You can cash a US Bank check without an account, but the method and cost depend on who issues the check and where you go
If the check is drawn on US Bank (meaning US Bank is the bank that issued it), you can walk into any US Bank branch and cash it at the teller window without having an account. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID. US Bank does not charge you a fee for this service.
If the check is drawn on a different bank, US Bank will treat it as a third-party check. Most US Bank branches will not cash third-party checks for non-customers, or will charge a fee to do so. Your options then shift to other places that cash checks for a fee, or to opening a temporary account.
Key Takeaways
- US Bank checks can be cashed free at any US Bank branch without an account, as long as you bring a valid photo ID.
- Checks drawn on other banks are harder to cash at US Bank and may carry a fee; you should call the branch first to ask their policy.
- Check-cashing services, grocery stores, and Walmart cash checks for a fee that typically ranges from $2 to $10 depending on the check amount.
- Some check-cashing locations require the check to be drawn on a US bank and may refuse checks with post-dates or alterations.
Cashing a US Bank check at a branch without an account
Walk into any US Bank branch during business hours 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. They will verify the check is genuine, confirm your identity, and give you the cash. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
US Bank does not require you to have an account to cash checks drawn on US Bank. This is a standard service they offer to the public. You do not need to call ahead or make an appointment.
Cashing checks from other banks at US Bank
US Bank's policy on third-party checks (checks drawn on banks other than US Bank) varies by branch. Some branches will cash them for non-customers for a fee, usually $5 to $10. Other branches refuse to cash them at all for people without accounts. Call the branch you plan to visit and ask their specific policy before you go.
If the branch will not cash it or the fee is too high, you have other options. Do not try to deposit a third-party check into someone else's account without permission—that is fraud.
Check-cashing services and retail locations
Check-cashing stores are designed for this exact situation. They cash checks for a fee, typically $2 to $10 depending on the check amount and the store's location. Fees are usually a percentage of the check amount (often 1 to 3 percent) or a flat fee, whichever is higher. You will need a valid photo ID and the check must be signed by the person who wrote it.
Walmart, grocery stores like Kroger and Safeway, and some pharmacies also cash checks for non-customers. Walmart charges a flat fee of $3 to $6 depending on the check amount. Grocery stores typically charge $2 to $5. These services are faster than a bank and do not require an account, but the fees add up if you cash checks regularly.
Most check-cashing locations will not cash post-dated checks (checks dated in the future), checks with alterations, or checks that are more than 6 months old. They may also refuse checks over a certain amount without additional verification.
What happens if the check bounces
If you cash a check and it later bounces (the account does not have enough money), the check-cashing service or store will try to recover the money from you. You may be charged a fee by the location where you cashed it, typically $15 to $25. If you do not repay it, they may send the debt to a collection agency or pursue legal action.
The person who wrote the check is responsible for the bounced check, but that does not protect you from the check-cashing service's fee. Always verify that a check is legitimate before you accept it, especially if it is for a large amount.
Opening a US Bank account to cash checks
If you plan to cash checks regularly, opening a US Bank account may be cheaper than paying check-cashing fees. US Bank offers checking accounts with no monthly fee if you meet certain requirements, such as setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance. Once you have an account, you can deposit checks for free and access the money immediately or within one business day, depending on when you deposit.
You can open a US Bank account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. You will need a valid photo ID, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit (usually $25 to $100). Some accounts have no minimum balance requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to endorse the check if I cash it at US Bank?
Yes. Sign the back of the check in front of the teller. If the check is made out to two people (like "John and Jane Smith"), both people must be present and sign it, or one person must sign and write "for deposit only" and the other person's name.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a check made out to someone else unless they sign it over to you. They must endorse the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]", then sign. You will then sign below that. Not all check-cashing locations accept third-party endorsed checks, so call ahead.
Can I cash a check at a US Bank ATM?
No. US Bank ATMs do not cash checks. You must go to a branch and speak to a teller. Some banks offer mobile check deposit through their app, but that requires an account.
What if I don't have a photo ID?
US Bank and most check-cashing services require a valid photo ID. If you do not have one, you cannot cash a check at these locations. You would need to apply for a state ID or passport first.
Is it cheaper to cash a check at Walmart or a check-cashing store?
It depends on the check amount. Walmart's flat fee is usually $3 to $6, while check-cashing stores often charge a percentage (1 to 3 percent). For a $100 check, Walmart is usually cheaper. For a $1,000 check, the percentage-based fee at a check-cashing store might be lower. Compare fees at locations near you before you go.