank of America account, you can still cash the check at a branch, but the bank may charge a fee (typically $6 to $15 depending on the check amount and your location).
If you do not want to visit a branch, Bank of America ATMs will cash checks for account holders 24 hours a day. Insert your debit card, select the deposit or withdrawal option, and follow the prompts. The money appears in your account immediately or within one business day, depending on the time you deposit.
For non-account holders, the next-fastest option is a check-cashing service or grocery store that offers check cashing. These typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, which is often cheaper than a bank fee for smaller checks. Walmart, Target, and many supermarkets cash checks at their customer service desks during store hours.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America account holders can cash checks free at any branch or ATM, with no fee and no waiting period.
- Non-account holders can cash Bank of America checks at any branch for a fee, or use a check-cashing service or grocery store for potentially lower cost.
- Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app lets account holders deposit checks from home without visiting a branch.
- Check-cashing fees vary by location and check amount, so compare options before you choose.
Cashing checks at Bank of America branches
Every Bank of America branch can cash checks during business hours. Bring your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and the check itself. If you have an account at Bank of America, there is no fee. The teller will verify the check, confirm your identity, and hand you cash or deposit the funds into your account.
If you do not have a Bank of America account, the branch will still cash the check, but you will pay a fee. The fee structure varies by state and branch, but typically ranges from $6 to $15. Some branches charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the check amount. Call your nearest branch ahead of time to ask what they charge for non-account-holder check cashing.
Branch hours are usually Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website to find the nearest branch and confirm hours before you go.
Using Bank of America ATMs to deposit checks
Bank of America ATMs accept check deposits 24 hours a day if you have an account. Insert your debit card, select "Deposit" or "Make a Deposit," and follow the on-screen prompts. The ATM will ask you to insert the check into the slot. Most ATMs read the check and confirm the amount on the screen before you complete the transaction.
The funds are usually available in your account within one business day. If you deposit after 9 p.m. or on a weekend, the deposit may not process until the next business day. ATM deposits are free for account holders and carry no additional fees.
Not all Bank of America ATMs accept deposits—some are cash-only machines. If you are unsure whether an ATM near you accepts deposits, call the branch or check the Bank of America website. ATMs that accept deposits are typically located inside branches or in high-traffic areas.
Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app
If you have a Bank of America account and a smartphone, you can deposit checks without leaving home. Open the Bank of America mobile app, select "Deposit a Check," and follow the prompts. You will need to photograph the front and back of the check. The app will confirm the amount and ask which account to deposit into.
Mobile deposits are processed within one business day, and the funds appear in your account by the next morning in most cases. There is no fee for mobile deposit. This option works for checks made out to you or to you and another person, as long as both names are on your account.
Mobile deposit has a daily limit—typically $2,500 to $10,000 depending on your account type and history. If your check exceeds the limit, you will need to deposit it at a branch or ATM instead.
Check-cashing services and retail locations
Walmart, Target, grocery stores, and dedicated check-cashing services will cash Bank of America checks without requiring an account. Fees are usually lower than bank fees for non-account holders: typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $100 check, that is $1 to $3, compared to a flat $6 to $15 fee at a bank.
Bring your government-issued ID and the check. The cashier or customer service representative will verify the check, confirm your identity, and hand you cash. Most retail locations cash checks during store hours only—typically 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., depending on the location.
Check-cashing services are open longer hours than retail stores and may offer weekend or evening service. Search online for "check cashing near me" to find locations in your area. Call ahead to confirm they cash Bank of America checks and ask about their fee structure.
What you need to cash a Bank of America check
| Where You Cash It | ID Required | Account Needed | Fee | Time to Get Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America branch | Yes | No, but fee applies if you don't have one | Free for account holders; $6–$15 for non-account holders | Minutes |
| Bank of America ATM | No (debit card required) | Yes | Free | 1 business day |
| Mobile deposit (app) | No | Yes | Free | 1 business day |
| Walmart or grocery store | Yes | No | 1–3% of check amount | Minutes |
| Check-cashing service | Yes | No | 1–5% of check amount | Minutes |
What to do if the check is damaged or unclear
If the check is torn, stained, or has faded ink, the teller or cashier may refuse to cash it. Ask the person who wrote the check to issue a replacement. Do not attempt to tape the check back together or write over faded numbers—most places will not accept altered checks.
If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), Bank of America will not cash it until that date arrives. You can deposit it early, but the funds will not be available until the date on the check. Some check-cashing services may refuse post-dated checks entirely.
If the check is made out to you and another person, both names must appear on your Bank of America account to deposit it via ATM or mobile app. At a branch or check-cashing service, you may be able to cash it with just one person's ID, but policies vary. Call ahead to confirm.
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 check-cashing service, grocery store, or Walmart. If the check is from a Bank of America account, any Bank of America branch will cash it regardless of where you bank.
How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?
Bank of America typically makes funds available within one business day of deposit. However, the check itself may take 5 to 7 business days to fully clear from the account it was drawn on. You can spend the money once it shows in your account, but the original account holder's bank may still reverse the deposit if the check bounces.
What if the check amount is wrong or the name is misspelled?
If your name is misspelled slightly (for example, "Jon" instead of "John"), most places will still cash it as long as your ID matches the intent. If the amount is wrong, contact the person who wrote the check and ask for a replacement. Do not attempt to alter the check yourself.
Can I cash a check if I do not have an ID?
No. Government-issued ID is required at every location—branches, check-cashing services, and retail stores. If you do not have an ID, you will need to obtain one before you can cash the check. If you have a Bank of America account, you may be able to have someone else deposit it on your behalf using mobile deposit or by visiting a branch with your permission.
Is there a limit to how much I can cash?
Bank of America branches will cash checks of any amount for account holders. For non-account holders, some branches may have limits or require manager approval for very large checks. Check-cashing services often have daily limits, typically $5,000 to $10,000. Call ahead if your check is large.