Where You Can Cash a Bank of America Check

Places that cash Bank of America checks

You can cash a Bank of America check at any Bank of America branch, at ATMs owned by Bank of America, or at other banks and check-cashing services that accept third-party checks. The fastest option is usually a Bank of America location, since they can verify the check when ready and give you cash on the spot. Other banks may cash it if you have an account with them, though some charge a fee. Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies also cash checks, but they typically charge a percentage of the check amount — often between 1 and 3 percent.

If you do not have a Bank of America account yourself, you will need to bring a valid photo ID to any location where you cash the check. The person who wrote the check (the account holder) may also need to sign the back of the check in front of the cashier, depending on the location's policy. Some places will not cash a check if it is more than 180 days old, so check the date before you go.

Key Takeaways

• Bank of America branches and ATMs cash Bank of America checks for free if you are a customer, and most branches cash them for non-customers as well.
• Other banks may cash the check if you have an account with them, but many charge a fee to non-customers.
• Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies cash checks but typically charge a fee of 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.
• You will need a valid photo ID and the check must be signed by the person who wrote it.
• Checks older than 180 days are usually not accepted.

Cashing at Bank of America locations

Any Bank of America branch will cash a Bank of America check during business hours. If you are a Bank of America customer, there is no fee. If you are not a customer, most branches will still cash it, though some may charge a small fee — call ahead to confirm your local branch's policy.

You will need to bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. The check must be signed on the back by the person who wrote it. Walk into any branch, give the check and your ID to a teller, and they will verify the funds and hand you cash. This usually takes a few minutes.

Bank of America ATMs can also cash checks if you are a customer with a debit card. Insert your card, select the check-cashing option, photograph or insert the check, and the machine will dispense cash. This works 24 hours a day, even when branches are closed.

Cashing at other banks

If you have a checking or savings account at another bank, that bank may cash a Bank of America check for you. Call your bank first to ask whether they cash third-party checks and whether there is a fee. Some banks cash checks only for their own customers; others do not cash third-party checks at all.

If your bank does cash it, bring your debit card or account number, a valid photo ID, and the signed check. The teller will verify that the Bank of America account has sufficient funds before handing you cash. The process is similar to cashing at Bank of America, but it may take longer because the teller has to contact Bank of America to confirm the funds.

Cashing at check-cashing stores and retailers

Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, and some convenience stores cash checks, including Bank of America checks. These locations do not require you to have an account anywhere. You will need a valid photo ID and the check must be signed by the person who wrote it.

The trade-off is cost: most charge a fee based on the check amount, typically 1 to 3 percent. On a $100 check, that could be $1 to $3. Some locations charge a flat fee instead. Ask what the fee is before you hand over the check. Grocery stores and pharmacies often have lower fees than dedicated check-cashing stores.

These locations usually verify checks electronically by scanning the routing and account numbers. If the account does not have enough money, they will refuse to cash it. Processing is typically faster than at a bank — often just a few minutes.

What you need to bring

At any location, you will need a valid photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some locations may accept other forms of ID — ask if you are unsure.

The check itself must be signed on the back by the person who wrote it. If it is not signed, the location will not cash it. The check must also have the correct date and amount, and it cannot be post-dated (dated in the future) or stale-dated (more than 180 days old).

If you are cashing the check at a bank where you have an account, bring your debit card or account number. This speeds up the process and may waive any fee.

Fees and timing

Bank of America branches charge no fee to customers and usually charge no fee to non-customers, though this varies by location. Other banks typically charge $5 to $10 to cash a check if you do not have an account with them. Check-cashing stores and retailers charge a percentage of the check amount, usually 1 to 3 percent, though some charge a flat fee of $2 to $5.

Cashing at a Bank of America branch or ATM is the fastest option — usually when ready or within a few minutes. Cashing at another bank may take 10 to 20 minutes because the teller has to verify the funds with Bank of America. Check-cashing stores are also fast, typically 5 to 10 minutes. If you mail the check to deposit it instead, it may take 3 to 5 business days to clear.

What to do if the check cannot be cashed

If a location refuses to cash the check, the most common reasons are: the account does not have enough money, the check is post-dated or stale-dated, the check is not signed, or the location does not cash third-party checks. Ask the cashier which reason applies.

If the account does not have funds, you can ask the person who wrote the check to deposit more money and try again later. If the check is post-dated, you must wait until that date to cash it. If the check is stale-dated (more than 180 days old), you can ask the person who wrote it to write you a new check.

If you have a Bank of America account, you can also deposit the check into your account instead of cashing it. Use a Bank of America ATM, mobile app, or branch to deposit it. The funds will be available within 1 to 2 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a Bank of America check at an ATM if I do not have a Bank of America account?

No. Bank of America ATMs only cash checks for customers with a Bank of America debit card. If you do not have an account, you will need to go to a branch, another bank, or a check-cashing store.

Do I need the person who wrote the check to be with me when I cash it?

No. The person who wrote the check does not need to be present. They only need to have signed the back of the check before you cash it. You will need your own valid photo ID.

What if the check is written to two people?

If the check says "John and Jane," both people usually need to sign the back and both need to be present with ID to cash it. If it says "John or Jane," either person can cash it alone. Ask the location where you plan to cash it, since policies vary.

Can I cash a check that is more than six months old?

Most locations will not cash a check that is more than 180 days (about six months) old. The date is printed on the check. If your check is older than that, ask the person who wrote it to write you a new one.

What happens if I try to cash a check with insufficient funds?

The location will refuse to cash it. The check will be returned to you unsigned. You can ask the person who wrote the check to deposit more money and try again, or ask them to write you a new check.