You can cash a check at your own bank for free, but cashing it at a bank where you don't have an account usually costs money or requires the check writer to be present
If the check is drawn on your bank — meaning the routing number on the check belongs to your bank — you can walk in and cash it at any branch of that bank without a fee. The teller will verify the check is legitimate, confirm you have an account there, and give you cash. This takes a few minutes.
If the check is drawn on a different bank, you have fewer options. Some banks will cash it for a fee (usually $5 to $15), some will only cash it if you have an account with them, and some will refuse entirely. A few banks still cash checks for non-customers at no charge, but this is becoming rare. The check writer can sometimes come with you to their own bank and cash it there, which often works even if you're not a customer.
Key Takeaways
- Cashing a check at the bank it's drawn on is free and takes a few minutes if you have an account there.
- Cashing a check at a different bank usually costs $5 to $15 or requires you to have an account at that bank.
- Credit unions often cash checks for non-members at no fee, especially if the check is drawn on another credit union in the same network.
- Retail stores like Walmart and grocery chains cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6, and don't require a bank account.
- Mobile deposit through your bank's app lets you deposit a check without visiting a branch, though the funds may take one to three business days to clear.
Cashing a check at the bank that issued it
The bank name printed on the check is the drawee bank — the one that will pay out the money. If you walk into any branch of that bank with the check and a valid ID, a teller can cash it immediately. You don't need an account there. The bank verifies the check is real, confirms the account has enough money, and hands you cash.
This works the same way whether you go to the main branch or a branch across the country. The routing number on the bottom left of the check identifies which bank issued it. If you're unsure which bank that is, you can search the routing number online or call the number on the back of the check.
Cashing a check at a bank other than the drawee
When you try to cash a check at a bank that didn't issue it, you're asking that bank to take on risk — the check could bounce, or the account could be frozen. Most banks charge a fee for this service, ranging from $5 to $15. Some banks only cash checks for their own customers. A few still cash checks for non-customers at no charge, but you'll need to call ahead to confirm.
The fee is usually higher if the check is large or if you're not a customer. Some banks set a maximum check amount they'll cash for non-customers, such as $1,000. If the check is larger, they may refuse or require you to deposit it instead of cashing it.
Credit unions and check cashing networks
Credit unions often have more flexible policies than banks. Many credit unions cash checks for non-members at no fee, especially if the check is drawn on another credit union. If both your credit union and the check's credit union belong to the same network — such as CO-OP or Alliant — you can usually cash it for free at either location.
To find a credit union branch near you, search the network's branch locator online. You'll need a valid ID. Call ahead if the check is large or if you're unsure whether the credit union will cash it.
Retail check cashing at stores
Walmart, grocery chains, and dedicated check-cashing stores will cash personal checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6. You don't need a bank account. The process is faster than a bank visit — usually under five minutes — and the fee is often lower than a bank would charge.
Bring a valid ID and the check. Some stores limit the amount they'll cash, such as $1,000 or $2,500. Fees vary by store and by check amount, so ask before you hand over the check. These stores also cash payroll checks, government checks, and tax refund checks, often at the same rate.
Mobile deposit and other alternatives
If you have a bank account, mobile deposit lets you photograph the front and back of the check with your phone and deposit it through your bank's app. You don't visit a branch. The funds usually appear in your account within one to three business days, depending on the bank and the check amount.
Some banks hold large checks longer — five to ten business days — to reduce fraud risk. If you need the money immediately, mobile deposit won't help. But if you can wait a few days, it's the fastest way to get the check into your account without leaving home.
If the check is very large or unusual, the bank may contact you to verify it before clearing it. This can add a day or two. You can also mail a check to your bank with a deposit slip, though this takes longer than mobile deposit.
What happens if the check bounces
If you cash a check and it later bounces — meaning the account didn't have enough money — the bank or store that cashed it will deduct the amount from your account if you're a customer. If you're not a customer, the bank or store absorbs the loss, which is why they charge fees for cashing checks from non-customers.
A bounced check can also trigger a fee from your own bank if you deposited it. Banks typically charge $15 to $35 for a returned deposit. The person who wrote the check may also face fees from their bank, usually $25 to $35 per bounced check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank branch in a different state?
Yes, if it's a branch of the bank that issued the check. All branches of the same bank can access the same account information, so a teller in California can cash a check drawn on an account in New York. Bring a valid ID.
What if the check is postdated or has the wrong date?
A postdated check (dated in the future) can technically be cashed early, though some banks will refuse. A check with the wrong date can still be cashed if the amount and signature are correct. If the date is more than six months old, banks may refuse it as "stale." Ask the teller before handing over the check.
Do I need the person who wrote the check to be present?
Not if you're cashing it at the bank that issued it. If you're cashing it at a different bank or store, having the check writer present can help, especially if the check is large or if you're not a customer. Some banks will cash it more readily if the writer is there to verify it's legitimate.
What if the check has two names on it?
If the check says "pay to the order of John Smith and Jane Doe," both people usually need to be present to cash it, and both may need to sign the back. If it says "pay to the order of John Smith or Jane Doe," either person can cash it alone. Ask the teller which applies to your check.
Can I cash a check without a bank account?
Yes. Retail stores, check-cashing services, and some credit unions will cash checks without requiring an account. You'll pay a fee and need a valid ID. This is the fastest option if you don't have a bank account or don't want to deposit the check.