Not every bank will cash a check from someone who isn't their customer
A bank can refuse to cash your check if you don't have an account there. Most banks have a policy: they cash checks for their own customers at no charge, but they may charge a fee to cash a check for a non-customer, or refuse altogether. The fee varies by bank—some charge $5 to $15, others charge a percentage of the check amount. A few banks refuse non-customer check cashing entirely.
The bank that issued the check (the one printed on the front) is more likely to cash it than a random bank. If your check is from Chase, Chase branches will almost always cash it, even if you don't bank there. But a Bank of America branch may not cash a Chase check, or may charge you to do it.
The person or business who wrote the check can also cash it at their own bank for free, which is why some people ask the check writer to do that instead of trying to find a bank themselves.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check (printed on the front) is your best option—they will usually cash it for free even if you're not a customer.
- Your own bank will cash checks for free, but other banks may charge $5 to $15 or refuse to cash checks from non-customers.
- Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart offer alternatives if no bank will take the check, though they charge a fee.
- Signing the back of the check and bringing a photo ID are standard requirements at any location that cashes checks.
- If the check is stale-dated (more than six months old) or post-dated (dated in the future), banks can legally refuse to cash it.
How to find a bank that will cash your check
Start by looking at the check itself. The name of the bank that issued it is printed on the front, usually in the bottom left corner or across the top. Call that bank's customer service line or visit their website to confirm they cash checks for non-customers. Most major banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank—do cash checks at their branches, though some charge a fee.
If you don't know which bank issued the check, ask the person or business who wrote it. They can tell you where their account is held. You can also try your own bank first—if you have an account there, they will cash it for free.
Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to whichever bank you visit. Sign the back of the check in front of the teller. If the check is for a large amount, the bank may place a hold on the funds for a few business days before releasing them to you.
When banks refuse to cash checks
A bank can refuse to cash a check if it is stale-dated—more than six months old. The date on the check is when it becomes valid; after six months, the bank is not required to honor it. Some banks refuse checks older than 90 days.
A bank can also refuse a post-dated check—one dated in the future. The check is not valid until that date arrives. If you try to cash a check dated next month, the bank will turn you away.
If the check has been altered (the amount changed, the name crossed out and rewritten), the bank may refuse it. If the signature doesn't match the name on the check, or if the check is damaged or illegible, the bank can refuse as well. In these cases, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to issue a new one.
Fees you might pay at a bank that isn't yours
Non-customer check-cashing fees vary widely. Some banks charge a flat fee ($5 to $15), while others charge a percentage of the check amount (usually 1 to 3 percent). A few banks charge nothing. Call ahead or ask the teller before you hand over the check.
Your own bank will not charge you to cash a check, even if it was issued by another bank. If you have a checking or savings account anywhere, use that bank first.
Some banks waive the fee if you open an account with them. If you plan to cash checks regularly and don't have a bank account, opening one may save you money in the long run.
Alternatives if no bank will cash your check
Check-cashing stores will cash almost any valid check, but they charge higher fees than banks—typically 2 to 5 percent of the check amount. A $100 check might cost you $2 to $5 to cash. They are open longer hours than banks and don't require you to have an account.
Walmart and many grocery store chains (Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons) cash checks at their customer service desk. Fees are usually $3 to $6 for checks under $1,000. Hours are longer than banks, and you may already be shopping there.
Your employer may cash your paycheck for free if you ask, even if it's a check rather than direct deposit. Some employers will do this as a courtesy.
The person who wrote the check can cash it at their own bank and give you the cash instead. This avoids the fee entirely and is often the fastest option.
What happens if a check bounces after you cash it
If you cash a check and the account it was drawn from doesn't have enough money, the check bounces. The bank that cashed it will reverse the deposit and deduct the money from your account. You will also be charged a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee, usually $25 to $35.
This is why banks place holds on large checks—they are waiting to confirm the money is actually there before releasing it to you. If you cash a check and spend the money before the hold clears, you could end up overdrawn if the check bounces.
If a check bounces, contact the person who wrote it immediately. Ask them to issue a new check or provide cash. If they refuse and the amount is significant, you may have a claim against them in small claims court.
How to endorse a check so any bank will accept it
Sign the back of the check on the line that says "Endorse here." Use the same name that appears on the front of the check. If the check is made out to multiple people (you and someone else), all of you must sign it.
Some checks have a line that says "Do not write below this line" or "For deposit only." If you are cashing the check (not depositing it), you can ignore that line and sign above it. If you are depositing it into your account, write "For deposit only" and your account number below your signature.
Never sign a blank check or a check made out to someone else. If a check is made out to a business and you work there, ask the business owner or manager to endorse it first, then you can sign it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bank refuse to cash a check from another bank?
Yes. A bank can refuse to cash a check from a non-customer, or charge a fee to do so. The bank that issued the check is more likely to cash it for free. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy before you visit.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a check made out to another person. The person whose name is on the check must either cash it themselves or sign it over to you (called a third-party endorsement). Many banks refuse third-party checks, so this is not reliable. Ask the person to cash it and give you the money instead.
How long does it take for a cashed check to clear?
Most checks clear within one to three business days. Large checks may take longer. The bank will tell you when the hold is released. If the check bounces, you will find out within a few days and the money will be reversed.
Do I need an account to cash a check at my bank?
No. If you have an account at a bank, you can cash checks there for free. But if you don't have an account, you will need to go to the bank that issued the check, or pay a fee at another bank.
What should I do if a check is damaged or torn?
Tape the check together if it is torn, but do not write on it or alter it. Bring it to the bank that issued it along with your ID. The bank may accept it, or they may ask the check writer to issue a new one. Do not try to cash a check that is illegible or heavily damaged.