You can cash a check at the bank that issued it, a check-cashing store, or a retailer—each with different fees and speed
If you don't have a bank account, you have three main routes to turn a check into cash: go to the bank printed on the check, use a dedicated check-cashing business, or cash it at a retail store that offers the service. The bank that issued the check (the one whose name appears in the top left corner) will cash it for free if you show a valid ID—this is the cheapest option. Check-cashing stores and retailers charge a fee, usually between 1 and 5 percent of the check amount, but they're faster and more convenient if you're not near the issuing bank.
The method you choose depends on three things: how much the check is for, how quickly you need the cash, and what ID you have. A $100 paycheck costs $1 to $5 to cash at a store; a $2,000 settlement check costs $20 to $100. The issuing bank is free but may require you to go in person during business hours. Retail stores are open longer but charge more and may have limits on how large a check they'll cash.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check will cash it for free if you bring a valid government ID, making it the lowest-cost option even if you have to travel.
- Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 5 percent of the check amount and are open longer than banks, but the fee adds up on large checks.
- Retailers like Walmart, Target, and grocery stores cash checks during their regular hours for a flat fee or percentage, usually $2 to $10 for payroll checks.
- You will need a valid ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card—no matter which route you choose.
- Some checks require the person who received the check to be present; if the check is made out to someone else, you cannot cash it without their signature on the back.
Cashing a check at the issuing bank for free
The bank whose name is printed on the check will cash it at no charge. This bank is called the drawee bank—it's the one that holds the account the check was written from. Walk into any branch of that bank with your valid ID and the check, and ask to cash it. You do not need an account there.
Bring a government-issued ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The teller will verify the check is not damaged, that the signature matches the account holder's records, and that the account has enough money. Most checks clear instantly at the issuing bank because the teller can see the account balance in real time. If the check is damaged, post-dated (dated in the future), or the signature looks forged, the bank may refuse to cash it.
The drawback is location and hours. You have to go to a branch of that specific bank during business hours, which may not be convenient if the bank is far away or if you work during banking hours. Some banks charge a small fee ($5 to $10) if you're not a customer and the check is very large, though this is less common. Call the bank's customer service line first if you're unsure whether they'll charge a fee.
Using a check-cashing store
Check-cashing businesses exist specifically to turn checks into cash on the spot. They charge a fee—typically 1 to 5 percent of the check amount—and they're open longer than banks, often until 8 or 9 p.m. and on weekends. A $500 paycheck costs $5 to $25 to cash; a $2,000 check costs $20 to $100.
Bring your valid ID and the check. The store will verify the check is real by calling the bank or checking an electronic verification system. If the check passes, they give you cash immediately. The fee is deducted from the check amount, so if you cash a $500 check and the fee is 2 percent, you receive $490.
The risk is that check-cashing stores are not regulated as strictly as banks, and fees vary widely. Some stores charge a flat fee ($3 to $10) instead of a percentage, which is better for large checks. Others charge both a percentage and a flat fee. Call ahead or ask to see the fee schedule before you hand over the check. Avoid stores that ask for personal information beyond your ID or that seem reluctant to show you their fees in writing.
Cashing a check at retail stores
Many large retailers offer check-cashing services at the customer service desk or checkout. Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and other grocery and discount chains typically cash payroll checks, government checks, and personal checks for a flat fee of $2 to $10. Hours are the store's regular hours, which is often longer than a bank.
Bring your valid ID and the check. Tell the cashier or customer service representative you want to cash the check. They'll verify it using the same electronic systems a check-cashing store uses. If it passes, you get cash immediately and pay the fee at that moment. The fee is usually lower than a dedicated check-cashing store, especially for smaller checks.
Retailers often have limits on the size of checks they'll cash—many won't cash checks over $1,000 or $2,000. Ask before you get in line. Some retailers also won't cash personal checks, only payroll or government checks. If you're cashing a check from a friend or family member, call the store first to confirm they'll do it.
What to do if the check is made out to someone else
If the check has someone else's name on it, you cannot cash it unless that person signs the back. This is called endorsement. The person whose name is on the check must sign on the back, usually in the top left area, and then write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. Once they've done that, you can take it to any of the three places above with your ID and cash it.
Some banks and check-cashing stores will refuse to cash a third-party check (one that's been signed over to you) because of fraud concerns. Call ahead before you bring it in. If the original recipient is not available or unwilling to sign it over, you cannot cash the check—the person who wrote it would have to issue a new check in your name.
Fees and timing compared
| Method | Fee | Speed | Hours | ID Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free (usually) | Instant | Bank hours only | Yes |
| Check-cashing store | 1–5% of check amount | Instant | Extended (often until 8–9 p.m.) | Yes |
| Retail store | $2–$10 flat fee | Instant | Store hours (often 7 a.m.–11 p.m.) | Yes |
The issuing bank is free but requires you to visit during business hours and find a branch location. Check-cashing stores are convenient but expensive on large checks. Retail stores split the difference—lower fees than check-cashing stores and longer hours than banks, but with size limits on checks.
For a $500 paycheck, the issuing bank costs nothing but takes time to reach. A check-cashing store costs $5 to $25 but is open evenings and weekends. A retail store costs $2 to $10 and is open during shopping hours. If you cash checks frequently, the retail store or issuing bank saves money over time.
What happens if the check bounces
A bounced check is one where the account doesn't have enough money when the bank tries to clear it. If you cash a check and it bounces, the place that cashed it will take the money back from you—either by asking you to return the cash or by charging your ID to a debit card if you provided one. This can happen days or even weeks after you cash the check.
To protect yourself, ask the person who gave you the check whether the money is definitely in the account. If it's a payroll check from an employer, it should be safe. If it's a personal check from someone you don't know well, consider asking them to use a different payment method or to wait until the check clears at your bank (if you open an account). Check-cashing stores and retailers often require you to sign a receipt saying you understand the check could bounce and that you're responsible for returning the cash if it does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check without an ID?
No. All three methods—the issuing bank, check-cashing stores, and retailers—require a valid government ID to prevent fraud. A driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID will work. If you don't have one, you'll need to get one before you can cash a check.
What if the check is post-dated?
A post-dated check is one with a future date on it. Banks and check-cashing stores are not supposed to cash it before that date, though enforcement varies. If you try to cash it early, they may refuse or hold it until the date arrives. Ask the person who wrote the check to issue one with today's date instead.
How long does it take to cash a check?
At the issuing bank, a check-cashing store, or a retailer, you get cash immediately—usually within 5 to 10 minutes. The only delay is if the check fails verification (the signature doesn't match, the account is closed, or the account doesn't have enough money). In that case, you'll be told on the spot and won't receive the cash.
Is it cheaper to open a bank account instead of using check-cashing stores?
If you cash checks regularly, a bank account is cheaper over time. Many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. You deposit the check, and it clears in one to two business days. You avoid the 1 to 5 percent fee each time. However, if you only cash one or two checks a year, the fee is small enough that a bank account may not be worth it.
Can I cash a check made out to a business if I work there?
Not without the business owner's signature endorsing it to you. A check made out to the business belongs to the business, not to you personally. The owner or manager must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" before you can cash it. If they won't do that, you cannot cash it.