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, though they may charge a fee. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank all cash third-party checks for non-account holders, typically for $5 to $10 per check. The person whose name is on the check (the account holder) can also walk in and cash it at any branch of their own bank for free.

The catch: the check must be drawn on that specific bank. If you have a check from a Chase account, you can cash it at Chase without an account. If it's from a regional bank or credit union, you'll need to go to that institution. Many banks also require you to show a government-issued ID and may ask questions about your relationship to the check writer.

Fees and policies vary by location and by how the bank classifies you. Some branches treat non-account holders differently than others, so calling ahead saves a trip. A few banks have stopped cashing checks for non-customers entirely, so it's worth confirming before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Large national banks like Chase and Bank of America will cash checks drawn on their own accounts for non-customers, usually for a $5 to $10 fee.
  • The check must be drawn on the bank where you're cashing it—a Wells Fargo check can only be cashed at Wells Fargo without an account.
  • The account holder (the person whose name is on the check) can cash it at their own bank for free, regardless of whether you have an account.
  • Bring a government-issued ID and be prepared to answer questions about why you're cashing the check.
  • Call the specific branch before you go, because policies and fees differ by location and some branches no longer cash checks for non-customers.

How to learn about a specific bank will cash your check

The fastest way is to call the branch directly. Ask for the teller line or customer service and say: "I have a check drawn on this bank, but I don't have an account here. Will you cash it, and is there a fee?" They'll tell you yes or no in under a minute.

If you're calling a large chain, you may reach a general line that transfers you to a local branch. Be specific about which branch you plan to visit, because policies can differ. Some urban branches cash checks for non-customers; some suburban or rural branches do not.

If the bank says no, ask whether the account holder can cash it instead. The person whose name is printed on the check can almost always cash it at their own bank for free, and that's often faster than finding an alternative route.

What happens if the bank won't cash it

If the bank refuses or charges too much, you have several options. The account holder can go to their bank and withdraw cash, then give it to you directly. This is free and takes minutes if they have online banking or a debit card.

You can also deposit the check into your own bank account if you have one, even if it's at a different bank. Most banks process checks within one to three business days. If you need the money faster, some banks offer next-day or same-day posting for mobile check deposits, though this depends on the amount and your account history.

A third option is a check-cashing store or payday lender. These charge higher fees—typically 2 to 5 percent of the check amount—but they cash checks immediately and don't require an account or ID verification in most states. However, they should be a last resort because the fees add up quickly.

Fees and limits for non-account holders

Bank fees for cashing checks as a non-customer typically range from $5 to $10 per check at major chains. Some banks charge a percentage of the check amount instead—usually 1 to 2 percent—which means a $500 check could cost $5 to $10. A few banks charge nothing, but this is becoming less common.

Many banks also set limits on how much they'll cash for a non-customer. Some will cash checks up to $5,000; others cap it at $1,000 or $500. If your check is larger than the limit, you may need to deposit it instead or have the account holder cash it.

Credit unions often have different policies than banks. Some credit unions will cash checks drawn on their institution for non-members at no charge; others charge a small fee or refuse entirely. Call ahead if you're using a credit union check.

What you need to bring

Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will scan or record it before cashing the check. Some banks also ask for a second form of ID, though this is less common.

Bring the check itself, unsigned. Do not sign the back of the check before you arrive; the teller will ask you to sign it in front of them. If the check is already signed on the back by someone else, the bank may refuse it or ask questions about why.

If the check is made out to two people (for example, "John Smith and Jane Doe"), both people usually need to be present with ID. If it's made out to one person and you're trying to cash it on their behalf, bring a note from them authorizing you to do so, though many banks will still refuse.

When the account holder should cash it instead

If the person whose name is on the check can get to their bank, that's almost always the simplest route. They can cash it for free, no questions asked, and it takes five minutes. Many banks let account holders cash checks through the drive-through or mobile app without going inside.

If the account holder has online banking, they can often deposit the check remotely using their phone camera, then withdraw the cash from an ATM. This works even if they're out of town or the branch is closed. The money is usually available within one business day.

The account holder can also transfer the funds to you electronically—through Venmo, PayPal, a wire transfer, or an ACH transfer—if they have online banking. This is free and faster than any check-cashing option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Not at a bank. Banks will not cash a check made out to another person unless that person is present with ID and signs it in front of the teller. Some check-cashing stores will do a third-party cash, but they charge higher fees and require both people to sign. The safest option is to have the check owner deposit it into their account and send you the money electronically.

What if the check is old or post-dated?

Banks will not cash a check that is more than six months old, even if the account holder tries. A post-dated check (one dated in the future) can technically be cashed early at some banks, but many tellers will refuse. Ask the account holder to write a new check or contact the bank that issued it to confirm their policy.

Do I need an account to cash a check at a credit union?

It depends on the credit union. Some credit unions are more lenient than banks and will cash checks for non-members at no charge or for a small fee. Others refuse entirely. Call the credit union's main number and ask about their non-member check-cashing policy before you visit.

Will the bank cash a check if I don't have an ID?

No. Banks require a government-issued photo ID to cash any check for a non-customer. If you don't have one, ask the account holder to cash it instead, or deposit it into your own account if you have one. Check-cashing stores have different rules by state, but most also require ID.

How long does it take to cash a check at a bank?

If you walk in during business hours with your ID and the check is drawn on that bank, it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. If the branch is busy, it may take longer. Drive-through windows are often faster. If you deposit the check instead of cashing it, the funds are typically available within one to three business days.