The fastest way to cash a Bank of America check

If you have a Bank of America account, walk into any Bank of America branch with your check and a valid ID. A teller will cash it on the spot, usually within minutes. You do not need to deposit it first.

If you do not have a Bank of America account, you can still cash the check at any Bank of America branch, but the bank may charge you a fee—typically $6 to $15 depending on the check amount. Some branches waive the fee for smaller checks. Call ahead to ask what your local branch charges.

If the check is from someone else's Bank of America account and you want to avoid a fee, ask the person who wrote the check to go with you to the branch. When the account holder is present, most branches will cash it for free.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America account holders can cash checks at any branch with just an ID, and the transaction takes minutes.
  • Non-account holders can cash Bank of America checks at any branch but will usually pay a fee of $6 to $15.
  • Mobile deposit through the Bank of America app lets you deposit checks from home without visiting a branch.
  • If you need cash immediately and cannot reach a branch, a check-cashing store or grocery store service desk can cash the check for a higher fee.
  • Verify the check is signed, dated, and made out to you before you attempt to cash it anywhere.

Cashing a check without visiting a branch

Bank of America's mobile deposit feature lets you deposit a check using your phone instead of going to a branch. Open the Bank of America app, tap "Deposit a Check," take photos of the front and back of the check, and submit. The funds typically appear in your account within one business day, sometimes the same day depending on when you deposit.

Mobile deposit works only if you have a Bank of America account. If you do not have an account, you cannot use this method. Once the check is deposited, you can withdraw the cash at an ATM or request a withdrawal at a branch.

Mobile deposit has limits. Bank of America typically caps mobile deposits at $2,500 per check and $5,000 per day, though these limits can vary. If your check exceeds these amounts, you will need to visit a branch or contact the bank to arrange a deposit another way.

Cashing a check at an ATM

Bank of America ATMs do not cash checks directly. However, if you deposit the check through an ATM, you can immediately withdraw cash from the same machine if your account has sufficient funds. Insert your debit card, select "Deposit," choose "Check," and follow the prompts to photograph or insert the check. Once the deposit is processed, you can withdraw cash.

ATM check deposits have the same limits as mobile deposits—usually $2,500 per check. The check must be endorsed (signed on the back) and made out to you or to you and another person whose name appears on the account.

What to do if the check is damaged or unclear

If the check is torn, stained, or the writing is hard to read, take it to a Bank of America branch in person. A teller can examine it and determine whether it can be processed. Do not attempt to repair a damaged check with tape or write over unclear sections—this can make the check unacceptable to the bank.

If the check is from a Bank of America account and the bank cannot read it, the teller may contact the account holder to verify the check details. This process takes longer than a standard cash-out, sometimes several business days.

Cashing a check from another bank

Bank of America will cash checks drawn on other banks, but the fee is usually higher—$8 to $20 depending on the check amount. Non-account holders pay this fee; account holders may not. Call your local branch to confirm their fee structure before you go.

If you want to avoid the fee, deposit the check into your Bank of America account instead. The funds will be available within one to two business days, and you can then withdraw cash at no charge.

When the check cannot be cashed at Bank of America

Bank of America will refuse to cash a check if it is post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than 180 days old), or missing required information like a signature or the payee name. If any of these apply, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to issue a new one.

If the check is written to a business or organization and you are trying to cash it personally, the bank will not process it. The check must be deposited into an account in the name of the payee. If you are authorized to handle the account, you can deposit it there and then withdraw funds.

If the check amount seems unusually large or the bank suspects fraud, a teller may place a hold on the funds while they verify the check with the issuing bank. This can take several business days. You will not be able to withdraw the money until the hold is lifted.

Alternatives if you cannot reach a Bank of America branch

Check-cashing stores will cash Bank of America checks, but they charge a percentage of the check amount—typically 1 to 3 percent. A $100 check might cost $1 to $3 to cash. This is more expensive than Bank of America's flat fee, but it is faster if you need cash outside business hours.

Grocery stores and retail chains like Walmart, Target, and Kroger offer check-cashing services at their customer service desks. Fees vary by store and check amount, usually $2 to $10. Hours are often longer than bank branches, and some locations cash checks 24 hours a day.

If you have a friend or family member with a Bank of America account, they can deposit the check into their account and give you the cash. This avoids fees entirely, though it requires trust and coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to endorse the check before cashing it?

Yes. Sign the back of the check in the space marked "Endorse here." If you are depositing it through mobile deposit or an ATM, the signature is still required. If someone else wrote the check to you, only you should sign it—do not let the person who wrote it sign the back.

What if the check is made out to me and another person?

Both people named on the check must be present to cash it at a Bank of America branch, and both must endorse it. If you want to deposit it instead, both account holders must be on the account. Contact the bank if you are unsure whether your account is set up this way.

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

Bank of America typically makes funds from a check deposit available within one business day for account holders. Some checks clear the same day if deposited early in the morning. Checks from other banks may take up to two business days. The bank will tell you the expected date when you deposit.

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

No. Bank of America requires a valid government-issued ID to cash any check, whether you have an account or not. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have an ID, you cannot cash the check at the bank.

What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?

If the check is returned unpaid (bounces), Bank of America will deduct the amount from your account and may charge you a returned-check fee of $12 to $35. If you do not have an account, the check-cashing service or store where you cashed it will attempt to recover the money from you. Keep the receipt and contact information in case this happens.