Where you can cash a check without a bank account
You can cash a personal check at the bank or credit union that issued it, at a check-cashing store, at some retail locations, or through a mobile check deposit service if you have a smartphone. The bank that issued the check—the one printed on the front—will cash it for free if you go in person with a valid ID, even if you don't have an account there. Check-cashing stores will cash it for a fee, usually between 1 and 5 percent of the check amount. Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash checks at their customer service desk for a flat fee, typically $3 to $6 depending on the check amount.
The fastest option is usually the issuing bank, because they can verify the check immediately and hand you cash on the spot. The cheapest option depends on the check amount: for small checks under $100, a flat-fee retailer may cost less than a percentage-based check-cashing store. For larger checks, the percentage fee at a check-cashing store might be lower than a flat fee.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check will cash it for free if you bring a valid ID, even without an account.
- Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 5 percent of the check amount, while retailers like Walmart charge a flat fee of $3 to $6.
- Mobile check deposit through a prepaid card or money transfer app lets you deposit the check remotely, though you'll need a smartphone and the app's account.
- Bring a valid government-issued ID to any location; some places also require a second form of ID or a thumbprint.
- Postdated checks and two-party checks (signed over to you by someone else) are harder to cash and may be refused.
Cashing at the issuing bank
Walk into the bank branch printed on the check with your valid ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Tell the teller you want to cash the check. They will verify the account has funds to cover it, then hand you cash. This takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs nothing. You do not need to be a customer of that bank.
If the check is from a small credit union or a bank with few branches, you may need to go to a specific location. Call the bank's main number or check their website to find a branch near you. Some banks will cash checks for non-customers only at their main office, not at every branch.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
A check-cashing store will cash your check for a percentage of the amount, usually 1 to 5 percent depending on the check type and the store's location. A $500 check might cost $5 to $25 to cash. Bring your valid ID and the check. The store will verify the check and hand you cash, usually within 15 minutes.
The fee varies by store and by state regulation. Some states cap the fee at a lower percentage; others allow stores to charge more. Call ahead or ask at the counter what the fee is before you hand over the check. Some stores also charge extra for two-party checks (checks signed over to you by someone else) or postdated checks (checks dated in the future).
Retail check-cashing at Walmart, Target, and grocery stores
Walmart, Target, and many grocery store chains cash checks at their customer service desk for a flat fee. Walmart charges $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks from $1,001 to $5,000. Target charges $2 to $5 depending on the check amount. Grocery stores vary, but most charge $2 to $5. Bring your valid ID and the check to the customer service desk.
These stores typically cash personal checks, payroll checks, and government checks. They usually will not cash two-party checks or postdated checks. The transaction takes 10 to 15 minutes. If the store's system cannot verify the check, they may refuse to cash it or ask you to come back later.
Mobile check deposit without a bank account
If you have a smartphone, you can deposit a check through a prepaid card app or a money transfer service. Apps like PayPal, Square Cash, and some prepaid card providers let you photograph the front and back of the check and deposit it directly. The check is converted to a digital payment and the money lands in your account within 1 to 3 business days.
To use mobile check deposit, you need to create an account with the app and verify your identity. Some apps require a phone number and email; others ask for a government ID. Once the money is in your account, you can withdraw it at an ATM, transfer it to another person, or use it to pay bills. This option costs nothing and works from home, but you have to wait a few days for the money to clear.
What to bring and what might stop a check from being cashed
Bring a valid government-issued ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Some check-cashing stores and retailers also ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill or a credit card. A few locations may ask for a thumbprint or a signature on the back of the check.
A check may be refused if it is postdated (dated in the future), if it is a two-party check (signed over to you by someone else), if the signature on the check does not match your ID, if the check is damaged or illegible, or if the bank suspects fraud. If a check is refused, ask the teller or cashier why. If the reason is a signature mismatch, you may be able to come back with a different form of ID or ask the person who wrote the check to contact their bank.
Comparing cost and speed across your options
| Option | Cost | Speed | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | 5–10 minutes | Valid ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–5% of check amount | 15 minutes | Valid ID |
| Walmart/Target/grocery store | $2–$6 flat fee | 10–15 minutes | Valid ID |
| Mobile check deposit | Free | 1–3 business days | Smartphone, app account |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank where I don't have an account?
Yes. The bank that issued the check will cash it for free if you bring a valid ID. You do not need to be a customer. Some banks limit this to their main branch or to business hours, so call ahead if the branch is far away.
What if the check is signed over to me by someone else?
A two-party check is harder to cash. The issuing bank may cash it if both the original payee and you sign it and show ID. Check-cashing stores often charge extra or refuse two-party checks. Retail stores usually refuse them. Your best option is to ask the original payee to deposit it in their account and transfer you the money instead.
How long does mobile check deposit take?
The deposit is processed immediately when you submit the photos, but the money usually takes 1 to 3 business days to appear in your account. Some apps offer faster clearing for an extra fee. You cannot withdraw the money until the check clears.
What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?
If you cash a check and it later bounces, the bank or store may ask you to return the money. The person who wrote the check is responsible for the bounced check fee charged by their bank, not you. If you spent the money before it bounced, you may owe the cashing location the amount of the check.
Can I cash a postdated check?
Legally, you can try, but most banks and check-cashing stores will refuse a postdated check (one dated in the future). The safest option is to wait until the date on the check and try again. If you need the money sooner, ask the person who wrote the check to write a new one with today's date.