Citizens Bank will cash checks for non-customers, but with conditions
Yes, Citizens Bank will cash a check for you even if you don't have an account there. However, the bank charges a fee for this service, and the amount depends on whether the check is drawn on a Citizens Bank account or another bank. If the check is from a Citizens Bank customer, the fee is typically lower or waived. If it's drawn on a different bank, you'll pay a higher fee—usually between $5 and $10, though this can vary by location and the check amount.
You'll need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID to cash the check. The teller will verify the check details, confirm your identity, and process the transaction. The entire process usually takes a few minutes at the counter during business hours.
Keep in mind that Citizens Bank reserves the right to refuse to cash a check if there are concerns about the check itself—such as a missing signature, an illegible amount, or a post-dated date. If the check amount is very large, the bank may place a hold or ask additional questions before cashing it.
Key Takeaways
- Citizens Bank cashes checks for non-customers with a valid photo ID, but charges a fee that varies based on whether the check is drawn on Citizens Bank or another bank.
- Checks drawn on Citizens Bank accounts typically have a lower fee or no fee, while checks from other banks usually cost $5 to $10.
- You must present a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport to cash any check.
- Large checks or checks with missing or unclear information may be refused or delayed while the bank verifies details.
Fee structure for non-customers
The fee Citizens Bank charges depends on the source of the check. If someone writes you a check from their Citizens Bank account, the fee is often waived or very small because the bank can verify the funds immediately. If the check is drawn on a different bank—whether another national bank, a credit union, or a regional institution—Citizens Bank charges a higher fee to cover the cost of processing and verifying the check through the banking network.
The exact fee amount varies by branch and region, so it's worth calling ahead to ask. Some Citizens Bank locations may charge a flat fee regardless of the check amount, while others may charge a percentage of the check value for very large checks. Ask the teller for the fee before you authorize the transaction so there are no surprises.
What you need to bring to cash a check
Bring one valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The name on your ID must match the name on the check—if the check is made out to a different name or a nickname, the bank will likely refuse to cash it.
If the check is made out to two people (for example, "John Smith and Jane Doe"), both people typically need to be present with ID to cash it. If the check is made out to a business or organization, you may need additional documentation proving you're authorized to cash it on behalf of that entity.
Bring the check itself, unsigned. Do not sign the back of the check until the teller asks you to—they need to verify it first. If you've already signed it, let the teller know so they can check that your signature matches your ID.
When Citizens Bank will refuse to cash a check
Citizens Bank may refuse to cash a check if the check is post-dated (dated for a future date), has a missing or illegible signature, or has an amount written in words that doesn't match the numerical amount. The bank is also required to refuse checks that appear to be altered, forged, or fraudulent.
If you don't have a photo ID or your ID is expired, most Citizens Bank branches will not cash the check. Some branches may have exceptions for military ID or other special circumstances, but this is not may provide. If the check is very old—typically more than six months—the bank may refuse it because checks are generally considered stale after that period.
Large checks may trigger additional verification steps. The bank may place a hold on the funds, contact the issuing bank to confirm the account has sufficient funds, or ask you questions about the source of the check. This is a fraud-prevention measure and is standard practice at most banks.
Alternatives if Citizens Bank won't cash your check
If Citizens Bank refuses to cash your check, you have several other options. The bank that issued the check—the one printed on the check itself—will almost always cash it for free if you have a valid ID, even if you don't have an account there. This is often the fastest and cheapest option.
Check-cashing services and payday loan stores will cash checks for a fee, usually between 1% and 5% of the check amount. These services are faster than banks and have longer hours, but the fees are often higher than what a bank charges. Walmart and some grocery stores also offer check-cashing services at their customer service desks, typically for $3 to $6 per check.
If you have a mobile payment app like Mobile Deposit, some banks and credit unions allow you to deposit checks remotely by taking a photo. This requires opening an account, but once you do, you avoid fees and can deposit checks from home. Some employers also offer direct deposit, which eliminates the need to cash checks altogether.
How the check-cashing process works at Citizens Bank
Walk into any Citizens Bank branch during business hours with your check and photo ID. Tell the teller you'd like to cash the check. The teller will examine the check for completeness—signature, date, amount, and payee name. They'll verify that your ID matches the name on the check.
If the check is drawn on Citizens Bank, the teller can verify the funds in seconds. If it's from another bank, the teller will run it through the banking network to confirm the account exists and has sufficient funds. This verification usually takes a few minutes but can take longer if the issuing bank is slow to respond.
Once verified, the teller will ask you to sign the back of the check if you haven't already. They'll then count out the cash, minus the fee, and hand it to you. You'll receive a receipt showing the check amount, the fee charged, and the cash you received. The entire transaction typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at Citizens Bank if the check is made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you, and your name on the check must match your ID exactly. If someone wants to give you their check, they need to sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]," but most banks won't accept this third-party endorsement. The safest option is to have the original payee deposit it into their account and transfer you the money.
What if my check is post-dated?
Citizens Bank will not cash a post-dated check—a check dated for a future date. You'll need to wait until that date arrives and return to the bank. Some banks will hold a post-dated check and cash it automatically on the date written, but you should ask the teller first rather than assume.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to cash a check at Citizens Bank?
No, but you do need a valid government-issued photo ID. A passport, visa, or other official ID from any country is acceptable as long as it has your photo and matches the name on the check. Some branches may ask additional questions if your ID is from outside the United States, but this is not a reason to refuse the transaction.
How long does it take for a check to clear if I cash it at Citizens Bank?
When you cash a check at the teller window, you receive the money immediately. The bank then processes the check through the banking system, which typically takes one to two business days. If the check bounces or is fraudulent, the bank will debit your cash from the teller—but since you're a non-customer, they'll contact you to recover the money.
Can I cash a check online or through Citizens Bank's mobile app?
No. Citizens Bank's mobile deposit feature is only available to account holders. As a non-customer, you must visit a branch in person to cash a check. However, if you open an account, you can deposit checks remotely using the mobile app, which eliminates the need to visit a branch.