Your options for turning a check into cash
You can cash a check at the bank or credit union that issued it, at a check-cashing store, at some retail locations, or by having someone else deposit it for you. The bank that issued the check (the one printed on the front) will cash it for free, even if you don't have an account there. Check-cashing stores and retailers charge a fee, usually between 1 and 5 percent of the check amount, depending on the check size and the location.
The fastest route is the issuing bank, because they can verify the check immediately and hand you cash on the spot. Retail locations like Walmart and grocery stores also cash checks same-day, though they may have limits on how large a check they'll accept. Check-cashing stores are open longer hours than banks, which matters if you need cash outside normal business hours.
Key Takeaways
- The bank or credit union that issued the check will cash it for free without requiring you to have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores and retailers charge a percentage fee, typically 1 to 5 percent of the check amount, and may limit how large a check they'll cash.
- You'll need a valid photo ID at any location, and the check must be made out to you or signed over to you by the person it was written to.
- If you don't want to pay a fee, having a trusted person deposit the check into their account and give you the cash is free, but requires you to trust that person completely.
Cashing at the issuing bank for free
The bank or credit union printed on the check will cash it at no cost. Walk into any branch of that bank with your check and a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Tell the teller you want to cash the check. They'll verify the funds are there, confirm your identity, and give you cash.
This works even if you've never had an account at that bank. You don't need to open one, and you don't need to provide any information beyond your ID. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. If the check is large or if there's any question about it, the bank may put a hold on the funds for a day or two before releasing the cash, but they'll tell you that upfront.
The one catch: you must go to a branch of the bank that issued the check. If your check is from Bank of America, you go to Bank of America. If it's from a small local bank, you need to find one of their branches. If the bank has no branches near you, you'll need to use another method.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
Check-cashing stores will cash your check for a fee, usually between 1 and 5 percent of the check amount. A $500 check might cost you $5 to $25 to cash, depending on the store and the check type. Payroll checks and government checks (like tax refunds or Social Security) typically have lower fees than personal checks. Postdated checks—checks dated in the future—may not be cashed at all.
You'll need a valid photo ID and the check must be made out to you. Some stores ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint. The process is usually faster than a bank, and check-cashing stores are often open evenings and weekends. However, fees add up quickly if you cash checks regularly, so this is best used as an occasional option rather than a permanent solution.
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 to ask about their current fee.
Retail locations that cash checks
Walmart, Target, grocery store chains, and some pharmacies cash checks as a customer service, usually for a flat fee of $3 to $6 per check or a small percentage. Walmart's fee is typically $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks over $1,000, though this varies by location. You'll need a valid photo ID and the check must be made out to you.
Retail check cashing is convenient because you may already be shopping there, and the hours are longer than a bank. However, most retailers have a maximum check amount they'll cash—often $1,000 to $5,000—so very large checks won't work. Call the store ahead of time to confirm they cash checks and to ask about their limits and fees.
Having someone else deposit the check for you
If someone you trust has a bank account, they can deposit your check into their account and give you the cash. This is free and requires no fees. However, this only works if you completely trust that person—they have full access to the money once it's in their account, and there's no legal protection if they don't give it to you.
The person with the account will need to sign the back of the check and write "For deposit only to the account of [their name]" above their signature. Some banks allow mobile deposit, meaning they can photograph the check with their phone and deposit it without going to a branch. The funds usually appear in their account within one to two business days, at which point they can give you cash.
This method works best for small checks and trusted family members or close friends. For larger amounts or people you don't know well, it's not a safe option.
What you need to bring and what can go wrong
At any location—bank, check-cashing store, or retailer—you'll need a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. Some places ask for a second form of ID, like a utility bill or credit card, but this is less common.
The check must be made out to you, or it must be signed over to you by the person it was written to. To sign a check over, the original payee writes "Pay to the order of [your name]" on the back and signs below it. However, many banks and retailers won't accept signed-over checks because they're harder to verify, so this method is becoming less common.
Checks can be rejected if they're postdated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), torn, or if the signature doesn't match the ID you present. If the check bounces—meaning there aren't enough funds in the account—you may be charged a fee by the location where you cashed it, and you'll owe them the check amount.
Comparing your options by cost and speed
| Method | Cost | Speed | Hours | Check Size Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | 5–10 minutes | Bank hours only | None |
| Check-cashing store | 1–5% of check | 5–15 minutes | Often evenings and weekends | Varies by store |
| Retail location | $3–$6 flat fee | 5–10 minutes | Store hours | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Third-party deposit | Free | 1–2 business days | N/A | None |
If the check is large or you want to avoid fees, the issuing bank is your best choice. If you need cash outside bank hours or the issuing bank is far away, a retail location or check-cashing store is faster. If you have time to wait and trust someone with a bank account, having them deposit it is free.
The table above shows the trade-offs between each method. Your choice depends on how much time you have, how much the check is for, and whether you want to pay a fee. For most people, the issuing bank is the cheapest option if it's convenient to reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
Only if that person signs the back and writes "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. However, many banks and retailers won't accept these signed-over checks because they're harder to verify. Your safest bet is to ask the person who received the check to cash it themselves or deposit it into their own account and give you the cash.
What happens if I cash a check that bounces?
The bank or store that cashed it will charge you a fee, usually $10 to $30, and you'll owe them the full check amount. The person who wrote the check is responsible for the bounced check fee to their own bank, but you're responsible to the location where you cashed it. If the check is from an employer or government agency, contact them immediately to report the problem.
Can I cash a check online without a bank account?
No. Online check cashing services require you to have a bank account or mobile wallet to deposit the funds into. If you don't have either, you'll need to use an in-person method like a check-cashing store or retail location.
How long does a check stay valid?
A check is generally valid for six months from the date written on it. After six months, it's considered stale-dated and most banks won't cash it. If you have an old check, contact the person or company that wrote it and ask them to issue a new one.
Do I need to endorse the check before cashing it?
Yes. Sign the back of the check where it says "Endorse here" before you hand it to the teller or cashier. Your signature proves you're the person the check was written to. If you don't sign it, most locations won't cash it.