Yes, you can cash a check at Bank of America
Bank of America will cash a check for you at any of its branches during business hours. You do not need to have an account with the bank. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will ask you to sign the back of the check and may ask a few questions about where the check came from.
The process takes a few minutes. You hand the check to the teller, show your ID, sign the check if you have not already, and receive cash. Some branches are busier than others, so wait times vary. If you go during peak hours — lunch time or right after work — you may wait longer than if you go mid-morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America cashes checks for non-customers at any branch, but you must show a valid government-issued photo ID.
- You will need to sign the back of the check (the endorsement) before or at the time you cash it.
- Some checks may be subject to a fee if you are not a Bank of America customer, though the bank does not charge for cashing checks drawn on Bank of America itself.
- If the check amount is very large, the branch may need to verify funds or place a hold, which can delay the cash-out by a day or more.
What ID you need to bring
You must bring one valid government-issued photo ID. Bank of America accepts a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID must not be expired. If your ID is expired, the teller may still accept it if it looks like you, but this is at the branch's discretion — some branches are stricter than others.
If you do not have a photo ID, you cannot cash a check at Bank of America. You would need to visit a different bank or check-cashing service, or ask the person who wrote the check to add your name to their account so you can deposit it electronically.
Fees for non-customers
Bank of America does not charge a fee to cash a check that is drawn on a Bank of America account — meaning the check came from someone with a Bank of America account. If the check is drawn on a different bank, the fee varies. As of now, Bank of America charges a fee for non-customers cashing checks from other banks, but the exact amount changes and depends on the check amount and the branch location.
Before you go to the branch, call ahead and ask what the fee will be for the specific check you want to cash. The teller can tell you the fee amount before you decide to proceed. This way you know exactly how much cash you will receive after the fee is deducted.
Large checks and verification holds
If the check is for a large amount — typically $5,000 or more, though this varies by branch — the teller may need to verify that the funds are actually in the account of the person who wrote the check. This verification can take a few hours or a full business day. During this time, the branch may place a hold on the check and ask you to come back later or the next day to pick up your cash.
The branch may also ask you questions about the check: who wrote it, why they wrote it, and what it is for. This is a standard fraud-prevention step. Be honest and straightforward in your answers. If the check is legitimate, there should be no problem, and you will receive your cash once the verification is complete.
What happens if the check bounces
If you cash a check and the account it was drawn on does not have enough money to cover it, the check bounces. Bank of America will deduct the amount of the check from your cash, or if you have already left the branch, they may contact you to recover the money. You are responsible for returning the funds, even though you were not the one who wrote the check.
To protect yourself, only cash checks from people you trust or from known sources like employers or government agencies. If you have any doubt about whether a check is real, ask the person who wrote it to verify it before you cash it.
Alternatives if you cannot go to a branch
If you have a Bank of America account, you can deposit the check using the mobile app or an ATM instead of going to a branch. If you do not have an account and cannot visit a branch, you can ask the person who wrote the check to add your name to their Bank of America account temporarily so you can deposit it electronically. Some employers also offer direct deposit, which bypasses the check entirely.
Check-cashing services and some retail stores like Walmart and Target also cash checks for a fee. These services are open longer hours than bank branches and may be more convenient if you cannot visit Bank of America during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Bank of America account to cash a check there?
No. Bank of America cashes checks for anyone with a valid government-issued photo ID, whether or not you have an account with the bank. However, non-customers may be charged a fee if the check is drawn on a bank other than Bank of America.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a check made out to someone else unless that person signs it over to you. They must sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. This is called a third-party check. Some Bank of America branches accept third-party checks, but policies vary by location — call ahead to confirm.
Can I cash a check without signing it?
No. You must sign the back of the check before the teller will cash it. Your signature is your endorsement, which means you are confirming that you are the person named on the front of the check and that you are authorizing the bank to give you the money.
How long does it take to cash a check at Bank of America?
The process usually takes five to ten minutes if the branch is not busy and the check is straightforward. If the branch is busy or the check requires verification, it may take longer. Very large checks may require a hold of one or more business days.
What if I lost my ID?
You cannot cash a check without a valid government-issued photo ID. If you lost yours, you will need to get a replacement from your state's DMV or the issuing agency. In the meantime, you can use a check-cashing service, deposit the check through a mobile app if you have an account elsewhere, or ask the check writer to reissue it in a different form.