Where you can cash a check if you don't have a bank
You can cash a check at the bank or credit union that issued it, at a check-cashing store, at some retail locations, or through a mobile app. The issuing bank will cash it for free if you have ID, even if you don't have an account there. Check-cashing stores charge a fee—usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, though some charge a flat fee instead. Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash checks for a small fee during business hours. A few mobile payment apps like Mobile Deposit through some banks or third-party services let you photograph the check and deposit it to a temporary account, then withdraw the cash.
The fastest option is usually the issuing bank itself. Walk in with your ID and the check, and you'll have cash in minutes. The cheapest option depends on the check amount—for small checks, a flat fee at a retail store might cost less than a percentage fee at a check-cashing store, but for large checks the percentage fee could be lower.
Key Takeaways
- The bank or credit union that issued the check will cash it for free if you show a valid ID, regardless of whether you have an account.
- Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount or a flat fee, and are open longer hours than banks.
- Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash checks for a fixed fee during their regular hours.
- Mobile check deposit apps photograph the check and deposit it to a temporary account, but you'll need to verify your identity and may wait one to two business days for the cash.
Cashing at the issuing bank for free
The bank or credit union printed on the check will cash it at no charge. Bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You do not need to have an account at that bank. Walk to the teller window, hand over the check and your ID, and ask to cash it. The teller will verify the check is not fraudulent, confirm you are who your ID says you are, and give you cash. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
If the check is written to you by name, your ID must match that name exactly. If the check is blank or written to "Cash," most banks will still cash it for you, but some require you to sign it in front of the teller. If the check is very large—over $5,000—the bank may ask questions about where it came from, but they will still cash it if it is legitimate.
The main drawback is that you have to go during bank hours, which are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and limited hours on Saturday. If the bank is far from you or you need cash outside those hours, another option may be faster.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
Check-cashing businesses are designed for people without bank accounts. They cash checks 24 hours a day, seven days a week in many locations, and the process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You bring your ID and the check, they verify it, and you walk out with cash. The fee is usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount—so on a $500 check, you might pay $5 to $15. Some stores charge a flat fee instead, like $5 per check regardless of size.
The fee varies by location and by the type of check. Personal checks often cost more to cash than payroll checks, because payroll checks are lower risk. Two-party checks (written to two people) may cost extra or be refused. Postdated checks (dated in the future) are usually refused entirely.
To find a check-cashing store near you, search online for "check cashing near me" or look for ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, or CheckSmart locations. Call ahead to confirm they cash the type of check you have and ask what the fee will be. Some stores offer discounts if you cash multiple checks or if you are a repeat customer.
Retail stores that cash checks
Walmart and Target both cash checks during their regular business hours. Walmart charges $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks from $1,000 to $5,000. Target charges $2 to $5 depending on the check amount. Some grocery store chains, including Kroger and Safeway, also cash checks for a small fee, usually $2 to $3. These fees are often lower than check-cashing stores, especially for small checks.
The process is the same: bring your ID and the check to the customer service desk, tell them you want to cash it, and they will verify it and give you cash. Most retail locations cash checks during store hours only—usually 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., depending on the store. Call ahead to confirm the store near you offers this service and what their fee is, because policies vary by location.
Retail check cashing is most useful if you are already shopping there or if the store is convenient to you. The fee is predictable and often lower than a check-cashing store, but you are limited to store hours and the check amount caps.
Mobile check deposit and temporary accounts
Some mobile payment apps let you photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it without visiting a physical location. Apps like PayPal, Square Cash, and Chime offer this feature. You take a photo of the check with your phone, the app verifies it, and the money goes into a temporary account. You can then withdraw the cash at an ATM or transfer it to a debit card.
The catch is that you need to verify your identity first, which usually means providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and a photo of your ID. This verification can take a few minutes to a few hours. Once verified, the check deposit usually takes one to two business days to clear before you can withdraw the cash. Some apps charge a small fee for this service, while others do it for free.
This option is useful if you do not have time to visit a bank or store, but it is slower than walking in and getting cash immediately. It also requires a smartphone and internet access. If you need cash the same day, this is not the right choice.
What to do if the check is damaged or unclear
If the check is torn, faded, or hard to read, most places will still cash it as long as the routing number, account number, and amount are legible. The issuing bank is most likely to accept a damaged check because they can verify it against their records. Check-cashing stores and retail locations may refuse it because they cannot verify it as easily.
If the check is postdated (dated in the future), no one is required to cash it before that date. Most places will refuse it outright. If the check is stale-dated (more than six months old), banks are not required to cash it, though some will as a courtesy. Check-cashing stores and retail locations usually refuse stale-dated checks.
If you are unsure whether a place will cash your check, call ahead or ask at the counter. There is no penalty for asking, and it saves you a trip if they cannot help you.
Comparing your options by speed and cost
| Option | Speed | Cost | Hours | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | 5–10 minutes | Free | Bank hours only | Valid ID |
| Check-cashing store | 10–15 minutes | 1–3% of check amount | Often 24/7 | Valid ID |
| Walmart or Target | 10–15 minutes | $2–$6 flat fee | Store hours | Valid ID |
| Mobile app deposit | 1–2 business days | Free or small fee | Anytime | Smartphone, ID verification |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
No. A check made out to another person's name is not yours to cash. If the person who the check is written to wants to cash it, they can sign the back and you can take it to a bank, but you cannot cash it yourself. Some banks allow a third-party deposit if the payee signs it and you both show ID, but this is becoming less common.
What if I lost my ID?
You cannot cash a check without a valid government-issued ID. If your ID is lost, you will need to get a replacement from your state's DMV or the issuing agency before you can cash the check. This usually takes one to two weeks. In an emergency, some check-cashing stores may accept a passport or military ID instead.
Can I cash a check if it has two names on it?
If the check says "John Smith and Jane Doe," both people usually need to be present with ID to cash it. If it says "John Smith or Jane Doe," either person can cash it alone. Ask the teller or the check-cashing store what their policy is, because it varies.
Do I have to pay taxes on cashed checks?
Cashing a check does not create a tax event by itself. If the check is income (like a paycheck or freelance payment), you owe taxes on it whether you cash it or deposit it. If it is a refund or reimbursement, it is usually not taxable. The person or business that wrote the check may report it to the IRS, so keep records of what the check was for.
What if the check bounces after I cash it?
If you cash a check and the issuing account does not have enough money, the check bounces. The bank or store that cashed it will deduct the amount from your cash or charge you a fee. You may also be responsible for returning the money to the person who wrote the check. This is why cashing at the issuing bank is safest—they verify the funds are there before they hand over cash.