Bank of America will cash your tax refund check if you have an account there, but not if you don't
Bank of America does not cash checks for non-customers. If you do not have a Bank of America account, they will turn you away. This applies to all check types, including tax refund checks from the IRS.
If you do have a Bank of America account — checking or savings — you can deposit or cash your refund check at any of their branches or through their mobile app. The check will clear within one to two business days for deposit, or you can get cash immediately at a teller window.
Since you are looking at this without a bank account, Bank of America is not your path forward. The sections below cover places that will actually cash your refund check.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America requires you to be a customer to cash any check, including tax refunds.
- If you have a Bank of America account, you can cash or deposit your refund check at any branch or through mobile deposit.
- Without an account, you need to use a check-cashing service, grocery store, or retail chain that offers this service.
- Check-cashing fees typically range from 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, so a $2,000 refund might cost $20 to $60 to cash.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID and the refund check itself; some places also ask for a second form of ID.
Where to cash a tax refund check without a bank account
Your best options are check-cashing stores, Walmart, grocery chains like Kroger or Safeway, and some pharmacies. These places cash checks for non-customers and handle tax refund checks routinely.
Check-cashing stores are the most common choice. They exist specifically to cash checks for people without bank accounts. You will find them in most neighborhoods — search "check cashing near me" to locate one. They are open longer hours than banks and do not require an account.
Walmart cashes checks at the customer service desk in most locations. Kroger, Safeway, and other large grocery chains also offer check-cashing services. These places often charge less than dedicated check-cashing stores because they make money on other sales.
What fees you will pay to cash your refund check
Check-cashing fees vary by location and the amount of the check. Most places charge between 1 and 3 percent of the check value. On a $2,000 refund, that means $20 to $60 out of your pocket.
Walmart typically charges a flat fee of $3 to $6 for checks under $1,000 and slightly more for larger amounts. Grocery stores often charge 1 to 2 percent. Check-cashing stores may charge 2 to 3 percent or a flat fee — ask before you hand over the check.
Some credit unions will cash checks for non-members at a lower fee than commercial check-cashing stores. If you have access to a credit union in your area, call ahead to ask their rate.
What you need to bring to cash your refund check
Bring your government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. This is required everywhere. Some places also ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill or insurance card with your name and address.
Bring the refund check itself. Do not sign it until you are at the counter and the cashier tells you to. Some places will sign it for you; others will have you sign it in front of them.
If the check is made out to two people (you and a spouse, for example), both people usually need to be present with ID. Ask the check-cashing place about this before you go.
How long it takes to get your cash
Check-cashing is immediate. You walk in, show your ID, hand over the check, and walk out with cash in hand. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
There is no waiting period like there would be if you deposited the check into a bank account. You get the money the same day, minus the fee.
What to do if the check-cashing place refuses your check
Some check-cashing stores will refuse a check if it is very large, if your ID does not match the name on the check, or if the check is damaged or unclear. If one place turns you away, try another location or a different type of business.
Walmart and grocery stores are often more flexible than dedicated check-cashing stores. If you have a friend or family member with a bank account, you can also ask them to deposit the check for you and give you the cash, though this requires trust on both sides.
If the check itself is damaged or the name on it does not match your ID, contact the IRS before you try to cash it. You can reach them at 1-800-829-1040 or through their website at irs.gov. They can issue a replacement check or help you resolve the mismatch.
Opening a bank account to avoid check-cashing fees
If you cash refund checks regularly, opening a bank account may save you money over time. Many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. You would avoid the 1 to 3 percent fee on every check.
Online banks like Chime, Ally, or Varo often have no monthly fees and no minimum deposit. You can open an account in minutes from your phone and deposit checks using their mobile app. Some of these banks also offer early refund deposit, meaning you can get your tax refund a few days before the official deposit date.
If you want a traditional bank, look for a local community bank or credit union. They often have simpler account requirements than larger banks and may offer better customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a tax refund check at a Bank of America ATM without an account?
No. Bank of America ATMs only dispense cash to account holders. You cannot deposit or cash a check at their ATM without an account. You would need to use a check-cashing service, grocery store, or retail chain instead.
What if my tax refund check is made out to my business instead of me personally?
Business refund checks are harder to cash at retail locations. Most check-cashing stores and grocery stores will not cash a business check without a business account. You would need to open a business bank account or contact the issuing agency to request a check in your personal name instead.
Can I cash a tax refund check if my name does not match my ID exactly?
It depends on the difference. A minor variation (maiden name vs. married name, nickname vs. legal name) may be accepted if you bring documentation showing the connection. Bring a marriage certificate, court order, or other official document. If the names do not match at all, contact the IRS to request a corrected check.
Do I have to pay taxes on the fee I pay to cash my refund check?
No. The fee you pay to cash a check is not taxable income. It is simply a service charge, like any other fee. You do not report it on your tax return.
What if I lose my refund check before I cash it?
Contact the IRS immediately at 1-800-829-1040 or through irs.gov. Tell them the check was lost. They can place a stop on the original check and issue a replacement. This process usually takes two to four weeks. In the meantime, you can check the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov/refunds.