You can cash a Citizens Bank check without an account, but the method depends on who issued it and where you go
If the check is drawn on Citizens Bank (meaning Citizens Bank is the bank listed on the check), you can walk into any Citizens Bank branch and cash it at the teller window without having an account there. You will need a valid photo ID. The teller will verify the check and hand you cash on the spot—no account required.
If you do not have access to a Citizens Bank branch or prefer not to go in person, you have other options: a check-cashing store, your own bank (if you have one), or a grocery store or retailer that offers check-cashing services. Each route has different fees and speed.
Key Takeaways
- Citizens Bank branches will cash Citizens Bank checks for anyone with a valid photo ID, whether or not you have an account.
- Check-cashing stores and some retailers will cash the check for a fee, typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.
- If you have a bank account elsewhere, depositing the check there is usually free and faster than cashing it in person.
- Large checks or checks with unclear signatures may require additional verification, which can add time.
Cashing at a Citizens Bank branch in person
Walk into any Citizens Bank location with the check and a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work. Tell the teller you want to cash the check. The teller will examine the check for the signature, routing number, and account number, then verify the funds are available. This usually takes a few minutes.
You will receive cash immediately. There is no fee for this service at Citizens Bank branches. If the check is very large (typically over $5,000, though this varies by branch) or if the signature looks questionable, the teller may place a hold or ask you to come back after the check clears, but most routine checks cash on the spot.
Find a Citizens Bank branch location on their website or by calling 1-800-922-9999. Bring your ID and the check, and go during business hours—most branches are open Monday through Friday and some on Saturday mornings.
Using a check-cashing store or retailer
Check-cashing businesses and some grocery stores, pharmacies, and retailers (like Walmart or Target) will cash checks from any bank for a fee. The fee is usually a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the check—typically 1 to 3 percent. A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash, depending on the store and the check amount.
You will need a valid photo ID and sometimes a second form of ID. The process is similar to a bank: the cashier verifies the check details and hands you cash. Most check-cashing stores are open longer hours than banks, including evenings and weekends, which can be convenient if you cannot reach a Citizens Bank branch during business hours.
The downside is the fee. If you have a bank account anywhere else, depositing the check there is almost always cheaper. Check-cashing stores are most useful when you need cash immediately and do not have a bank account.
Depositing the check into your own bank account
If you have a bank account at another bank, you can deposit a Citizens Bank check there. Most banks accept checks from other banks with no fee. You can deposit by mail, at an ATM (if your bank offers mobile check deposit), or at a branch.
Mobile deposit—taking a photo of the front and back of the check through your bank's app—is the fastest and most convenient option if your bank offers it. The check typically clears within one to two business days, and you can withdraw the cash once it clears. There is no fee for this.
If you do not have a bank account, opening one is free at most banks and takes about 15 minutes. Some banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee. This is worth considering if you receive checks regularly, because you will avoid check-cashing fees over time.
What happens if the check is damaged or has problems
A check with a torn corner, water damage, or faded ink may still cash, but the teller or cashier will examine it more closely. If the routing number, account number, or signature is unclear, they may refuse to cash it or place a hold while they verify the funds with Citizens Bank directly.
If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), most banks and check-cashing stores will not cash it until that date arrives. If the check is stale-dated (more than six months old), banks are not required to cash it, though some will if the issuer confirms it is still good. Contact the person or business that issued the check if you are unsure whether it is still valid.
What to do if the check bounces
If you cash a check and it later bounces—meaning the account it was drawn on did not have enough funds—the responsibility depends on where you cashed it. If you cashed it at a Citizens Bank branch, Citizens Bank will reverse the transaction and deduct the cash from your account if you have one there. If you do not have an account, Citizens Bank may pursue you for the amount, though this is rare for small checks.
If you cashed it at a check-cashing store or retailer, that business will reverse the transaction and may charge you a returned-check fee (typically $10 to $25). You are responsible for returning the cash or paying the fee. The person who issued the check is ultimately liable, but collecting from them is your problem, not the bank's or the check-cashing store's.
To protect yourself, ask the person issuing the check whether the funds are available, or wait a day or two before spending the cash if you are unsure. Some check-cashing stores hold the check for a few days before releasing the cash, which reduces this risk.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Fee | Speed | Hours | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizens Bank branch | None | Same day (minutes) | Business hours, some Saturdays | Valid photo ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check amount | Same day (minutes) | Extended hours, often evenings and weekends | Valid photo ID, sometimes a second ID |
| Your own bank branch | None | 1–2 business days | Business hours | Bank account, valid photo ID |
| Mobile deposit (your bank) | None | 1–2 business days | Anytime (via app) | Bank account with mobile deposit, smartphone |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Citizens Bank customer to cash a Citizens Bank check?
No. Citizens Bank will cash checks drawn on their bank for anyone with a valid photo ID, regardless of whether you have an account with them. Walk into any branch with your ID and the check, and the teller will cash it.
What if I do not have a photo ID?
Most banks and check-cashing stores require a valid photo ID to cash a check. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain a state ID or passport. Some check-cashing stores may accept a second form of ID (like a utility bill or lease) in addition to a non-photo ID, but this varies by location.
How long does it take to cash a check at Citizens Bank?
Cashing a check at a Citizens Bank branch usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The teller verifies the check and hands you cash immediately. Large checks or checks with unclear signatures may take longer if the teller needs to verify funds with the account holder.
Can I cash a third-party check (a check made out to someone else)?
Most banks, including Citizens Bank, do not cash third-party checks anymore due to fraud concerns. The check must be made out to you. If someone wants to give you money via check, ask them to write it in your name instead.
What if the check amount is very large?
Citizens Bank may place a hold on large checks (typically over $5,000) and ask you to return after the check clears, which usually takes 1 to 3 business days. This protects the bank in case the check bounces. Ask the teller what the branch's policy is for large checks before you go in.