You can deposit a check at a check-cashing service, retail store, or credit union without owning a bank account
If you don't have a bank account, you have three main routes to turn a check into cash: a check-cashing service (standalone or inside a retail store), a credit union that accepts non-members, or a prepaid card with mobile deposit. Each charges a fee, takes different amounts of time, and requires different documents. The fastest is usually a retail check-cashing counter—often in grocery stores or pharmacies—because you walk out with cash the same day. The cheapest is often a credit union, if one near you cashes checks for non-members.
Key Takeaways
- Check-cashing services charge a percentage of the check amount (typically 1 to 3 percent) or a flat fee, and you get cash the same day.
- Retail stores like Walmart, grocery chains, and pharmacies cash checks at their customer service desk, usually for lower fees than standalone check-cashing shops.
- Some credit unions cash checks for non-members, often at lower fees than commercial check-cashing services, but you need to call ahead to confirm.
- Prepaid cards with mobile deposit let you photograph the check and deposit it remotely, but the funds may take one to three business days to arrive.
- You will need a government-issued ID and the check itself; some places also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number.
Check-cashing services and what they cost
A standalone check-cashing service is a business that cashes checks for a fee. They are common in urban and suburban areas and typically charge between 1 and 3 percent of the check amount, or a flat fee per check (often $5 to $15). A $500 check at 2 percent costs $10. The same check at a flat $10 fee costs the same. On a $100 check, the flat fee hurts more.
You walk in with your check and a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The cashier verifies the check is real, checks your ID against the name on the check, and hands you cash. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes. Some services also offer money orders, bill payment, or wire transfers, which cost extra.
The downside: fees add up if you cash checks regularly. Over a year, cashing two checks a month at $10 each costs $240. Also, not all checks clear the same day—if the check is from an out-of-state bank or is very large, the service may hold it for one or two business days before paying you, or charge a higher fee for same-day clearing.
Retail store check-cashing counters
Walmart, Target, grocery chains (Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons), and many pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens) cash checks at their customer service desk. Fees are usually lower than standalone services: typically $2 to $6 per check, or 1 to 1.5 percent of the amount. A $500 check costs $3 to $7.50 instead of $10.
Bring your government-issued ID and the check. The cashier scans the check, verifies it, and hands you cash. Most retail locations cash checks during store hours, which are often longer than check-cashing shops. Some stores limit the check amount (often $1,000 to $5,000) or the number of checks you can cash per day.
The catch: not all locations cash all types of checks. Personal checks are standard. Payroll checks are almost always accepted. Government checks (tax refunds, Social Security) are usually fine. Business checks and third-party checks (a check made out to someone else, then signed over to you) are often refused. Call the store's customer service desk before you go, or ask when you arrive.
Credit unions that cash checks for non-members
Some credit unions cash checks for people who are not members, usually for a lower fee than commercial check-cashing services. Fees range from $0 to $5 per check, depending on the credit union. A few credit unions cash checks for free if the check is drawn on their own bank.
To find a credit union near you that does this, search online for "[your city] credit union check cashing non-member" or call credit unions in your area directly. Ask: "Do you cash checks for non-members? What is the fee?" Some credit unions limit the check amount or the number of checks per day. A few require you to open a savings account (sometimes with just $5 or $25) to cash a check.
Bring your government-issued ID and the check. The process is the same as at a retail counter: the teller verifies the check and hands you cash. Most credit unions are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some have Saturday hours. This route works best if you have a credit union nearby and can visit during their hours.
Prepaid cards with mobile check deposit
Some prepaid cards let you photograph the front and back of a check using their mobile app and deposit it without visiting a store. The funds arrive in your prepaid account in one to three business days. You then withdraw the money at an ATM or use the card to pay bills or make purchases.
Examples include NetSpend, Chime (which also offers a free checking account), and some cards issued by Walmart or other retailers. Fees vary: some prepaid cards charge $0 to deposit a check, while others charge $1 to $3. ATM withdrawals may cost $1 to $3 per transaction if you use an out-of-network ATM.
The advantage is convenience: you don't leave home and you don't need cash immediately. The disadvantage is the delay—funds take several business days, not hours. Also, you need a smartphone with a camera and the card issuer's app. If you lose the card or forget your PIN, accessing your money becomes harder than carrying cash.
What documents and ID you need
Every check-cashing service, retail counter, and credit union requires a government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some places ask for a second form of ID (a utility bill, lease, or Social Security card) if your primary ID looks worn or if the name on the check doesn't match your ID exactly.
Bring the check itself, unsigned if it's made out to you. If the check is made out to someone else and they have signed it over to you (a third-party check), most retail and check-cashing places will refuse it. Credit unions are more likely to accept third-party checks if both people are present with ID, but policies vary widely.
If the check is damaged, torn, or has writing on the back other than an endorsement, some places may refuse it or charge a higher fee. If the check is very old (more than six months), it may be considered stale-dated and rejected, though this is less common.
Comparing fees and speed across all options
| Method | Typical Fee | Speed | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standalone check-cashing service | 1–3% or $5–$15 flat | Same day (usually) | Government ID, check |
| Retail store counter | $2–$6 or 1–1.5% | Same day | Government ID, check |
| Credit union (non-member) | $0–$5 | Same day | Government ID, check |
| Prepaid card mobile deposit | $0–$3 | 1–3 business days | Smartphone, card, app |
Red flags and what to watch for
Be cautious of check-cashing services that ask for personal information beyond your name and ID number, or that ask you to sign away rights to dispute the check. Legitimate services do not need your Social Security number, bank account details, or permission to pursue you if the check bounces. If a service asks for these, go elsewhere.
Watch the fee structure. Some services advertise a low percentage but add hidden fees for "verification" or "processing." Ask for the total fee in dollars before you hand over the check. If the service won't tell you upfront, leave.
If a check bounces after you cash it, the service may ask you to repay the amount. This is legal—you received the cash, and if the check was fraudulent or the account had insufficient funds, the loss falls on you. Some services charge an additional fee ($15 to $50) if a check bounces. Ask about this policy before you cash the check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
Most retail stores and check-cashing services refuse third-party checks (checks signed over to you by someone else). Credit unions are more flexible and may accept them if both the original payee and you are present with ID. Call ahead to ask. The safest option is to ask the check writer to issue a new check in your name.
What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?
You are responsible for repaying the amount. The check-cashing service will ask you to return the cash or will deduct it from future transactions. Some services charge an additional fee ($15 to $50) for a bounced check. If you suspect fraud, report it to the check writer and the police, but the service will still expect repayment.
Do I need a bank account to use a prepaid card?
No. A prepaid card is not a bank account—it is a card you load money onto. You can buy a prepaid card at a retail store or online, load a check deposit onto it via the app, and use it to withdraw cash or pay bills. You do not need a bank account or credit history.
Which option is cheapest for cashing checks regularly?
A credit union is usually cheapest if one near you cashes checks for non-members at low or no fee. Retail store counters are the next best option. Standalone check-cashing services are most expensive. If you cash checks very often, opening a basic bank account (many banks offer free checking) may cost less over time than paying per-check fees.
Can I cash a check at a bank I don't have an account with?
Most banks refuse to cash checks for non-customers. Some banks cash checks drawn on their own bank for non-customers at no fee, but you must ask. Your best bet is a credit union, retail store, or check-cashing service—all of which are designed to serve people without accounts.