Where you can cash a check if you don't have a bank account

You can cash a personal check at a check-cashing store, at the bank that issued the check, at some grocery stores and pharmacies, or through a mobile check deposit app if you have a smartphone. The fastest and cheapest option depends on which one is near you and whether you know the person who wrote the check.

The bank that issued the check — the one printed on the front — will cash it for free if you bring the check and a photo ID. You do not need an account there. Most banks will do this during their business hours, though some may ask you to come to the branch where the account holder banks.

Check-cashing stores will cash almost any personal check, but they charge a fee that ranges from 1 to 10 percent of the check amount, depending on the store and the size of the check. Smaller checks cost more as a percentage. A $100 check might cost $5 to $10 to cash; a $1,000 check might cost $10 to $30.

Key Takeaways

  • The bank that issued the check will cash it for free with a photo ID, even if you don't have an account there.
  • Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 10 percent of the check amount and are open longer than banks, but cost more.
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies cash checks for free or a small fee if you shop there, but may have limits on check size.
  • Mobile check deposit through a prepaid card or money transfer app lets you deposit remotely but requires a smartphone and a linked account.
  • Always bring a photo ID and the original check; never sign the back until you're at the place where you're cashing it.

Cashing at the issuing bank costs nothing

The bank printed on the front of the check — usually in the bottom left corner — will cash it at no charge. Walk in with the check and a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID). Tell the teller you want to cash the check and do not have an account there.

Most banks will cash the check on the spot during business hours. Some branches may ask for your phone number or address for their records. A few banks have policies that limit cashing to account holders, so if the teller says no, ask to speak to a manager — many will override the policy for a single check.

The downside is that banks close at 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and are closed on weekends and holidays. If you need cash outside those hours, you will need a different option.

Check-cashing stores are open longer but charge fees

Check-cashing stores (also called check cashers or currency exchanges) will cash personal checks 24 hours a day, seven days a week at many locations. They charge a percentage of the check amount as a fee. The exact fee depends on the store and the check size, but typically ranges from 1 to 10 percent.

To cash a check at a check-cashing store, bring the original check and a photo ID. Do not sign the back of the check until you are at the counter. The store will verify the check is real, check your ID, and give you cash minus their fee. The whole process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.

Some check-cashing stores also require you to provide a second form of ID or a phone number. A few will hold the check for a day or two to verify funds before paying you, which delays your cash. Ask about their policy before you hand over the check.

Grocery stores and pharmacies may cash checks for free

Many grocery stores and pharmacies (including Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and CVS) will cash personal checks if you have a customer loyalty card or make a purchase. The fee is usually free or very small — $1 to $3 — and some stores waive it if you buy something.

Limits vary by store. Most will cash checks up to $500 or $1,000, though a few go higher. Some stores only cash checks during the hours their customer service desk is open, which may be shorter than store hours. Call ahead to confirm the store near you cashes checks and what their limit is.

The advantage is convenience if you already shop there. The disadvantage is that you may have to buy something or wait in a customer service line, and the store may refuse if the check is large or if they are busy.

Mobile check deposit requires a smartphone and a linked account

If you have a smartphone, you can deposit a personal check through a mobile app without going anywhere. Apps like PayPal, Square Cash, Venmo, and some prepaid card services let you photograph the front and back of the check and deposit it remotely. The money usually appears in your account within one to three business days.

The catch is that you need a linked account — a prepaid card, a money transfer account, or a digital wallet — to receive the funds. You cannot deposit a check into thin air. Once the money is in your account, you can withdraw it at an ATM, use it to pay bills, or transfer it to someone else.

Some apps charge a small fee ($1 to $3) per deposit, and some are free. Check the app's terms before you deposit. Also note that most apps have limits on how much you can deposit per day or per month, often $1,000 to $5,000 per deposit.

What to do if the check is post-dated or damaged

A post-dated check is one written for a future date. Banks and check-cashing stores are not required to wait until that date — they can cash it immediately. However, some stores choose to hold post-dated checks until the date on the check. Ask the store what they will do before you hand it over.

A damaged check — one that is torn, stained, or hard to read — may be refused by a bank or check-cashing store. If the routing number, account number, or amount is unclear, the store cannot safely process it. If the check is slightly damaged, try the issuing bank first; they can verify the account and may cash it anyway. If they refuse, ask the person who wrote the check to write you a new one.

A third-party check — one made out to someone else and signed over to you — is risky and many places will not cash it. Most banks and check-cashing stores refuse third-party checks because they are harder to verify and more likely to be fraudulent. If someone wants to give you a check made out to them, ask them to deposit it themselves and transfer you the cash instead.

How to protect yourself from bad checks

A bad check is one written on an account with no money or an account that does not exist. If you cash a bad check, the store may charge you a fee, and the person who wrote it may face criminal charges. You cannot get your money back from the store — you have to pursue the person who wrote the check.

To reduce risk, only cash checks from people you know and trust. If you must cash a check from someone you do not know well, ask for a second form of ID or a phone number so you can verify them. At a bank, ask the teller to verify the account has funds before cashing. At a check-cashing store, ask if they may provide the check or if they hold it for a few days before paying you.

If you cash a check and it bounces (the account has no money), the store or bank will contact you. You may owe them a fee. The person who wrote the check owes you the money, and you can take them to small claims court or report them to the police if you believe it was intentional fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash someone else's check if they sign the back?

Most banks and check-cashing stores will not cash a third-party check, even if the original payee signs the back and writes "Pay to the order of [your name]." This is because third-party checks are harder to verify and more likely to be fraudulent. Ask the person who received the check to cash it themselves and give you the money instead.

What if I don't have a photo ID?

You will need a photo ID to cash a check at any location — bank, check-cashing store, or grocery store. If you do not have one, you can get a state ID card from your local DMV or a tribal ID if you are a tribal member. A passport also works. Without a photo ID, you cannot cash a check.

How long does it take for a cashed check to clear?

When you cash a check in person, you get the cash immediately. The check clears from the issuer's bank account within one to three business days. If the check bounces after you have already received cash, the store or bank may ask you to repay the amount.

Can I cash a check made out to a business if I work there?

No. A check made out to a business must be deposited into a business bank account. You cannot cash it personally, even if you are the owner or an employee. If the business does not have a bank account, the owner will need to open one to deposit the check.

What's the difference between cashing and depositing a check?

Cashing means you get cash in hand immediately. Depositing means the money goes into a bank or prepaid card account and you can withdraw it later. Cashing is faster but requires you to be at a physical location or use a mobile app. Depositing is slower but you do not have to carry cash.