Walk in with your ID and the check, and the teller will count out cash or deposit it to your account
Cashing a check at a bank is straightforward: bring the check and a government-issued ID to any branch of the bank that issued the check, and a teller will either give you cash or put the money in your account. The whole process takes a few minutes. If you have an account at that bank, you can deposit it instead of cashing it, which is often faster and safer than carrying cash.
If the check is written to you, you own it and can cash it at the bank that issued it. If it's written to someone else, that person must sign the back (endorse it) before you can cash it. The bank will verify the check is real, confirm the account has enough money, and then hand over the cash or credit your account.
Key Takeaways
- Bring the check and a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to any branch of the bank that issued the check.
- Sign the back of the check in the endorsement area if you haven't already, or ask the teller where to sign.
- Tell the teller whether you want cash or want to deposit it to your account; depositing is usually faster and safer.
- The bank will verify the check is real and the account has funds; this normally takes a few minutes but can take longer if the check is large or from an unfamiliar account.
- If you don't have an account at that bank, you may pay a fee to cash the check, or the bank may refuse to cash it for non-customers.
What you need to bring
You need the check itself and one form of government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. Some banks will accept a military ID or tribal ID. The ID must not be expired, though some banks are lenient if it expired recently.
If you don't have photo ID, call the bank branch ahead of time and ask what they accept. Some branches will cash a check with a non-photo ID like a Social Security card plus a second form of ID, but this varies by bank and by branch. Do not show up without calling first if you lack photo ID.
If the check is written to two people (for example, "John Smith and Jane Doe"), both people must be present with ID. If it's written to one person and you're trying to cash it on their behalf, you'll need a power of attorney or written permission from that person, and the bank may still refuse.
How to endorse the check
The back of the check has a blank area near the top, usually marked "Endorse here" or with a line. Sign your name in that space, exactly as it appears on the front of the check. If the check is made out to "John Smith" and your ID says "John Smith", sign "John Smith". If your ID says "John Michael Smith" and the check says "John Smith", sign it the way it appears on the check.
Do not sign the check before you get to the bank. Sign it in front of the teller so they can see you do it. If you've already signed it at home, that's fine—the teller will see your signature and compare it to your ID.
Below your signature, you can write "For deposit only" and your account number if you want to deposit it instead of cashing it. This protects you if the check is lost or stolen, because it can only be deposited to that account. You don't have to do this, but it's a good habit.
Cashing versus depositing
You have two choices at the teller window: take the money in cash, or have it deposited to your bank account. If you have an account at that bank, depositing is almost always the better choice. The money goes into your account immediately (or within one business day for some banks), you don't have to carry cash, and there's a record of the transaction.
Cashing the check means the teller gives you bills and coins for the full amount. This is useful if you need cash right now, but you're responsible for keeping it safe. If you lose it or it's stolen, the bank won't replace it. You also have no record unless you ask the teller for a receipt.
If you don't have an account at the bank that issued the check, you can still deposit it at your own bank through mobile deposit (photograph the check with your phone) or by mailing it, which takes longer but costs nothing. Cashing it at the issuing bank as a non-customer usually costs a fee—often $5 to $10—and some banks refuse to cash checks for people without accounts.
What happens if the check bounces
A bounced check means the account that issued it didn't have enough money when the bank tried to process it. If you cashed the check and it bounces, the bank will ask you to return the cash. If you already spent it, you're responsible for paying it back to the bank. The bank may also charge you a fee for the bounced check.
If you deposited the check and it bounces, the bank will remove the money from your account and may charge you a fee as well. This is why some banks hold deposited checks for a few days before making the money available—they're waiting to confirm the check won't bounce.
If a check bounces, contact the person or business that wrote it and ask them to write you a new check or pay you another way. If they refuse and the amount is large, you may have a legal claim against them, but that's a matter for small claims court or a lawyer, not the bank.
Large checks and verification delays
For checks over a certain amount—usually $5,000 to $10,000, though it varies by bank—the teller may need to verify the check is real and the account has the funds. This can take a few minutes to a few hours. The bank may ask you to come back later, or they may put a hold on the check and deposit it to your account, making the money available after a few business days.
If the check is from an account at a different bank, verification takes longer because the teller has to contact that bank. If the check is handwritten or looks unusual, the bank may be more cautious. If you're cashing a large check, call the branch ahead of time and ask how long it will take.
The bank is not trying to be difficult—they're protecting themselves and you from fraud. Counterfeit checks and stolen checks are common, and a large check that bounces costs the bank money. Being patient and providing clear information speeds up the process.
What to do if the bank refuses to cash the check
A bank can refuse to cash a check for several reasons: you don't have an account there and they don't cash checks for non-customers; the check looks forged or altered; the account doesn't have enough money; or the check is very old (more than six months). If the bank refuses, ask the teller why. If it's a policy issue (non-customers), you can try a different branch or deposit it at your own bank instead.
If the bank suspects the check is forged or stolen, they will refuse and may report it to the police. Do not argue or insist. If you believe the check is legitimate, contact the person or business that wrote it and ask them to verify it or issue a new one.
If the account doesn't have enough money, the check will bounce whether you cash it now or later. Ask the person who wrote it to deposit funds or write you a new check when they have the money. Do not accept a check you know will bounce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank I don't have an account with?
Yes, but most banks charge a fee to non-customers—typically $5 to $10. Some banks refuse to cash checks for non-customers altogether. Call the branch first to ask their policy. If you have your own bank account, depositing the check there is usually free and faster.
How long does it take to cash a check?
For a routine check at your own bank, it takes five to ten minutes. For a large check or one from another bank, it can take longer—anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. The bank may put a hold on the money and make it available after one or two business days instead of immediately.
What if the check is torn or damaged?
If the check is still readable and the signature and account number are clear, the bank will usually cash it. If it's severely damaged or parts are missing, the bank may refuse. If the person who wrote it can issue a new check, that's the easiest solution.
Can someone else cash my check for me?
Only if you endorse it to them by signing the back and writing their name. They'll need to bring their own ID and sign below your endorsement. Some banks refuse to cash third-party checks (checks endorsed to someone other than the account holder), so call ahead to ask.
What if I lose the check before I cash it?
Contact the person or business that wrote it and ask them to stop payment on the original check and issue a new one. They can do this through their bank. Once the original check is stopped, it can't be cashed by anyone. This usually costs them a small fee, but it's the only way to protect you both.