Walk in with the check and your ID, and the teller will give you cash
To cash a check at a bank, bring the signed check and a government-issued photo ID to any branch of the bank that issued the check. The teller will verify the check is signed, confirm you are the person named on it, and hand you cash. The whole process takes five to ten minutes. You do not need an account at that bank.
If the check is made out to someone else and they want you to cash it, that person must sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. This is called a third-party check, and many banks refuse them or charge a fee because the risk of fraud is higher. Call the bank first to ask whether they will accept it.
If you have an account at the bank that issued the check, you can also deposit it instead of cashing it. Depositing is safer if you do not need the cash immediately, because the money goes straight into your account and you have a record of the transaction.
Key Takeaways
- Bring the signed check and a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) to the bank that issued the check.
- The teller will verify your identity and the check's signature, then hand you cash on the spot.
- You do not need an account at the bank to cash a check there.
- Third-party checks (signed over to you by someone else) are often refused or charged a fee; call ahead to confirm the bank will accept it.
- If you have an account at the bank, depositing the check is faster and safer than cashing it.
What ID the bank will accept
The bank needs a government-issued photo ID that matches the name on the check. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport will work. Some banks also accept military ID or tribal ID. The ID must be current or expired by no more than a few years—banks vary on how strict they are about expiration dates.
If you do not have a photo ID, ask the teller whether the bank will accept a combination of documents instead, such as a utility bill plus a credit card. Many banks will, but policies differ. Some will refuse entirely. Call ahead if you are unsure.
How to sign the back of the check
Before you hand the check to the teller, sign the back in the space provided. Your signature should match the name printed on the front of the check as closely as possible. If your name on the check is "Robert" but you always sign "Bob," sign it as "Robert" this time. If the signature does not match, the teller may refuse the check or ask you to initial the difference.
Do not write anything else on the back of the check unless the teller asks you to. Some banks print instructions on the back telling you where to sign; follow those. If the back is blank, sign in the top left corner.
Cashing a check when you do not have an account
You can cash a check at the bank that issued it even if you have never opened an account there. The bank is responsible for honoring checks drawn on its own accounts, so it will cash the check as long as the account has enough money and the check is not fraudulent.
If you try to cash a check at a bank where you do not have an account and the teller refuses, it is usually because the check itself has a problem—the signature does not match, the account is closed, or there are not enough funds. Ask the teller why they cannot cash it. If the reason is insufficient funds, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to deposit money or issue a new check.
What happens if the check bounces
A bounced check means the account that issued it did not have enough money when the bank tried to process it. If you cash a check and it bounces, the bank will take the cash back out of your account if you deposited it there, or ask you to return the cash if you took it in person.
If you cashed the check and spent the money, you are responsible for returning it to the bank. The bank may also charge you a fee for the bounced check. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to reimburse you for both the check amount and any fees the bank charged you.
Cashing a check at a different bank or ATM
You can only cash a check at the bank that issued it, not at any other bank. If you try to cash a check at a bank where you do not have an account and that bank did not issue the check, they will refuse.
ATMs do not cash checks. Some ATMs let you deposit checks, but that requires an account at that bank. If you do not have an account anywhere, your only option is to go to the bank that issued the check during business hours.
If the bank that issued the check is not near you, consider depositing it at your own bank instead. Most banks let you deposit checks by mail or through a mobile app, and the money will be in your account within one to three business days.
Cashing a large check
Banks have no legal limit on the amount they will cash in a single check. However, if the check is very large—typically $5,000 or more, though this varies by bank—the teller may ask questions about where the money is going. This is called a Suspicious Activity Report, and banks are required by federal law to file one if a transaction looks unusual.
Answering honestly will not cause you problems. If you are cashing a large check from your employer or a legitimate source, simply tell the teller. The bank may also ask you to wait while they verify the check is real, which can add 15 to 30 minutes to the process.
If you are worried about the time, call the bank ahead of time and let them know you are coming with a large check. Some branches will have a manager on hand to speed up the verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check online or by mail?
No. You must cash a check in person at a bank branch during business hours. If you want to avoid going to the bank, deposit the check instead—most banks let you deposit by mail or through a mobile app, and the money will be available in one to three business days.
What if the check is dated in the future?
A post-dated check (one with a future date) can technically be cashed before that date, though some banks will refuse. The safest approach is to wait until the date on the check arrives. If you need the cash sooner, ask the person who wrote the check to issue a new one with today's date.
Do I need to tell the bank why I am cashing the check?
No. The teller may ask what the check is for if it is very large, but you are not required to answer in detail. A simple answer like "it is from my employer" or "it is a refund" is enough. If you do not want to say, you can decline politely.
What if I lost the check or it was damaged?
Contact the person or company that issued the check and ask them to issue a replacement. Bring the damaged check if you have it, as proof. The bank cannot issue a new check on your behalf—only the account holder can do that.
Can I cash a check written to a business if I work there?
Only if the check is made out to you personally or if the business owner signs it over to you. A check made out to the business name must be deposited into the business bank account, not cashed by an individual employee. If you need cash from a business check, ask the owner to sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]," then take it to the bank as a third-party check.