Your main options for cashing a check
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 mobile deposit. The bank that issued the check (the one printed on it) will cash it for free if you go in person with a valid ID, even if you don't have an account there. Check-cashing stores charge a fee—usually 1 to 5 percent of the check amount—but they're open longer hours and don't require an account. Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash checks during their regular hours for a flat fee, typically $3 to $6. Mobile deposit through apps like Square Cash, PayPal, or some prepaid card services lets you photograph the check and deposit it without visiting a location, though you'll need a linked bank account or prepaid card to receive the money.
The fastest and cheapest route is the issuing bank if you can get there during business hours. The most convenient route if you're in a hurry or have odd hours is a check-cashing store or retail location. Mobile deposit is fastest if you already have a prepaid card or savings account somewhere—even if it's not a traditional bank.
Key Takeaways
- The bank or credit union that issued the check will cash it for free with a valid ID, regardless of whether you have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 5 percent of the check amount but operate longer hours and don't require an account.
- Walmart, Target, and many grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee of $3 to $6 during store hours.
- Mobile deposit through apps requires a linked bank account or prepaid card but is the fastest option if you have one.
- Bring a valid government-issued ID to any location; some may also ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint.
Cashing at the issuing bank or credit union
The bank whose name appears on the check must cash it for you at any of their branches. This is free and requires only a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You do not need to have an account at that bank. Walk in during business hours, hand the check and your ID to a teller, and they will give you cash.
The catch is location and hours. If the check is from a bank with no branches near you, or if you need cash outside of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a weekday, this option may not work. Some banks have extended hours on Saturdays, but many close on Sundays and evenings. Call ahead or check their website to confirm a branch is open before you go.
Check-cashing stores
A check-cashing store will cash your check without requiring a bank account. They charge a fee based on the check amount—typically 1 to 5 percent. On a $100 check, you might pay $1 to $5. On a $1,000 check, you might pay $10 to $50. The exact rate varies by store and by the type of check (payroll checks often cost less than personal checks). Many check-cashing stores are open evenings and weekends, making them useful if you need cash outside normal bank hours.
Bring a valid government-issued ID. Some stores may ask for a second form of ID or take a thumbprint. They will verify the check is legitimate and that the signature matches your ID before handing over cash. If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), most check-cashing stores will not cash it until that date arrives. If the check bounces after you've received the cash, the store may pursue you for the amount, so only cash checks you're confident are good.
Retail locations: Walmart, Target, and grocery stores
Many Walmart and Target stores cash checks at the customer service desk for a flat fee of $3 to $6, regardless of the check amount. Some grocery store chains—including Kroger, Safeway, and regional chains—also offer check-cashing at the service desk or checkout. Hours are typically the same as the store's regular hours, which often means evenings and weekends are available. You do not need an account anywhere; bring only a valid government-issued ID.
The advantage is convenience and predictable pricing. The disadvantage is that not every location offers this service—call ahead or check the store's website to confirm. Some locations have stopped offering check-cashing or limit it to checks under a certain amount. Bring your ID and the check, go to the service desk, and ask. The process usually takes a few minutes.
Mobile deposit through apps and prepaid cards
If you have a prepaid card, a savings account at any bank or credit union, or a money transfer app that accepts deposits, you can use mobile deposit to cash a check without visiting a location. You photograph the front and back of the check using your phone, submit it through the app, and the money appears in your account within one to three business days. Apps that offer this include Square Cash, PayPal, Chime, and many prepaid card services.
The catch is that you need a linked account somewhere to receive the money. If you have no bank account and no prepaid card, mobile deposit won't work. If you do have one, this is the fastest and most private option—no fees, no waiting in line, and no one asking questions. Once the money is in your account, you can withdraw it at an ATM or use the card to pay for things directly.
What to bring and what to expect
At any location, bring a valid government-issued ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Some places ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill or credit card with your name on it. Be prepared to provide your address if asked. The teller or cashier will examine the check for signs of tampering, verify the signature looks reasonable, and confirm the account number is valid. If anything looks wrong—a torn check, a signature that doesn't match your ID, a post-dated check—they may refuse to cash it.
The entire process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. If the check is large (over $5,000), some stores may hold it for verification or split the payment across multiple days. If the check is from an account with insufficient funds, it will bounce after you've received the cash, and you may be held responsible for the amount. Only cash checks you're confident are legitimate.
Comparing fees and speed
| Location | Fee | Speed | Hours | ID Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | Immediate | Business hours only | One valid ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–5% of check | Immediate | Often evenings/weekends | One valid ID |
| Walmart/Target/grocery | $3–$6 flat | Immediate | Store hours | One valid ID |
| Mobile deposit | Free | 1–3 business days | Anytime | None (app only) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check that's made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it's made out to someone else, that person must endorse it (sign the back) and be present with their ID. Some locations will not cash third-party checks even with both signatures present, so call ahead.
What if the check is post-dated?
Most banks and check-cashing stores will not cash a post-dated check before the date on it. Some retail locations may cash it anyway. If you need the money before the date on the check, ask the person who wrote it to write a new check with today's date instead.
What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?
If the check bounces, the money may be taken back from your account (if you used mobile deposit or a prepaid card), or the check-cashing store or retail location may pursue you for the amount. You are not responsible for the bank's error, but you are responsible if the check was fraudulent or if the account holder didn't have sufficient funds.
Do I need to endorse the check?
Yes. Sign the back of the check in the endorsement area (usually marked on the back). Most locations will ask you to sign it in front of them. Some may also ask you to write your ID number on the back.
Can I cash a check if I don't have an ID?
No. Every location that cashes checks requires a valid government-issued ID. If you don't have one, you'll need to get a state ID card from your local DMV or equivalent office before you can cash a check anywhere.