Where You Can Cash a Bank of America Check

Your main 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 $100, or at most other banks and credit unions if you have an account there. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services will also cash it, though they may charge a fee. The fastest and cheapest route is usually a Bank of America branch or your own bank if you have an account elsewhere.

The method you choose depends on whether you have a Bank of America account, whether you have an account at another bank, and whether you want to avoid fees. Each route has different requirements and different wait times.

Key Takeaways

• Bank of America branches cash checks for free whether or not you have an account there, but you must show a valid photo ID.
• Bank of America ATMs accept checks under $100 without a teller, and the money appears in your account within one business day.
• Your own bank or credit union will cash a Bank of America check for free if you have an account there, and many deposit it when ready to your account.
• Grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing businesses will cash the check for a fee that ranges from a few dollars to a percentage of the check amount.
• You will need the original check, a valid photo ID, and sometimes proof of address or a fingerprint, depending on where you cash it.

Cashing at a Bank of America branch with or without an account

Any Bank of America branch will cash a check drawn on Bank of America for free, regardless of whether you have an account there. You do not need to be a customer. Bring the check and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work. The teller will verify the check and hand you cash on the spot.

If you do have a Bank of America account, you can also deposit the check into your account instead of taking cash. Deposits made before 2 p.m. on a business day typically post the same day. After 2 p.m. or on weekends and holidays, the deposit posts the next business day.

To find a branch near you, use the Bank of America branch locator on their website or call 1-800-432-1000. Many branches are inside grocery stores or shopping centers, not just standalone buildings.

Using a Bank of America ATM for checks under $100

Bank of America ATMs accept check deposits for amounts under $100 without requiring a teller. Insert the check into the ATM's check slot, and the machine will scan it and ask you to confirm the amount. The money will appear in your Bank of America account within one business day.

This method only works if you have a Bank of America account and a debit card. You cannot use an ATM to cash a check if you do not have an account — the ATM will only deposit it. Also, some ATMs have daily deposit limits, so if you are depositing multiple checks, check your account settings or call the bank to confirm the limit.

Depositing at your own bank or credit union

If you have an account at another bank or credit union, you can deposit a Bank of America check there. Most banks and credit unions accept checks from other banks at no charge. You can deposit in person at a branch, through a mobile app if your bank offers mobile deposit, or at an ATM if your bank has check-deposit ATMs.

Mobile deposit is often the fastest route: you photograph the front and back of the check with your phone, and the bank deposits it to your account within minutes. The funds typically become available within one to two business days. If you deposit at a branch or ATM, ask the teller or check your app to see when the funds will post.

Some banks and credit unions charge a small fee to non-members who cash checks in person, but they do not charge to deposit checks if you have an account. Call your bank before you go to confirm they accept checks from other banks and what their deposit timeline is.

Cashing at grocery stores and pharmacies

Most grocery stores and pharmacies offer check-cashing services at the customer service desk. Stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and CVS typically cash checks for a flat fee or a small percentage of the check amount. The fee varies by store and by check amount — it might be $2 for a small check or 1 to 3 percent of the total for a larger one.

Bring the check and a valid photo ID. Some stores will also ask for a fingerprint or a phone number. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you receive cash when ready. Call the store's customer service desk before you go to confirm they cash checks and what their fee is.

Using a check-cashing business

Check-cashing stores will cash a Bank of America check, but they charge a fee that is usually higher than grocery stores or banks. Fees typically range from 2 to 5 percent of the check amount, though some charge a flat fee. A $500 check might cost $10 to $25 to cash.

You will need the original check and a valid photo ID. Some check-cashing businesses also require a second form of ID, proof of address, or a fingerprint. The process is quick — usually five to ten minutes — and you receive cash when ready. Use a check-cashing service only if you cannot reach a bank, your bank is closed, or you do not have a bank account, because the fees add up quickly.

What you need to bring and common mistakes to avoid

Always bring the original check and a valid photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works everywhere. Some places ask for a second form of ID, proof of address (like a utility bill or lease), or a fingerprint. Call ahead if you are unsure what the location requires.

Do not deposit or cash a check that is post-dated (dated in the future) unless the business tells you it is okay — many will refuse. Do not try to cash a check that is made out to someone else; the name on the check must match the name on your ID. If the check is damaged, torn, or illegible, the bank or business may refuse it. If you have questions about whether a check is valid, call the bank that issued it or ask the teller before you hand over the check.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks and credit unions will cash a check from another bank if you have an account there, but they may charge a fee to non-members. If you do not have an account, they will usually refuse. Your best option is to deposit it at your own bank or go to a Bank of America branch, which cashes checks for free.

How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?

Checks deposited at a Bank of America branch or ATM before 2 p.m. on a business day usually post the same day. Checks deposited after 2 p.m., on weekends, or on holidays post the next business day. Mobile deposits and deposits at other banks may take one to two business days. Ask your bank for their specific timeline.

What if the check is made out to two people?

If the check says "and" between the names, both people must be present with ID to cash or deposit it. If it says "or," either person can cash or deposit it alone. Ask the teller or the business before you try to cash it, because policies vary.

Can I cash a check if I do not have a photo ID?

No. A valid photo ID is required everywhere — at banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing businesses. If you do not have one, you will need to get a state ID card or passport before you can cash the check. Contact your state's DMV or the U.S. State Department for the process in your area.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash at an ATM?

Bank of America ATMs only accept checks under $100 for deposit without a teller. If your check is $100 or more, you must go to a branch or deposit it through mobile banking. Some accounts also have daily deposit limits, so check your account settings or call the bank.