You can cash a cheque at the bank that issued it, at a cheque-cashing service, or sometimes at the store where you shop

You do not need your own bank account to turn a cheque into cash. The bank that issued the cheque — the one printed on the front — will cash it for you in person, even if you have no account there. A cheque-cashing service or retail store will also do this, though they charge a fee. The fastest route depends on which option is nearest to you and whether you have identification.

The person or business who wrote the cheque has a bank account; you do not need one to collect the money they owe you. The cheque itself is a written instruction to that bank to pay you. You just need to present it to someone authorised to hand over the cash.

Key Takeaways

  • The bank that issued the cheque will cash it at any of their branches during business hours if you bring the cheque and a valid ID.
  • Cheque-cashing services and some retail stores (grocery chains, pharmacies, money transfer outlets) will cash cheques for a fee, usually between $2 and $10 depending on the cheque amount.
  • You must sign the back of the cheque before anyone will cash it, and the signature must match the name printed on the front.
  • If the cheque is post-dated (dated in the future), most places will not cash it until that date arrives.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID; without one, most banks and services will refuse to cash the cheque.

Cashing a cheque at the issuing bank

The simplest option is to walk into any branch of the bank whose name appears on the cheque and ask to cash it. You do not need an account there. Bring the cheque and a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or provincial ID card. The teller will verify the cheque is genuine, check that your signature on the back matches your ID, and hand you the cash.

This works during the bank's business hours, which are usually Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some branches open Saturday mornings. If the cheque is from a bank with no branch near you, you can still cash it at any branch of that bank anywhere in the country. If the bank has no physical branches (some online banks do not), you will need to use another method.

Banks do not charge a fee to cash a cheque drawn on their own account, even if you are not a customer. This is the cheapest route if the bank is accessible to you.

Using a cheque-cashing service or retail location

Cheque-cashing businesses exist specifically to cash cheques for people without bank accounts. You will find them in most cities and towns, often near bus stations or in strip malls. They charge a fee — typically $2 to $10 depending on the cheque amount — but they are open longer hours than banks, sometimes until 9 p.m. or on Sundays. Bring the cheque, a valid photo ID, and be ready to sign the back of the cheque in front of the cashier.

Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and money transfer outlets (like Money Mart or Remitly locations) also cash cheques as a side service. Call ahead to confirm they offer this and what their fee is. Some charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the cheque amount. A $500 cheque might cost $5 to $15 to cash depending on the location.

These services are convenient if the issuing bank is far away or closed when you need the cash, but you will pay for that convenience. Compare the fee against the cost and time of travelling to the actual bank.

What you need to bring and how to sign the cheque

You must have a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, provincial ID card, or similar document works. A library card, student ID, or work badge will not. The name on your ID must match the name printed on the front of the cheque — if the cheque is made out to "Robert Smith" and your ID says "Bob Smith", you may be refused. Ask the person who wrote the cheque to issue a new one with your legal name, or contact them to see if they can add a note authorising you to cash it under a nickname.

Sign the back of the cheque in the space marked "Endorse here" or in the white area on the back. Your signature must match the signature on your ID as closely as possible. Do not sign it until you are at the bank or cheque-cashing location, because a signed cheque can be cashed by anyone who holds it. If you sign it at home and lose it, someone else can cash it.

Some places will ask for a second piece of ID or a phone number. This is normal. They are verifying you are who you say you are before handing over cash.

Post-dated cheques and holds

A post-dated cheque is one dated in the future — for example, dated January 15 but you receive it on January 10. Most banks and cheque-cashing services will not cash a post-dated cheque before that date arrives. If you try to cash it early, they will refuse or ask you to come back on the date written on the cheque. This is a legal requirement in most provinces.

Once you cash the cheque, the money is yours immediately. There is no hold or waiting period when you cash a physical cheque in person at a bank or service. You walk out with the cash. This is different from depositing a cheque into a bank account, where the bank may hold the funds for one to three business days.

What to do if the cheque is damaged or unclear

If the cheque is torn, stained, or the writing is hard to read, the bank or service may refuse to cash it. If the amount is unclear, the signature is smudged, or the date is illegible, ask the person who wrote the cheque to issue a replacement. Do not try to fix or write over the damaged parts yourself — this makes the cheque look fraudulent and will get you refused.

If the cheque is very old — more than six months old in most provinces — banks may refuse to cash it. The cheque is still valid legally, but the bank treats old cheques as a fraud risk. Contact the person who wrote it and ask them to issue a new cheque dated recently.

If the cheque bounces or is fraudulent

If you cash a cheque and it later bounces (the account has insufficient funds), the bank will take the money back from wherever you deposited or cashed it. If you cashed it in person and spent the cash, you are responsible for returning the amount. The cheque-cashing service or bank will contact you for repayment.

If you suspect the cheque is fraudulent — for example, the amount seems wrong or the person who gave it to you is not who they claim to be — do not cash it. Contact the person who wrote it to confirm it is legitimate. If you cannot reach them, ask the bank to verify the cheque before you cash it. Once you cash a fraudulent cheque, you may be held liable for the amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash someone else's cheque if they sign the back?

No. A cheque made out to someone else cannot be cashed by you, even if they sign it. The cheque must be made out to your name. If someone wants to give you money by cheque, they need to write a new cheque with your name on it.

What if I lost my ID?

You cannot cash a cheque without government-issued photo ID. Apply for a replacement at your provincial Service BC office, ServiceOntario, or equivalent. In the meantime, ask the person who wrote the cheque to hold it or issue you cash instead.

Do I need to endorse the cheque if I'm cashing it in person?

Yes. You must sign the back of the cheque before the bank or service will cash it. This is your authorisation to release the funds. Sign it only when you are at the location ready to cash it, not before.

How long does it take to cash a cheque?

In person at a bank or cheque-cashing service, it usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. The teller verifies the cheque, checks your ID, and hands you the cash. There is no processing time or waiting period.

Can I cash a cheque written in another country's currency?

Most banks and cheque-cashing services will not cash foreign cheques. You would need to deposit it into a bank account and wait for it to clear through international banking channels, which takes weeks. If you need cash from a foreign cheque, contact your bank to ask about their options.