Yes, Bank of America cashes checks for customers and non-customers
Bank of America will cash a check if you have an account there. If you don't have an account, Bank of America will also cash checks, but you'll pay a fee — usually $6 to $10 depending on the check amount — and the teller may ask for a government-issued ID. The exact fee varies by location and check size, so call your local branch first if you want to know the specific cost.
You can cash a check at any Bank of America branch during business hours. You don't need to have the check made out to you personally to cash it — Bank of America accepts third-party checks, meaning someone else can sign the back and you can cash it — but the person who signed it may need to be present with ID, depending on the teller's judgment and your branch's policy.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America customers cash checks for free at any branch during business hours with a valid ID.
- Non-customers pay a fee (typically $6 to $10) to cash a check, and the fee depends on the check amount and your branch location.
- You can cash a check made out to someone else if that person endorses it on the back, though they may need to show ID.
- Damaged, post-dated, or unsigned checks will be refused, and the teller will explain why.
What you need to bring to cash a check
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bank of America requires this from everyone, whether you're a customer or not. If the check is made out to someone else and they're signing it over to you, that person needs to bring their ID too.
Bring the check itself, unsigned on the back if it's made out to you. If someone else is signing it over to you, they'll sign the back in front of the teller. Don't sign the back yourself before you arrive — the teller needs to see the endorsement happen.
Checks Bank of America will not cash
Bank of America will refuse a check if it's post-dated (dated for a future date), if it's damaged or illegible, if it's unsigned, or if the signature doesn't match the ID you present. They'll also refuse a check if the routing number or account number is missing or unreadable.
If a check is written for more than $10,000, the teller may ask additional questions about the source of the funds. This is standard practice at all banks and is required by federal law. Be prepared to explain where the check came from.
How long it takes to cash a check at Bank of America
Cashing a check at a Bank of America branch is when ready — the teller will count out your cash and hand it to you before you leave the counter. There's no waiting period. The only delay is the time it takes to wait in line and for the teller to verify your ID and inspect the check.
If you're cashing a check at a Bank of America ATM (which some locations allow), the process is also when ready, but not all ATMs accept check deposits or cash-outs. Call your branch to ask whether your local ATM can cash checks.
Cashing a check without a Bank of America account
Non-customers can walk into any Bank of America branch and ask to cash a check. You'll pay a fee — the amount depends on the check size and your branch, but it's typically $6 for checks under $100 and up to $10 for larger checks. Some branches may charge differently, so call ahead if you want to know the exact fee before you go.
You must have a government-issued photo ID. Bank of America may also ask where the check came from or why you're cashing it. Answer honestly — this is routine and helps the bank prevent fraud. If you don't have an ID, Bank of America will not cash the check.
Third-party checks and checks signed over to you
A third-party check is one made out to someone else who then signs it over to you. Bank of America accepts these, but the person whose name is on the check must endorse it (sign the back) in front of the teller. They'll need to bring their ID.
Some tellers may refuse a third-party check if the signature on the back doesn't match the ID, or if they suspect fraud. This is at the teller's discretion. If your branch refuses, try a different Bank of America location — policies can vary slightly between branches.
Alternatives if you can't visit a branch
If you can't get to a Bank of America branch during business hours, you have other options. Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services will cash checks for a fee, usually $2 to $5 for smaller checks. Walmart, Target, and most supermarkets offer this service.
If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit the check through the mobile app using mobile check deposit — you photograph the front and back of the check and it deposits into your account within one business day. You can then withdraw the cash from an ATM or transfer it elsewhere. This is free for account holders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a Bank of America ATM?
Some Bank of America ATMs accept check deposits, but not all ATMs can dispense cash for a check. Call your local branch to ask whether your nearest ATM offers check cashing. If it does, insert your card, select the check cashing option, and follow the on-screen instructions.
What if the check is torn or damaged?
Bank of America will refuse a damaged check if any part of the routing number, account number, or amount is illegible. If the damage is minor and doesn't affect readability, the teller may accept it. Bring it in and ask — the teller will make the final call.
Do I need a Bank of America account to cash a check there?
No, but you'll pay a fee if you don't have an account. Customers cash checks for free. Non-customers typically pay $6 to $10, depending on the check amount and branch location.
Can someone else cash my check if I sign the back?
Yes, if you endorse the check by signing the back, someone else can cash it. They'll need to bring their ID and may need to show that you signed it. Some tellers may refuse if they're concerned about fraud.
What happens if the check amount doesn't match the written amount?
The teller will catch this and refuse to cash the check. The numerical amount (in the box) and the written amount (in words) must match exactly. Ask the person who wrote the check to issue a corrected check.