Banks that cash checks for non-customers
Most large banks will cash a check drawn on their own bank, even if you don't have an account there. This is called third-party check cashing. The bank that issued the check (the one printed on the check itself) is usually willing to cash it because they can verify the funds immediately and know the account holder.
The catch: you'll pay a fee, sometimes $5 to $15 depending on the bank and the check amount. Some banks waive the fee if the check is small or if you're cashing a paycheck. Call ahead or ask at the teller window before you hand over the check—fees vary widely and some banks have stopped offering this service entirely.
Banks that commonly cash checks for non-customers include Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chase, and Citibank, but policies change and branches sometimes refuse. Your best move is to call the specific branch where you plan to cash the check and confirm they'll do it and what the fee is.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check (printed on the front) will usually cash it for you even without an account, but will charge a fee of $5 to $15.
- You'll need a valid photo ID and the check must be signed and payable to you or endorsed to you by the original payee.
- Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart often cash checks for lower fees or no fee, and don't require an account anywhere.
- If the check is drawn on a small or local bank, that bank may refuse to cash it for non-customers; call first to confirm.
- Postdated checks (dated in the future) and third-party checks (signed over to you by someone else) are riskier and many places won't cash them.
Check-cashing stores and retail locations
Check-cashing stores exist specifically to cash checks for people without bank accounts. They charge a percentage of the check amount—usually 1 to 3 percent—which can be cheaper than a bank's flat fee on small checks but more expensive on large ones. A $500 check at 2 percent costs $10; a $1,000 check costs $20.
Walmart, Target, and many grocery stores also cash checks at customer service desks. Walmart's fee is typically $3 for checks under $1,000 and $6 for checks $1,000 and over. Grocery stores vary by chain and location, so call ahead. These retailers usually have shorter lines than banks and don't require you to have any account with them.
The downside: check-cashing stores and retailers are more likely to refuse postdated checks, third-party checks, or checks with alterations. They may also hold the check for a day or two before giving you the cash, depending on the amount and their internal policy.
What you need to bring and how the process works
You'll need a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The check must be signed and made payable to you by name. If someone else wrote the check to themselves and signed it over to you, most banks and check-cashing places will refuse it, though some retailers are more flexible.
The teller or cashier will examine the check for alterations, verify the signature matches the account (if they're the issuing bank), and confirm the funds are there. For bank checks, this takes a few minutes. For third-party checks or checks from smaller banks, they may hold it longer or refuse outright.
If you're cashing a paycheck, bring your pay stub or employee ID if you have it—some places will waive fees for payroll checks. If the check is large (over $5,000), the bank may ask where the money came from and file a report; this is standard anti-money-laundering procedure and not a sign of trouble.
Fees and how they compare
| Location | Fee structure | Typical cost on $500 check | Requires account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (issuing bank) | Flat fee per check | $5–$15 | No |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check amount | $5–$15 | No |
| Walmart | $3 under $1,000; $6 over | $3 | No |
| Grocery store | Varies by chain | $2–$10 | No |
| Credit union | Flat fee or percentage | $5–$10 | No (sometimes) |
Walmart and grocery stores are usually the cheapest option for small to medium checks. Check-cashing stores make sense if you're cashing a very small check (under $200) where a flat bank fee would eat a larger percentage. Banks charge the most per transaction but are fastest and most reliable for large checks.
Checks that are harder or impossible to cash
Postdated checks (dated in the future) are legally not yet payable, and most banks and retailers will refuse them or hold them until the date arrives. Some check-cashing stores will hold them, but you'll wait.
Third-party checks (signed over to you by someone else) are the riskiest. Banks almost never cash them for non-customers. Some check-cashing stores will, but they charge extra and may refuse if the signature doesn't match perfectly or if there are any alterations. If someone owes you money via check, ask them to write a new one in your name instead.
Stale checks (more than six months old) are technically not valid, and banks can refuse them. Checks with alterations—crossed-out amounts, different handwriting, tape over the signature—will be refused by almost every place. If a check looks wrong, don't try to cash it; ask the issuer for a replacement.
When a bank or retailer refuses to cash your check
If the issuing bank refuses, it's usually because the account is closed, the funds aren't there, or the check is damaged or altered. Ask the teller why they won't cash it. If it's a fraud concern or a closed account, you'll need to contact the person who wrote the check and ask for a replacement or a wire transfer instead.
If a check-cashing store or retailer refuses, try another location—policies vary by branch and manager. Walmart and grocery stores are more likely to accept checks that banks reject, so that's a good second option. If multiple places refuse the same check, the problem is likely with the check itself, not the location.
If you suspect the check is fraudulent or the account is closed, contact the person who wrote it immediately. Do not deposit or cash a check you're unsure about; you can be held liable if it bounces after you've already received the cash.
Alternatives if you can't cash the check
If no one will cash the check, ask the person who wrote it to send you a wire transfer, ACH transfer, or payment through a digital wallet like Venmo or PayPal instead. These methods are faster, have lower fees, and don't depend on whether you have a bank account.
If the check is a paycheck and your employer offers direct deposit, sign up for that instead. It's free, faster, and you don't have to cash anything. If you're receiving a government check (tax refund, Social Security, unemployment), you can have it deposited directly to any bank account or prepaid card, or request a paper check if you prefer.
If you need to cash checks regularly and don't have a bank account, opening a basic checking account at a credit union or online bank is often cheaper than paying check-cashing fees over time. Many credit unions and banks offer free or low-cost accounts with no minimum balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank where I don't have an account?
Yes, if the check is drawn on that bank. You'll pay a fee ($5 to $15 typically) and need a valid photo ID. If the check is drawn on a different bank, that bank will usually refuse to cash it for non-customers, though some will for a higher fee.
What if someone signed a check over to me?
Most banks and check-cashing stores will refuse third-party checks. Your best option is to ask the original payee to write a new check in your name, or ask them to deposit it in their account and send you the money another way. A few check-cashing stores will accept third-party checks, but they charge extra and may refuse if the signatures don't match.
Do I need an ID to cash a check?
Yes. A valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) is required at banks, check-cashing stores, and most retailers. Without one, no one will cash the check.
What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?
If you cash a check and it bounces, you're responsible for returning the money to the bank or retailer that cashed it. They can charge you a fee and pursue you for the amount. This is why it's important to only cash checks from people or businesses you trust.
Is it cheaper to use a check-cashing store or a bank?
It depends on the check amount. For checks under $300, Walmart or a check-cashing store charging a percentage is usually cheaper. For larger checks, a bank's flat fee may be better. Call ahead and compare before you go.