You can cash a cheque at the bank that issued it, at a cheque-cashing service, or sometimes at the store where you shop
If you don't have a bank account, you have three main routes: go to the bank printed on the cheque, use a dedicated cheque-cashing business, or ask a retailer. The bank that issued the cheque will cash it for free if you bring the cheque and a valid ID. Cheque-cashing services and retailers will also cash it, but they charge a fee — usually between 1% and 5% of the cheque amount, depending on the business and the cheque size. The fastest option is often the issuing bank, because they can verify the cheque immediately and hand you cash on the spot.
The cheque itself tells you which bank issued it. Look at the top left corner or the bottom of the cheque — you'll see a bank name and usually a branch address. That's where you can walk in and cash it without a fee. If the cheque is from a business or government agency, the bank details are printed there too.
Key Takeaways
- The bank whose name appears on the cheque will cash it for free if you bring the cheque and a government-issued ID.
- Cheque-cashing businesses and some retailers (grocery stores, Walmart, etc.) will cash cheques for a fee, usually 1% to 5% of the amount.
- You need a valid ID to cash a cheque anywhere — a driver's license, passport, or provincial ID card all work.
- The issuing bank is the fastest and cheapest option, but cheque-cashing services are open longer hours and don't require you to travel to a specific branch.
Cashing a cheque at the bank that issued it
Walk into any branch of the bank printed on the cheque with the cheque and a valid ID. You don't need to have an account at that bank. Tell the teller you want to cash the cheque, hand over both documents, and they will verify the cheque and give you cash. This takes 5 to 10 minutes in most cases.
The bank will check that the account the cheque is drawn from has enough money to cover it. If it does, you get paid immediately. If it doesn't, the cheque will bounce and you won't get the cash. Some banks will hold the cash for a day or two while they confirm the funds are real, especially for large cheques, but most will give it to you right away.
You will need a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, provincial ID card, or similar document with your photo and signature. The teller will record your ID details and may ask you to sign the back of the cheque.
Using a cheque-cashing service
Cheque-cashing businesses are storefronts that cash cheques for a fee. You bring the cheque and your ID, they verify it with the issuing bank (by phone or online), and they give you cash minus their fee. The fee is usually 1% to 5% of the cheque amount — so a $100 cheque might cost you $1 to $5 to cash. Some services charge a flat fee instead (for example, $5 per cheque) regardless of the amount.
The advantage is that these businesses are often open longer than banks — many stay open until 8 or 9 p.m. and some are open on Sundays. They also don't require you to find the specific bank branch that issued the cheque. The disadvantage is the fee, which adds up if you cash cheques regularly.
To find a cheque-cashing service near you, search online for "cheque cashing near me" or look for signs in strip malls and downtown areas. Call ahead to confirm they cash personal cheques (some only cash payroll cheques or government cheques) and ask what their fee is.
Cashing a cheque at a retailer
Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers like Walmart will cash cheques as a service to customers. The process is the same as a cheque-cashing business: bring the cheque and your ID, they verify it, and they give you cash minus a fee. The fee is often lower than a dedicated cheque-cashing service — sometimes $1 to $3 per cheque.
The catch is that retailers usually only cash cheques if you're also making a purchase, or if you have a loyalty card or account with them. Ask at the customer service desk whether they cash cheques and what their fee is. Some retailers will only cash payroll cheques or government cheques, not personal cheques from individuals.
What ID you need and what happens if the cheque bounces
Any government-issued ID with your photo and signature will work: a driver's license, passport, provincial ID card, or similar. The teller or cashier will record your name and ID number. If you don't have a photo ID, some banks and cheque-cashing services will accept a combination of two non-photo IDs (like a utility bill and a credit card), but this varies by business — call ahead to ask.
If the cheque bounces (the account doesn't have enough money), the bank or cheque-cashing service will try to deposit it again a few days later. If it bounces a second time, they will stop trying and the cheque is worthless. If they've already given you cash, they may ask you to return it or they may pursue you for the money. This is rare, but it's why cashing a cheque from someone you don't know carries some risk.
Timing and what to expect
At the issuing bank, you'll have cash in hand within 10 to 15 minutes. At a cheque-cashing service or retailer, it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes as well, because they verify the cheque electronically while you wait.
Large cheques (usually over $1,000 or $2,000, depending on the business) may take longer. The bank or service may hold the cash for 24 to 48 hours while they confirm the funds are real. If you need the money urgently, ask about their policy on large cheques before you hand over the cheque.
Cheques dated in the future (post-dated cheques) usually cannot be cashed until that date arrives. If you try to cash a post-dated cheque early, the bank or service will refuse it.
Comparing your options
| Option | Fee | Speed | Hours | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | 5–15 minutes | Bank hours (usually 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) | Cheque, valid ID |
| Cheque-cashing service | 1–5% of cheque amount | 5–10 minutes | Often 9 a.m.–9 p.m., some open Sundays | Cheque, valid ID |
| Retailer | $1–$3 per cheque | 5–10 minutes | Store hours (often 7 a.m.–11 p.m.) | Cheque, valid ID, sometimes a purchase or loyalty card |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a cheque made out to someone else?
No. The cheque must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it's made out to someone else, they must endorse it (sign the back) and you must be present, but most banks and cheque-cashing services will refuse to cash it anyway because the risk is too high. The safest option is to ask the person who wrote the cheque to write you a new one in your name.
What if I don't have a valid ID?
Most banks and cheque-cashing services will not cash a cheque without a government-issued photo ID. Some will accept two non-photo IDs (like a utility bill and a credit card), but this varies. Call ahead to ask what they accept. If you don't have any ID, you'll need to open a bank account first, which requires ID anyway.
How long does it take for a cheque to clear if I cash it?
When you cash a cheque, you get the money immediately. The bank or service verifies the funds are there before they hand you cash. However, if the cheque bounces later, they may ask you to return the money. For large cheques, they may hold the cash for 24 to 48 hours while they confirm.
Is it cheaper to cash cheques at the bank or a cheque-cashing service?
The issuing bank is always free. A cheque-cashing service charges 1% to 5% of the cheque amount. If you cash a $200 cheque at a service charging 2%, you pay $4. If you cash it at the bank, you pay nothing. The bank is cheaper, but the service may be more convenient if it's closer or open later.
Can I cash a cheque online without a bank account?
No. You need to cash a cheque in person at a bank, cheque-cashing service, or retailer. Some banks offer mobile cheque deposit (taking a photo of the cheque), but you need a bank account to use it. Without an account, you must go in person.