Where you can cash a check without a bank account

You can cash a check at the bank or credit union that issued it, at a check-cashing store, at some retail locations, or through a mobile app that offers check deposit. The bank that issued the check—the one printed in the bottom left corner—will cash it for free, even if you have no account there. Check-cashing stores charge a fee, usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, but they operate longer hours and require less paperwork. Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash checks at their customer service desk for a flat fee, typically $3 to $6 depending on the check amount. Mobile check deposit through apps like PayPal, Square Cash, or some prepaid card providers lets you photograph the front and back of the check and deposit it to a digital wallet—no physical bank branch needed.

The fastest and cheapest option is almost always the bank that issued the check. Call ahead to confirm their hours and ask whether they need you to bring ID. Most will cash a check for a non-customer on the spot if the check is drawn on their account and you have a government-issued ID.

Key Takeaways

  • The bank that issued the check will cash it for free if you bring a government-issued ID, even if you have no account there.
  • Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount but stay open longer and have fewer requirements than banks.
  • Retail locations like Walmart and Target cash checks for a flat fee of $3 to $6, depending on check size.
  • Mobile check deposit through apps lets you cash a check without leaving home, though the funds may take one to three business days to arrive.

What ID and documents you need to bring

You will need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The name on the ID must match the name on the check. If the check is made out to a different name, you will need to endorse it (sign the back) and have the person whose name is on the check present with their own ID, or the check-cashing location may refuse it.

Some check-cashing stores and retail locations may also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number to verify your identity. Banks rarely ask for more than one ID. If you are cashing a check made out to a business or a third party, bring documentation showing you are authorized to cash it—a business license, power of attorney, or a letter from the account holder giving you permission.

How much you will pay in fees

The issuing bank charges nothing. Check-cashing stores typically charge between 1 and 3 percent of the check amount—so a $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash. Some stores charge a flat fee instead, such as $2 for checks under $100 and $5 for checks over $100. Walmart charges $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks between $1,001 and $5,000. Target charges $2 to $5 depending on check size. Grocery store chains vary; Kroger charges $2 to $5, and Safeway charges $3 to $6.

Mobile check deposit through apps is usually free, though some prepaid card services charge a small fee or require a minimum balance. The trade-off is that funds typically take one to three business days to arrive, whereas in-person cashing is immediate.

Steps to cash a check at the issuing bank

First, find the bank name on the check—it is printed in the bottom left corner. Call that bank's main number or visit their website to find a branch near you and confirm their hours. Bring your government-issued ID and the check itself.

Walk into the branch and tell the teller you want to cash the check. Hand over the check and your ID. The teller will verify the check is legitimate, confirm the funds are available, and count out the cash. This usually takes five to ten minutes. Ask for the cash in the denominations you prefer—twenties, tens, fives, or ones. If the check is large or if you are not a customer of that bank, the teller may ask a few questions about where the check came from, but they will still cash it.

Steps to cash a check at a check-cashing store

Locate a check-cashing store near you—ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, and Advance America are common chains, but independent stores exist in most neighborhoods. Bring your government-issued ID and the check. Walk in and tell the clerk you want to cash the check.

The clerk will ask you to endorse the check by signing the back. They will then run the check through a verification system to confirm it is not fraudulent and that the account has sufficient funds. This takes a few minutes. They will ask for your ID, verify your name matches the check, and may ask a few questions about your employment or address. Once verified, they will deduct their fee and hand you the remaining cash. The entire process usually takes ten to fifteen minutes.

How to deposit a check by phone or app

Download the app for your chosen service—PayPal, Square Cash, Chime, or another provider that offers mobile check deposit. Open the app and navigate to the deposit or check section. You will see an option to photograph the check.

Take a clear photo of the front of the check, making sure all text and numbers are visible. Then take a photo of the back of the check, which should show your signature. The app will guide you through this. Once both images are uploaded, the app will verify the check and deposit it to your account. Funds typically arrive within one to three business days, though some services offer next-business-day deposit for a small fee. You will receive a confirmation email or notification once the deposit is complete.

What to do if the check is rejected or bounces

If a check-cashing store or bank refuses to cash the check, they will tell you why—usually because the account has insufficient funds, the check is post-dated (dated in the future), the check is stale (more than six months old), or the signature does not match the ID. Ask the teller or clerk what the specific reason is.

If the check bounces after you have already cashed it—meaning the account did not actually have the funds—you are responsible for returning the money. The bank or check-cashing store will contact you and ask you to repay the amount plus any fees they incurred. If you do not repay, they may pursue collection or report the incident to law enforcement. If you believe the check was fraudulent or you were scammed, contact the police and the bank that issued the check to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a bank other than the one that issued it?

Most banks will cash a check drawn on another bank, but they may charge a fee of $5 to $10 or refuse to do it altogether. Your best option is always the bank that issued the check, which will cash it for free. Call ahead to confirm the policy at your nearest branch.

What if the check is made out to someone else?

If the check is made out to another person, that person must endorse it by signing the back. They should then sign it over to you by writing "Pay to the order of [your name]" and signing again. You will both need to be present with ID when you cash it, and some locations may still refuse. The safest route is to have the original recipient deposit it into their own account and transfer you the money.

How long does mobile check deposit take?

Funds from mobile check deposit typically arrive within one to three business days. Some apps offer expedited deposit for an extra fee, which may deliver funds the next business day. Check your app's terms to see what speed is available and whether there are any fees.

Can I cash a check if I do not have an ID?

No. All check-cashing locations and banks require a government-issued photo ID to prevent fraud. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain a state ID card or passport first. Contact your state's DMV or the nearest passport office for information on how to apply.

What happens if I try to cash a fake check?

If you knowingly cash a fraudulent check, you can face criminal charges for fraud or forgery. If you unknowingly cash a fake check, you are still responsible for repaying the amount once the fraud is discovered. The bank or check-cashing store will contact you for repayment. If you suspect a check is fraudulent before cashing it, contact the bank that issued it or the police.