Chase cashes checks for account holders and non-customers, but the rules and fees differ sharply between the two
Chase will cash a check if you have a Chase checking or savings account and present a valid ID. If you don't have an account, Chase will still cash certain checks — but only if they're drawn on a Chase account, and you'll pay a fee that varies by location, typically $5 to $10. The bank does not cash checks drawn on other banks if you're not a customer.
The speed depends on the check amount and whether you're depositing or cashing. A check cashed over the counter is available immediately. A check deposited into your account may be held for one to five business days, depending on the amount and the bank's funds availability policy.
Key Takeaways
- Chase account holders can cash checks at any Chase branch during business hours with a valid ID, with no fee.
- Non-customers can cash checks drawn on Chase accounts only, and will be charged a fee of $5 to $10 depending on branch location.
- Chase does not cash checks drawn on other banks for non-account holders under any circumstances.
- Checks cashed over the counter are available immediately; checks deposited may be held for one to five business days.
- Mobile check deposit through the Chase app is available to account holders and bypasses the branch entirely.
Cashing a check as a Chase account holder
If you have a Chase checking or savings account, you can walk into any Chase branch and cash a check at the teller window. You'll need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. There is no fee for account holders.
The check can be drawn on any bank, not just Chase. The teller will verify your identity against your account, confirm the funds are available at the issuing bank, and hand you cash on the spot. This typically takes five to ten minutes during normal branch hours.
Chase branches are open Monday through Friday, and many locations have Saturday hours. Hours vary by branch; you can find your nearest location and its hours on Chase's website or by calling ahead.
Cashing a check as a non-customer
If you don't have a Chase account, Chase will cash a check only if it's drawn on a Chase account — meaning the person or business who issued the check banks at Chase. You'll need a valid ID and you'll pay a fee.
The fee is not uniform across all Chase branches. It typically ranges from $5 to $10, depending on the branch location and the check amount. Some branches charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the check amount. Call the branch before you go, or ask the teller when you arrive.
Chase will not cash checks drawn on other banks for non-customers. If you need to cash a check from a different bank and don't have an account there, you'll need to visit that bank's branch, use a check-cashing service, or open an account at the issuing bank.
Mobile check deposit for account holders
Chase account holders can deposit checks without visiting a branch by using the Chase Mobile app. Open the app, select "Mobile Check Deposit," photograph the front and back of the check, and submit it. The funds are typically available within one to five business days, depending on the check amount.
Checks under $2,500 usually clear within one business day. Larger checks may be held longer. The app will tell you the expected availability date when you submit the deposit.
Mobile deposit is available 24/7 and requires no trip to the branch. You'll still need a valid Chase account to use it.
Holds on checks and fund availability
When you deposit a check into a Chase account, the bank may place a hold on the funds. This means the money won't be available to withdraw or spend immediately, even though the check has been deposited.
Chase follows federal Regulation CC, which sets the maximum time the bank can hold funds. For most checks, funds must be available by the second business day after deposit. However, Chase may hold funds longer if the check is large (over $5,000), drawn on an out-of-state bank, or if you're a new account holder.
If you cash a check over the counter instead of depositing it, you receive cash immediately and there is no hold.
What to do if Chase won't cash your check
If the check is drawn on another bank and you're not a customer of that bank, Chase cannot cash it. Your options are to open an account at the issuing bank, visit that bank's branch in person, or use a third-party check-cashing service.
Check-cashing services (such as Walmart, grocery stores, or dedicated check-cashing businesses) will cash checks from any bank for a fee, typically $2 to $5 for personal checks. The fee is usually lower than a bank's non-customer fee, but the service is available only during the business's operating hours.
Some employers offer paycheck advances or direct deposit, which bypasses the need to cash a check altogether. If you receive regular paychecks, direct deposit into any bank account is the fastest and cheapest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at Chase if I don't have an account there?
Only if the check is drawn on a Chase account. You'll need a valid ID and will be charged a fee of $5 to $10. If the check is from another bank, Chase will not cash it for non-customers.
How long does it take for a deposited check to clear?
Most checks clear within one to five business days. Checks under $2,500 usually clear in one business day. Larger checks or checks from out-of-state banks may take longer. When you deposit via mobile app or at a branch, the teller will tell you the expected availability date.
Is there a fee to cash a check if I'm a Chase account holder?
No. Account holders can cash checks at any Chase branch for free with a valid ID. The check can be drawn on any bank.
What if the check is post-dated or damaged?
Chase will not cash a post-dated check (one dated in the future). A damaged check may be accepted if it's still legible and the routing and account numbers are clear. Ask the teller whether the check is acceptable before you wait in line.
Can I deposit a check written to someone else?
No. A check must be written to you or to you and another person. If it's written to someone else, that person must endorse it to you, and Chase may still decline to accept it. The safest option is to have the original payee deposit it into their own account and transfer the funds to you.