You can cash a personal check at the bank that issued it, a check-cashing store, or sometimes at the business where you shop—but each route has different costs and speed.
The person who wrote the check has a bank account; you do not need one to turn that check into cash. The check itself is a written instruction to their bank to hand over money. Their bank will cash it for you in person, or you can take it to a check-cashing business, a grocery store, or a retailer that offers the service. The catch is that each option charges a fee, takes different amounts of time, and has limits on how much you can cash at once.
The fastest and cheapest route is usually the bank that issued the check—the one printed on the front. They will cash it for free if you show a photo ID, even though you have no account there. Check-cashing stores are open longer and do not require you to know which bank issued the check, but they charge a percentage of the check amount, usually 1 to 3 percent. Grocery stores and retailers cash checks too, but only if you shop there and only up to a certain amount per transaction.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check will cash it for free if you bring a photo ID, regardless of whether you have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores charge a fee—typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount—and are open outside normal bank hours.
- Grocery stores and large retailers cash checks for customers, but only up to a limit per transaction, often $200 to $500.
- Bring the check and a photo ID to any location; some may also ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint.
- Cashing a check takes minutes at most locations, but some check-cashing stores may hold the funds for one to three business days before releasing them.
Cashing a check at the issuing bank
The bank name is printed on the front of the check, usually at the top or bottom left. Walk into any branch of that bank during business hours with the check and a photo ID—a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Tell the teller you want to cash the check. They will verify the check is real, confirm the account has enough money, and hand you cash on the spot. This takes about five minutes and costs nothing.
You do not need to be a customer of that bank. The bank cashes checks drawn on its own accounts as a service to the public. If you cannot get to a branch during business hours, some banks offer mobile check deposit through their app, but that requires a bank account, so it does not help you. Some banks also have ATMs that accept checks, but again, you need an account to use them.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
A check-cashing business will cash almost any personal check, regardless of which bank issued it. They are often open evenings and weekends when banks are closed. The trade-off is a fee, usually charged as a percentage of the check amount. A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash, depending on the store and the check type. Some stores charge a flat fee instead—say, $3 per check—which is cheaper for large checks but more expensive for small ones.
Bring the check and a photo ID. Some stores ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint. A few may call the bank to verify the check is real before handing over cash. Most cash checks immediately, but some hold the funds for one to three business days, especially if the check is large or from an unfamiliar bank. Ask before you hand over the check if you need the money right away.
Check-cashing stores are not regulated the same way banks are, so fees and policies vary widely. Call ahead or look at their posted rates before you go. Some stores also offer other services—payday loans, bill payment, money transfers—which can be expensive and should be avoided unless you have no other option.
Cashing checks at grocery stores and retailers
Many grocery stores, supermarkets, and large retailers like Walmart and Target cash checks for customers as a service to keep them in the store. The limit is usually $200 to $500 per check, and you often have to cash the check as part of a purchase—meaning you buy something and ask for cash back. Some stores will cash a check without a purchase if you ask, but policies vary by location and by store.
Bring your photo ID and the check. The process is quick—the cashier verifies the check and hands you cash. There is no fee to you, though the store may charge the check writer's bank a small amount. This is the cheapest option if the check is small enough and the store participates, but it does not work for large checks or if you do not shop there regularly.
What to do if the check is refused
A bank or check-cashing store may refuse to cash your check if the signature does not match the ID you show, if the check is post-dated (written for a future date), if it is damaged or illegible, or if the account does not have enough money. If the account is overdrawn, the check will bounce, and the bank will not cash it. Ask the person who wrote the check to verify the signature matches their ID and that the account has funds.
If a check bounces after you cash it, the bank will take the money back from wherever you deposited or cashed it. If you cashed it at a check-cashing store, the store may pursue you for the amount. This is rare but possible, so keep the receipt. If you suspect the check is fraudulent—the signature looks forged, the amount has been altered, or the person who gave it to you seems suspicious—do not cash it. Report it to the person who gave it to you and ask for a different payment method.
Comparing speed and cost across your options
The table below shows how the three main methods stack up against each other. Your best choice depends on the check amount, how urgently you need the cash, and what hours work for you.
| Method | Cost | Speed | Limit | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | 5 minutes | None (within reason) | Bank hours only |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check amount | 5–15 minutes (or 1–3 days hold) | Varies by store | Often evenings and weekends |
| Grocery store or retailer | Free | 5 minutes | $200–$500 per check | Store hours |
If the check is small and you shop at a grocery store, that is your cheapest and fastest option. If the check is large or you need it cashed outside normal hours, a check-cashing store is worth the fee. If you have time to get to the issuing bank during business hours, that is always free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to endorse the back of the check?
Yes. Sign the back of the check in the space marked "Endorse here" before you hand it to the teller or cashier. Some places ask you to sign in front of them so they can watch. If you do not endorse it, they will ask you to do so before cashing it.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a check made out to another person unless they sign it over to you. They must endorse the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. Not all banks and check-cashing stores accept third-party checks, so call ahead. Some refuse them entirely because of fraud risk.
Can I cash a check if I do not have a photo ID?
No. A photo ID is required at banks, check-cashing stores, and most retailers. If you do not have one, you cannot cash a check. A state ID, driver's license, or passport all work. A school ID or work ID usually does not.
What happens if the check is post-dated?
A post-dated check is written for a future date. Banks and check-cashing stores will usually refuse to cash it before that date, though some may cash it anyway if you ask. It is technically illegal to cash a post-dated check early in some states, so ask first. If the date has passed, it cashes like any other check.
How long does a check hold last at a check-cashing store?
A hold typically lasts one to three business days. The store is waiting for the check to clear—for the issuing bank to confirm the account has funds and transfer the money. Ask the store how long their hold is before you cash the check. Some stores offer instant cash for a higher fee if you cannot wait.