Your main options for cashing a check

You can cash a check at the bank or credit union that issued it, at a check-cashing store, at some retail locations, or by depositing it into a savings account, prepaid card, or money market account. The bank that issued the check — the one printed in the bottom left corner — will cash it for free if you show a valid ID, even if you have no account there. Check-cashing stores charge a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount) but are open longer hours and require less documentation. Retail stores like Walmart, Target, and grocery chains cash checks for a flat fee, typically $3 to $6.

The fastest route depends on what you have available right now. If you have a valid government ID and can reach the issuing bank during business hours, that is free and takes minutes. If you need the money outside banking hours or do not have an ID, a check-cashing store or retailer is your next option. If you have access to any kind of savings account, prepaid card, or even a friend's account, depositing the check there and withdrawing cash afterward avoids the fee entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • The bank that issued the check will cash it for free with a valid ID, regardless of whether you have an account there.
  • Check-cashing stores and retail locations charge fees ranging from $3 to 6 percent, but operate outside standard banking hours.
  • Depositing a check into any savings account, prepaid card, or money market account and then withdrawing cash avoids cashing fees entirely.
  • You will need a valid government-issued ID at most locations; some check-cashing stores may ask for a second form of ID or proof of address.

Cashing at the issuing bank for free

The bank or credit union whose name appears at the bottom left of the check must cash it for you without charging a fee. Bring the check and a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. You do not need to be a customer of that bank. Walk into any branch during business hours, hand the check and ID to a teller, and they will give you cash.

This works for personal checks, business checks, and payroll checks. It does not work for checks drawn on banks that have closed or merged. If the bank no longer exists, you will need to contact the check issuer directly or use another method. Most banks cash checks same-day, though some may place a hold if the check amount is very large or if they suspect fraud.

Check-cashing stores and their fees

Check-cashing businesses are designed for people without bank accounts. They cash checks, sell money orders, and sometimes offer payday loans. Fees vary by location and check type but typically run 1 to 3 percent of the check amount — so a $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash. Some stores charge a flat fee instead, usually $2 to $5 per check regardless of size.

You will need a valid government ID and sometimes a second form of ID or proof of address. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes. Check-cashing stores are often open evenings and weekends, making them useful if you need cash outside banking hours. The trade-off is the fee. Before you go, call ahead or check their website to confirm their fee structure — rates differ between chains and individual locations.

Retail locations that cash checks

Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and many other grocery and discount chains cash checks at their customer service desk. Fees are usually $3 to $6 per check, flat rate regardless of amount. You need a valid ID. The process is fast — usually under 10 minutes — and these stores have extended hours, including weekends.

Retail check-cashing is most useful if you are already shopping there or if a check-cashing store is not nearby. Not all locations cash all check types; some will not cash two-party checks (checks made out to two people) or checks over a certain amount. Call the store's customer service desk before you go to confirm they cash the type of check you have and what their current fee is.

Using a savings account, prepaid card, or money market account

If you have access to any deposit account — a savings account at a bank, a prepaid card with a routing number, or a money market account — you can deposit the check there and withdraw the cash afterward. This avoids all cashing fees. Many prepaid cards (like Chime, NetSpend, and Varo) allow mobile check deposit through their app, meaning you photograph the front and back of the check and the funds appear in your account within one to three business days.

Once the check clears, you can withdraw the full amount as cash at an ATM or at a store. This method takes longer than walking into a bank or check-cashing store — usually one to three business days for the deposit to clear — but it costs nothing. If you do not have your own account, ask a trusted friend or family member whether you can deposit the check into their account and then withdraw it as cash. Many people are willing to do this as a favor.

What to do if the check is damaged or unclear

A check with a torn corner, water damage, or faded ink may be refused by a bank or check-cashing store. If the routing number, account number, or amount is illegible, the teller cannot process it. Ask the person who wrote the check to issue a replacement. Do not attempt to write over or repair the damaged area — this can make the check look altered and will cause it to be rejected.

If the check is only slightly damaged and the key information is readable, try the issuing bank first. Tellers have more discretion than check-cashing stores and may cash it anyway. If they refuse, contact the check issuer and request a new check. This usually takes a few days but is the safest route.

Two-party checks and checks made out to multiple people

A check made out to two people (like "John Smith and Jane Doe") is called a two-party check. Most banks will cash it only if both people are present with ID. Some check-cashing stores have the same rule; others will not cash two-party checks at all. Call ahead to confirm.

If both people cannot be present, ask the check issuer to write two separate checks, one for each person. Alternatively, one person can deposit the check into their account and then transfer the funds to the other person. This takes longer but avoids the two-party problem entirely. Never sign the back of a two-party check and hand it to someone else to cash — this is considered a third-party check, which almost no one will cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a checking account to cash a check?

No. The issuing bank will cash it for free with just a valid ID. Check-cashing stores and retailers will also cash it for a fee. You do not need any bank account.

What if I don't have a government ID?

Most banks and check-cashing stores require a valid government-issued ID. If you do not have one, ask whether they accept a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. Some check-cashing stores may accept a state ID card or driver's license from another country. If you have no ID at all, your only option is to deposit the check into someone else's account and have them withdraw cash for you.

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

Most checks clear within one to three business days. Some banks hold checks longer if the amount is large or if you are a new customer. Mobile check deposits through prepaid card apps often clear within one business day. Ask your bank or card issuer for their specific timeline.

Can I cash a check if it's made out to someone else?

No. A check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it is made out to someone else entirely, that person must cash it or deposit it. Do not sign the back of someone else's check — this is illegal.

What's the cheapest way to cash a check?

The issuing bank is free if you have a valid ID and can reach them during business hours. If you have access to any savings account or prepaid card, depositing the check there is also free. Check-cashing stores and retailers charge $3 to $15 depending on the amount and location.