You can cash a check at banks where you don't have an account, but not at every bank, and fees apply
Most banks will cash a check for you even if you are not a customer, but they are not required to. Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase typically cash checks for non-customers, though they charge a fee—usually $5 to $10 per check. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are more likely to refuse, or to cash only checks drawn on their own bank. The fastest way to find out is to call the bank's main number and ask whether they cash third-party checks for non-members, and what the fee is.
The check must be made out to you by name, and you will need to show a government-issued photo ID. The bank will verify the check is real and that the account it is drawn from has enough money. If the check is large, the bank may place a hold on it before releasing the cash, meaning you do not get the money immediately. The hold can last anywhere from one to ten business days depending on the bank's policy and the check amount.
Key Takeaways
- National banks usually cash checks for non-customers for a fee of $5 to $10, but credit unions and smaller banks often refuse.
- You must present a government-issued photo ID, and the check must be made out to you by name.
- Banks may place a hold on large checks, delaying when you receive the cash by one to ten business days.
- If the bank that issued the check is not convenient, check-cashing stores and grocery stores offer faster alternatives, though fees are often higher.
- Depositing the check into your own bank account is usually free and the most reliable option if you have one.
Why banks charge fees to cash checks for non-customers
When you cash a check at a bank where you do not have an account, the bank assumes the risk that the check might bounce—that is, the account it is drawn from does not have enough money. The bank also spends time verifying the check is legitimate and processing the transaction. These costs are why they charge a fee. If you have an account at that bank, the fee is waived because you are already a customer and the bank has a relationship with you.
Some banks set their non-customer check-cashing fee based on the check amount. Others charge a flat rate regardless of size. A few banks, particularly smaller ones, simply do not cash checks for non-customers at all because the volume does not justify the staff time. Before you go to the bank, call ahead to confirm they will cash it and ask for the exact fee.
What happens if the check bounces after you cash it
If you cash a check and the account it is drawn from does not have enough money, the check bounces. The bank will reverse the transaction and take the cash back from you. If you have already spent the money, you are responsible for repaying the bank the full amount of the check plus a returned-check fee, which can be $15 to $35. The bank may also close your account if you have one there.
This is why banks place holds on large checks—they are protecting themselves and you. A hold means the bank does not release the cash until they have confirmed the money is actually in the account the check is drawn from. If you need the cash immediately, you can ask the teller whether a hold is necessary, but the bank is not required to waive it.
Check-cashing stores and grocery stores as alternatives
If the bank that issued the check is not near you, or if you want to avoid the non-customer fee, check-cashing stores will cash checks without requiring an account. Grocery stores like Walmart, Target, and Kroger also cash checks at their customer service desk. These options are faster than waiting for a bank to verify the check, but the fees are often higher—check-cashing stores typically charge 1% to 3% of the check amount, which means a $500 check could cost $5 to $15 to cash.
Check-cashing stores also require a government-issued photo ID and may ask additional questions about where the check came from. Some will not cash checks over a certain amount, or will place a hold on large checks just as a bank would. Read the posted fee schedule before you hand over the check, because fees vary widely between locations.
Depositing the check into your own account instead
If you have a bank account, depositing the check is almost always the best option. There is no fee, and you avoid the risk of carrying large amounts of cash. Most banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back of the check—this is called mobile deposit. The money usually appears in your account within one to two business days, though some banks make a portion of the deposit available immediately.
If you do not have a bank account and do not want to open one, mobile check deposit is not an option. But if you are cashing checks regularly, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union costs nothing and eliminates fees entirely. Many banks offer accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement.
What to do if a bank refuses to cash your check
If the bank that issued the check will not cash it for you as a non-customer, your options are to deposit it into your own account, use a check-cashing store, or ask the person who wrote the check to cash it for you instead. Some employers will also cash payroll checks for employees even if they do not have an account at that bank—call the payroll department and ask.
If the check is from a government agency like the IRS or Social Security, most banks will cash it even for non-customers because these checks are considered very low risk. Ask the teller specifically whether they cash government checks if you are unsure.
How to avoid problems when cashing a check
Before you go to the bank, make sure the check is signed by the person who wrote it. A check without a signature is not valid and the bank will refuse to cash it. Check that the amount written in words matches the amount in numbers—if they do not match, the bank will refuse it. Make sure your name is spelled correctly on the check. If there is a mistake, ask the person who wrote the check to write you a new one.
Bring your photo ID and arrive during business hours. If you are cashing a check for a large amount, call the bank first to ask whether they have enough cash on hand. Some smaller branches run low on cash and may ask you to come back later or to go to a different location. Never cash a check you are not sure about—if you suspect it is fraudulent or stolen, contact the bank or the police instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a different bank than the one it is drawn from?
Yes, but the bank may charge you a non-customer fee of $5 to $10. Some banks will only cash checks drawn on their own bank for non-customers. Call ahead to confirm the bank will cash it and ask about the fee before you go.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a check that is made out to someone else unless they sign the back of the check and you sign below their signature—this is called a third-party check. Many banks refuse to cash third-party checks because the risk of fraud is higher. Your best option is to ask the person whose name is on the check to cash it themselves and give you the cash.
How long does a bank hold last on a check?
A hold can last from one to ten business days depending on the bank and the check amount. Federal law allows banks to hold checks for up to seven business days for most deposits, but banks often release the money sooner. Ask the teller how long the hold will be when you cash the check.
Can I cash a check without a photo ID?
No. Banks and check-cashing stores require a government-issued photo ID to cash any check. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. If you do not have a photo ID, you cannot cash a check.
What is the difference between cashing a check and depositing it?
Cashing means the bank gives you the full amount in cash immediately (or after a hold). Depositing means the money goes into your bank account and you can withdraw it later. Depositing is free if you have an account; cashing is free only if you have an account at that bank or if you use a check-cashing store.