The fastest way to cash a check at Chase

Walk into any Chase branch with your check, a valid government-issued ID, and your debit card or account number. A teller will verify the check, confirm you have funds available in your account (if you're depositing rather than cashing), and hand you cash or add the amount to your account. The whole process takes five to ten minutes. If you don't have an account at Chase, you can still cash a check there, but the teller may charge a fee — typically $5 to $10 — and will ask for two forms of ID.

You don't need to call ahead or make an appointment. Walk-in cashing is available during regular branch hours, which vary by location but are usually Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with shorter Saturday hours and no Sunday service at most branches. Check your specific branch's hours on the Chase website or by calling the branch directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a valid government ID and your Chase debit card or account number to cash a check in person at any Chase branch.
  • Non-account holders can cash checks at Chase but will pay a fee, usually $5 to $10 per check.
  • Mobile deposit through the Chase mobile app lets you deposit checks without visiting a branch, though the funds may take one to two business days to appear.
  • ATM check deposit is available at some Chase locations and works the same way as mobile deposit for timing and availability.
  • If the check is damaged, unsigned, or post-dated, the teller will refuse it and explain what's wrong.

Cashing versus depositing: which one you need

Cashing a check means the teller gives you the full amount in cash on the spot. Depositing a check means the money goes into your Chase account instead. If you need cash immediately, ask to cash it. If you want the money in your account to pay bills or transfer later, deposit it.

The teller will ask which you want. If you're not sure, depositing is usually safer — you have a record in your account, and the money is insured by the FDIC up to $250,000. Cashing is faster if you need the cash that day, but you lose the paper trail and the protection of having it in an account.

What happens if you don't have a Chase account

Chase will cash checks for non-account holders, but you'll pay a fee. The fee is typically $5 for checks under $100 and $10 for checks $100 or more, though this varies by branch and region. Bring two forms of government-issued ID — a driver's license and a passport, or two state IDs. The teller will verify the check and the ID, then hand you cash.

Some branches may refuse to cash very large checks or checks that appear altered or suspicious. If that happens, ask the teller why and whether you can deposit it instead. If you plan to cash checks at Chase regularly, opening a free checking account might save you money on fees.

Mobile deposit: cashing a check without visiting a branch

The Chase mobile app lets you deposit checks from your phone. Open the app, go to Deposit Checks, take a photo of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and confirm. The check is deposited into your account, and the funds usually appear within one to two business days. You don't need to visit a branch or an ATM.

Mobile deposit works only for depositing checks into your account — you cannot get cash this way. You'll need a Chase checking or savings account to use it. The check must be signed, dated, and made out to you or to you and another person. Do not deposit a check made out to someone else unless that person has signed it over to you on the back.

After you deposit a check through the app, write the check number and amount on the back of the physical check, then hold it for at least 30 days before destroying it. Chase may ask you to produce the original check if there's a dispute.

ATM check deposit at Chase locations

Many Chase ATMs accept check deposits. Insert your debit card, select Deposit, choose Checks, and follow the prompts. The ATM scans the check and deposits it into your account. Funds typically appear within one to two business days, the same as mobile deposit.

Not all Chase ATMs have check deposit capability — look for a sign on the machine or ask a teller which ATMs in your branch accept checks. ATM deposit works 24/7, so you can deposit a check at midnight if you need to. Like mobile deposit, this only puts money into your account; it does not give you cash.

What to do if the check won't cash

A teller will refuse a check if it's unsigned, post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), damaged so the routing number or account number is illegible, or made out to someone other than you. If the check is post-dated, ask the person who wrote it to write a new one with today's date. If it's stale-dated, contact the person who issued it and ask them to issue a replacement.

If the check is damaged, ask the teller whether it's readable enough to process. Sometimes a check with a small tear or water damage can still be cashed. If the teller says no, contact the person who wrote the check and ask for a replacement. Do not try to tape or repair the check yourself — that can make it unacceptable to the bank.

If a check bounces — meaning the account it's drawn on doesn't have enough money — Chase will reverse the deposit and charge you a fee, usually $10 to $15. The money will be removed from your account. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to cover the fee or issue a new check once they have funds.

Holds on deposited checks

When you deposit a check, Chase may place a hold on the funds, meaning you can't withdraw the money immediately even though the deposit shows in your account. A hold typically lasts one to two business days for local checks and up to five business days for out-of-state checks. During the hold, the money is in your account but not yet available to spend.

Chase places holds to protect itself in case the check bounces. If you need the money sooner, ask the teller whether they can release the hold early — some branches will for account holders in good standing, especially for small amounts or checks from well-known banks. If the check is from another Chase account, the hold is usually lifted the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a Chase ATM?

No. Chase ATMs accept check deposits but do not dispense cash for checks. You must visit a branch teller to cash a check and receive cash on the spot.

What if the check is made out to two people?

If the check says "John and Jane," both people must be present with ID to cash it. If it says "John or Jane," either person can cash it alone. If you're not the only person named on the check, ask the teller which rule applies.

Do I need to endorse the check?

Yes. Sign the back of the check in the endorsement area (usually a small box on the back left side) before you hand it to the teller. Write your signature only — do not add instructions or conditions. If you're depositing through mobile app or ATM, you typically don't need to sign it first, but check your app's instructions.

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

One to two business days for local checks, up to five for out-of-state checks. The money may show in your account sooner, but it's on hold until the check clears. Once the hold lifts, the money is yours and the check has cleared.

What if I lost the check or it was stolen?

Contact the person who wrote the check immediately and ask them to stop payment on it through their bank. They'll need the check number and amount. Then ask them to issue a replacement check. If the check was deposited and then bounced, contact Chase to report it and ask about fee reversal.