Cash a Chase check at Chase branches, other banks, grocery stores, and check-cashing services
You can cash a Chase check at a Chase branch for free if you have an account there. If you don't have a Chase account, you can still cash it at most Chase locations, though some branches may charge a fee or require you to open an account. Outside Chase, your options include other banks (which may charge a fee if you're not a customer), grocery stores with check-cashing services, check-cashing storefronts, and some retailers like Walmart and Target. The fastest route depends on whether you have a bank account, how much the check is for, and what's open near you right now.
The check must be signed by the person who wrote it, and you'll need a government-issued ID. If the check is made out to someone else, that person has to sign it and endorse it to you, or cash it themselves — you can't cash a check made out to another person without their signature.
Key Takeaways
- Chase customers can cash Chase checks at any Chase branch for free, with no minimum balance or account type required.
- Non-customers can cash Chase checks at Chase branches, but some locations charge a fee (typically $5 to $10) or may refuse if the check amount is very large.
- Banks, grocery stores, and check-cashing services outside Chase often charge $2 to $10 depending on the check amount and whether you're a customer.
- You need a government-issued ID and the check must be signed; if it's made out to someone else, that person must sign and endorse it to you.
- Check-cashing storefronts are open longer hours than banks but typically charge the highest fees.
Cashing at Chase branches
If you have a Chase checking or savings account, you can cash a Chase check at any Chase branch during business hours for free. You don't need to have the check deposited into your account — you can walk in and ask for cash. Bring your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The teller will verify the check and hand you the cash on the spot, usually within a few minutes.
If you don't have a Chase account, many Chase branches will still cash the check, but the terms vary by location. Some branches charge a fee of $5 to $10 for non-customers, while others refuse to cash checks for people without accounts. A few branches may ask you to open an account. Call the branch ahead of time to ask their policy — you can find your nearest Chase branch and its phone number on Chase's website or by calling Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935.
Large checks (typically over $5,000) may take longer or require a manager's approval, even for account holders. Some branches may ask you to come back later or may offer to deposit the check instead. If the check is damaged, unsigned, or post-dated (dated in the future), Chase will not cash it.
Cashing at other banks
Most banks will cash a check drawn on another bank, but they charge a fee if you're not a customer. The fee typically ranges from $2 to $10 depending on the check amount. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and regional banks all cash checks from other banks, though policies vary by branch.
If you have an account at another bank, cashing a Chase check there is usually free or costs less than a non-customer fee. Call ahead to confirm the branch's policy and to make sure they have enough cash on hand for a large check. Bring your ID and the signed check.
Grocery stores and retail check-cashing services
Many grocery stores operate check-cashing services in their customer service desk or at the front end. Walmart, Target, and some regional grocery chains (Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods) cash checks for a flat fee, usually $2 to $5 for personal checks. These services are often faster than banks because there's no account verification needed — just your ID and the signed check.
Hours are typically longer than bank branches, often open until 9 or 10 p.m. and on weekends. However, most grocery stores have a limit on how much they'll cash in a single check, often $1,000 to $2,500. Call the store's customer service desk to confirm they cash checks and what their limit is.
Check-cashing storefronts
Check-cashing businesses (also called check-cashing outlets or CCOs) are independent storefronts that specialize in cashing checks. They're open longer hours than banks — often 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and some are open on Sundays. They require only your ID and the signed check, and they usually process the check in minutes.
The downside is cost. Check-cashing storefronts typically charge 1% to 3% of the check amount as a fee. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. On a $2,000 check, it's $20 to $60. Some charge a flat fee instead, usually $3 to $10. These fees are significantly higher than banks or grocery stores, so use a check-cashing storefront only if other options aren't available.
What to do if the check is made out to someone else
If a check is made out to another person, you cannot cash it yourself. The person whose name is on the check must either cash it themselves or sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" to endorse it to you. Once they've endorsed it, you can take it to a bank or check-cashing service with your ID.
Some banks and check-cashing services will ask both people to be present when the check is cashed, or they may refuse to cash a third-party check altogether. Call ahead to ask the location's policy before you go. Third-party checks are riskier for the business because they're easier to forge, so policies are stricter than for checks made out to the person cashing them.
Fees and timing by location
| Location | Cost for non-customers | Speed | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase branch (with account) | Free | 5–10 minutes | Typically 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays |
| Chase branch (no account) | $5–$10 or refused | 5–10 minutes | Typically 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays |
| Other bank | $2–$10 | 5–15 minutes | Typically 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays |
| Grocery store | $2–$5 | 5–10 minutes | Often 8 a.m.–10 p.m., including weekends |
| Check-cashing storefront | 1–3% of check or $3–$10 flat | 5–10 minutes | Often 8 a.m.–8 p.m., including weekends |
What you need to bring
You need a government-issued photo ID to cash any check. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some locations may accept a tribal ID or passport card. Bring the signed check itself — the person who wrote it must have signed it, or it won't be cashed.
If you're cashing a check made out to someone else, bring that person's ID as well, and make sure they've signed the back of the check and written "Pay to the order of [your name]" to endorse it to you. Some locations will ask for both IDs even if only you're present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a Chase check at a Chase ATM?
No. Chase ATMs only accept deposits; they don't dispense cash for checks. You must go to a branch or use one of the other methods listed above.
What if the check is post-dated or damaged?
A post-dated check (dated in the future) cannot be cashed until that date arrives. A damaged check with torn corners, water damage, or faded ink may be refused. If the check is damaged, contact the person who wrote it and ask for a replacement.
Can I deposit the check instead of cashing it?
Yes. If you have a bank account, depositing the check is usually free and takes one to two business days to clear. If you don't have an account, you can open one at Chase or another bank and deposit it there, though you may have to wait for the funds to clear before you can withdraw them.
What if the check amount is very large?
Checks over $5,000 may require a manager's approval or a callback to verify the check is legitimate. Some branches may ask you to come back later or may offer to deposit it instead. Call the branch ahead of time if your check is large.
Do I have to be a Chase customer to cash a Chase check?
No, but it's easier and cheaper if you are. Non-customers can cash Chase checks at most Chase branches, but some charge a fee or refuse large checks. Other banks, grocery stores, and check-cashing services will also cash Chase checks for a fee.