Walk in with your ID and the check, and the teller will count out your cash

To cash a check at your bank, bring the check and a government-issued photo ID to any branch during business hours. The teller will verify the check is signed on the back, confirm you are the person named on it, and give you the cash. The whole process takes five to ten minutes. If the check is drawn on the same bank where you are cashing it, you will usually get the money immediately. If it is drawn on a different bank, the teller may place a hold on part or all of the funds for one to three business days while the check clears.

You do not need to have an account at the bank to cash a check there, but banks can charge a fee if you do not. The fee varies by bank—some charge $5 to $15 for non-customers cashing checks. Ask the teller about the fee before you hand over the check, or call the bank ahead of time to confirm their policy.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring the unsigned check and a photo ID to any branch of the bank that issued the check, and the teller will cash it on the spot.
  • Checks drawn on the same bank clear immediately; checks from other banks may be held for one to three business days.
  • Non-customers usually pay a fee of $5 to $15 to cash a check, though some banks waive it for checks over a certain amount.
  • If the check is damaged, unsigned, or post-dated, the bank may refuse to cash it or ask the person who wrote it to confirm.
  • If you do not want to visit a branch, you can deposit the check into an account using mobile deposit or mail it to the bank.

What happens if the check is not signed

A check must be signed on the back by the person it is made out to before a bank will cash it. If you arrive at the teller window with an unsigned check, the teller will ask you to sign it right there. Sign your name on the back of the check in the blank area—this is called endorsing the check.

If the check is made out to two people (for example, "John and Jane Smith"), both people must sign it and both must be present with ID to cash it. If it says "John or Jane Smith," either one can cash it alone. If you are unsure how the check is made out, look at the front where the names appear after "Pay to the order of."

Holds and when your money is not available right away

A hold is a delay the bank places on a check while it confirms the funds are real and the account has enough money to cover it. If the check is drawn on the same bank where you are cashing it, there is usually no hold—you get the cash immediately. If the check is from a different bank, the teller will tell you when the money will be available, usually one to three business days.

The bank is required to make at least the first $225 of a check available by the next business day, even if the full amount is on hold. Larger checks may take longer. If you need the money faster, ask the teller whether the bank offers expedited clearing for a fee, though not all banks do.

A hold does not mean the check will bounce. It means the bank is waiting to confirm the check is good before handing over all the cash. If the check turns out to be fraudulent or the account does not have enough money, the bank will tell you and you will not get the cash.

Cashing checks at banks where you do not have an account

You can cash a check at any bank, even if you do not have an account there, but you will usually pay a fee. The fee is charged by the bank cashing the check, not by your own bank. Fees range from $5 to $15 depending on the bank and the check amount. Some banks waive the fee for checks over $100 or $500.

To find out the fee before you go, call the bank's main number and ask about their non-customer check-cashing policy. Bring your photo ID and the unsigned check. The process is the same as for account holders—the teller will verify your identity, have you sign the back, and give you the cash or place a hold if needed.

Alternatives if you cannot visit a branch

If you have a bank account, you can deposit the check without going to a branch. Most banks offer mobile deposit, which lets you photograph the front and back of the check using your phone and submit it through the bank's app. The check is usually deposited into your account within one business day, and you can withdraw the cash from an ATM or transfer it elsewhere.

You can also mail the check to the bank with a deposit slip, though this takes longer—usually five to seven business days from the time the bank receives it. Write "For deposit only" and your account number on the back of the check before mailing it.

If you do not have a bank account, your only option is to visit a branch in person or use a check-cashing service. Check-cashing services (often found at grocery stores, pharmacies, or dedicated storefronts) will cash checks for a fee, usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. This is more expensive than a bank fee but may be faster if you need cash outside of business hours.

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

A damaged check—one that is torn, stained, or hard to read—may be refused by the teller. If the damage is minor and the routing number, account number, and amount are still clear, the bank may cash it anyway. If the damage is significant, ask the person who wrote the check to issue a new one.

A post-dated check is one dated in the future (for example, dated next month). Banks are not required to cash post-dated checks before that date, and many will refuse to. If you have a post-dated check, wait until the date on the check arrives before trying to cash it. Some banks will cash it early if you ask, but this is at their discretion.

What happens if the check bounces after you cash it

If you cash a check and it later bounces—meaning the account it was drawn on did not have enough money—the bank will reverse the deposit and take the cash back. If you already spent the money, you will owe the bank the amount of the check. The bank may also charge you a returned-check fee, usually $15 to $35.

If this happens, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to cover the amount plus any fees. If they refuse or you cannot reach them, the bank may pursue collection or report it to a check-verification service, which can make it harder for you to cash checks in the future. If you believe the check was fraudulent, report it to the bank and to local police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a different bank than the one it was drawn on?

Yes, but you will usually pay a fee of $5 to $15. Checks drawn on the same bank as where you are cashing it clear immediately. Checks from other banks may be held for one to three business days while the bank confirms the funds are real.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

Banks require a government-issued photo ID to cash a check. If you do not have one, you cannot cash the check at a bank. You may be able to cash it at a check-cashing service, though they also typically require ID. A passport, driver's license, or state ID card all work.

Do I have to sign the check in front of the teller?

You can sign it before you arrive, but most people sign it at the teller window. Either way is fine. The signature must be on the back of the check in the endorsement area. Do not sign the front.

How long does a check hold last?

A hold typically lasts one to three business days for checks drawn on other banks. The bank must make at least the first $225 available by the next business day. Larger checks or checks from out-of-state banks may be held longer. Ask the teller for the exact date the hold will be lifted.

What if the check is made out to my business, not to me personally?

You will need to bring the check and a photo ID, and you may also need to bring documentation showing you are authorized to cash checks on behalf of the business, such as a business license or corporate resolution. Call the bank ahead of time to ask what documents they need.