Cashing a check at bank of america without an account

Posted by in Banking | Updated on August 23, 2022

At a Glance: To cash a check without an ID, you can sign the check over to someone else, use ATM check cashing, or deposit it into your account and withdraw the funds when it processes (typically 3 to 5 business days).

Usually, when cashing a check, people use an ID to complete the transaction. Banks are required to have an identity verification policy by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which is why an ID is necessary. But there may be ways for you to cash a check even if you don’t want to use an ID.

So, here is how to cash a check without an ID.

  • Acceptable Forms of Identification
  • Do I Need an ID to Cash a Check?
  • How to Cash a Check without an ID
  • 3 Ways to Cash a Check Without an ID
  • Read More
  • Final Thoughts

Acceptable Forms of Identification

When cashing a check, you usually need an ID form issued by the government. The most commonly provided one is the driver’s license, but in its absence, you can also show a state-issued ID.

Sometimes, you can also use a passport or a military ID for identification, but it really depends on each bank. Not every bank is the same, meaning they might have different policies. As a result, some banks will not accept just any government-issued ID.

ID forms like foreign licenses or out-of-state IDs, for example, may not be accepted. You may also need to provide two different identification forms, with the second one often being a utility bill or a credit card.

Do I Need an ID to Cash a Check?

Believe it or not, but it’s not uncommon to come across people who do not have a valid identification form. In fact, there was a study done by the Brennan Center which revealed that there are more than 21 million adults in America who do not own an ID form with a photo issued by the government. In some other cases, people may have an expired ID, or their document got stolen or lost.

In general, you need to have an ID available in order to cash a check, so you should always be ready to present it. The good news is that there are different documents that may be accepted as ID, so you need to contact your bank and find out what they use. If you have a particular document you would like to use as an ID, you can ask them whether they’ll accept it.

Fortunately, you can also cash a check even if you don’t have an ID, so there is no need to worry.

How to Cash a Check without an ID

Not having a valid form of identification should not stop you from cashing a check. Actually, it is possible to perform this transaction even without an ID.

For instance, you can use a mobile app in order to cash a check. All you have to do for that to be possible is install the app and link your bank account, prepaid card, or PayPal account. Then, you will be able to scan the check.

How long it will take for the money to be processed depends on the particular app you are using. It may take a matter of hours or days. One of the most popular check-cashing apps that exist is Ingo Money. It only takes a few minutes for it to process your check. Other known apps include Lodefast Check Cashing app and Brink’s Money Prepaid.  

On top of that, you can also sign the check over to a person that you trust. This way, they will be able to cash it, creating a third-party check as a result. You just need to be aware of the fact that with this method, banks will have to verify whether the original payee offered authorization for signing the check. Thus, the original payee has to present an ID.

3 Ways to Cash a Check Without an ID

As such, you may be able to cash a check without an ID by:

  • Signing it over to another individual
  • Using ATM check cashing if it’s offered by your bank
  • Depositing it into your own account using a bank ATM

Each of these ways is discussed in detail below.

Depositing and Withdrawing without an ID

If you do not have the ID form that the bank requires, there is something else you can do with your check. You can deposit it into your account. The only thing to keep in mind is that this may take a while, so you need to wait until the check clears to gain access to your money. This entire procedure can take about 3-5 business days.

When you are depositing a cashier’s check, you’re in luck because the very next business day, you will gain access to the funds. Also, banks like TD Bank, for example, will allow you to access the first $100 as soon as you deposit the check.

Then, when the full amount becomes available, you have the chance to withdraw the money. What makes this even better is that no ID is required in order to make the withdrawal. The only thing the bank will pay attention to is whether the signature on your check is the same as the one on file when you withdraw the money.

ATM Check Cashing without an ID

Automated teller machines are generally a blessing because they allow you to deposit your cash. Nevertheless, there are some banks that also let you cash them, which makes things even better.

For instance, if you are someone with a checking account or a prepaid debit card at Regions Bank, you can insert your check into the ATM and cash it. In an instant, you can receive up to $3,000 from the check. If there is any remaining amount, though, you have to deposit it into the prepaid or checking account.

Luckily, no ID is required to do this, so if you don’t have any, this can be a very useful way to cash your check. You just need to ensure you have your debit card with you because it’ll be necessary.

Signing the Check Over

Another way to cash your check if you don’t have an ID is by signing the check over to someone else. This can be a family member or a friend that you trust. The check can be endorsed if you sign your name and then write “Pay to the order of” on it, then write the full name of the person you trust with this.

The check will be endorsed underneath, and after this, the person that you sign the check over to will have to show a form of identification. The ID should match the name written by you on the check. Meanwhile, your ID doesn’t have to be shown. The bank will then have to decide if they cash the check or deposit the money, and then wait for the clearing of the check.

Read More

  • Where to Get a Cashier’s Check Without a Bank Account
  • How to Close Chase Account
  • How To Sign Over a Check
  • How to Close Bank of America Account
  • What is the Chase ATM Withdrawal Limit?

Final Thoughts

Not having an ID could quickly make you panic, as you may think you will not be able to cash a check without showing this type of document. Fortunately, it is possible to cash it when you don’t have an ID.

This can be done by signing the check over to someone else, making a deposit and a withdrawal, or doing an ATM check cashing with your bank if it’s possible. All in all, you just need to find the method that works best for you, and you will be able to cash a check in no time, even without an ID.


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Cashing a check at bank of america without an account

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Cashing a check at bank of america without an account

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.