You can cash a check at the issuer's bank, a check-cashing store, or certain retailers—no account required
If you don't have a bank account, you have several ways to turn a check into cash. The fastest and cheapest route is usually the bank that issued the check—the one printed in the bottom left corner. That bank will cash it for you at the teller window, often for free, even if you're not a customer. Other options include check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and retailers like Walmart, though these charge fees that range from a flat dollar amount to a percentage of the check's value.
The method you choose depends on which option is near you, how much the check is for, and whether you need the cash immediately. A $100 check cashed at a check-cashing store might cost $3 to $5. The same check at the issuer's bank costs nothing. Over time, those fees add up—especially if you receive checks regularly.
Key Takeaways
- The issuer's bank (the one printed on the check) will cash it for free at the teller window, even if you don't have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check's value or a flat fee, typically $3 to $10 depending on the amount.
- Walmart, grocery stores, and some pharmacies cash checks for a fee, usually lower than dedicated check-cashing stores.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID to any location—all require identification before cashing a check.
- Mobile check deposit through a prepaid card or money transfer app can deliver funds to your account in one to two business days without visiting a location.
Cashing a check at the issuer's bank
The bank that issued the check—printed at the bottom left as "Pay to the order of"—must cash it for you at any branch during business hours. You do not need an account. Bring the check and a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). The teller will verify the check is legitimate, confirm your identity, and hand you cash.
This is the only free option for most checks. The bank has no reason to charge you because the check is drawn on their account—they're simply moving money out of the account that issued it. Processing takes minutes. If the check is large or you're cashing it at a branch far from where the account holder banks, the teller may place a hold while they verify funds, but for routine checks under $5,000, you'll walk out with cash the same day.
The main limitation is location. If the check is from a bank with no branches near you, this option isn't practical. Regional banks and credit unions may have fewer locations than national chains like Bank of America or Wells Fargo.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
Check-cashing stores are designed for people without bank accounts. They cash checks, sell money orders, and offer short-term loans. Fees vary by location and check amount, but typically run 1 to 3 percent of the check's value. A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash. Some stores charge a flat fee instead—$3 for checks under $100, $5 for checks $100 to $500, and so on.
You'll need a photo ID and sometimes a second form of ID (utility bill, lease, or pay stub). The store verifies the check by calling the bank or checking an electronic database. If the account has insufficient funds or the check is reported stolen, they'll refuse to cash it. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Check-cashing stores are convenient if one is nearby and you need cash immediately, but the fees are the highest of all options. If you cash checks regularly, the cost adds up quickly. A $500 check cashed twice a month at 2 percent costs $240 a year—money that goes to the store, not to you.
Retail and grocery store check cashing
Walmart, Target, grocery chains, and some pharmacies cash checks at the customer service desk. Fees are typically lower than check-cashing stores: $3 to $6 for most personal checks, sometimes free for payroll checks. Walmart's fee is usually $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks $1,000 to $5,000. Grocery stores vary by chain—Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods all have their own policies.
You need a photo ID and sometimes a store loyalty card or membership. The process is the same as a check-cashing store: they verify the check electronically and hand you cash. Processing takes 10 to 20 minutes. The advantage is that these stores are often more convenient than dedicated check-cashing locations, and fees are lower.
The catch is that not all stores cash all checks. Many will only cash payroll checks, government checks, or checks drawn on major banks. Personal checks from small or local banks may be refused. Call ahead or ask at the customer service desk before you get in line.
Mobile check deposit through prepaid cards and money transfer apps
If you have a smartphone, you can deposit a check into a prepaid card account or money transfer app without visiting any location. Apps like Square Cash, PayPal, Chime, and others let you photograph the front and back of the check and submit it electronically. Funds arrive in one to two business days, and there's no fee.
To use this method, you need a prepaid card or account with one of these services. Many are free to open and require only a phone number and email address—no bank account or credit check. Once the check is deposited, you can withdraw cash at an ATM, use the card to pay for things, or transfer the money to another account.
The main limitation is the deposit limit. Most apps cap mobile check deposits at $500 to $2,000 per transaction, and some have monthly limits. If your check is larger, you'll need to use another method. Also, the funds aren't available immediately—you have to wait one to two business days, which doesn't work if you need cash today.
What to bring and what can go wrong
Every location requires a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. Some check-cashing stores and retailers also ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or recent pay stub. Bring both if you have them.
A check can be refused if the account has insufficient funds, the check is post-dated (dated in the future), the check is stale (more than six months old), or the check is reported lost or stolen. If the account holder has placed a stop payment on the check, it will be rejected. If the check is damaged, torn, or the signature is missing or illegible, it may also be refused.
If a check bounces after you've cashed it, the location that cashed it will try to recover the money from you. This is rare at banks but more common at check-cashing stores. Some stores will pursue you for the amount plus a fee. To protect yourself, cash checks only from sources you trust—employers, government agencies, or people you know personally.
Comparing your options by cost and speed
| Method | Cost | Speed | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuer's bank | Free | Same day (minutes) | Photo ID, check |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% or $3–$10 | Same day (15–30 min) | Photo ID, sometimes second ID |
| Walmart/grocery store | $3–$6 | Same day (10–20 min) | Photo ID, sometimes loyalty card |
| Mobile check deposit | Free | 1–2 business days | Smartphone, prepaid card account |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at any bank, or only the one that issued it?
Only the bank that issued the check is required to cash it for free. Other banks may refuse or charge a fee. The issuer's name is printed at the bottom left of the check. If you're unsure, call the bank's customer service line with the check in front of you.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a check made out to another person unless they sign the back and you sign below their signature (called a third-party endorsement). Many banks and check-cashing stores refuse third-party checks because the risk of fraud is higher. Ask the person who received the check to cash it themselves or deposit it into their account.
How long does a check stay valid?
A personal check is generally valid for six months from the date written on it. After six months, it's considered stale and most banks will refuse to cash it. Government checks and payroll checks may have different rules—check with the issuer if you're unsure.
Do I need to endorse the check before cashing it?
Yes. Sign the back of the check in the space marked "Endorse here." Your signature authorizes the bank or store to cash it. Some locations will ask you to sign in front of the teller as well, to verify your ID matches the signature.
What happens if I cash a check and it bounces later?
The location that cashed it will attempt to recover the money from you. Banks typically reverse the cash withdrawal from your account if you have one. Check-cashing stores may pursue you for the amount plus a fee. To avoid this, only cash checks from trusted sources like your employer or government agencies.