You can cash a cheque at the bank that issued it, at a cheque-cashing service, or at some retail stores—even without your own account
The bank printed on the cheque will cash it for you at any of their branches, usually for free if you have ID. If you don't want to use that bank, a cheque-cashing service (sometimes called a currency exchange or money mart) will convert it to cash for a fee, typically 1 to 3 percent of the cheque amount. Some grocery stores and pharmacies also cash cheques for customers, though policies vary by location and cheque size.
The fastest option depends on which cheque you hold and what's near you. The issuing bank is free but may have limited hours. Cheque-cashing services are open longer and don't require membership, but they charge. Retail locations are convenient if you shop there anyway, but they often have lower limits—sometimes $500 or less per cheque.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the cheque will cash it for free with a valid ID, even if you don't have an account there.
- Cheque-cashing services charge a percentage fee (usually 1 to 3 percent) but operate longer hours and don't require membership.
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, and some retailers cash cheques for customers, but often cap the amount at $500 or less.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID at any location; some places also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number.
- Postdated cheques (dated in the future) cannot be cashed until that date arrives, regardless of where you try to cash them.
Cashing at the issuing bank for free
Walk into any branch of the bank whose name appears on the cheque. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or provincial ID card will work. Hand the cheque and your ID to a teller and ask them to cash it. They will verify the cheque is genuine, confirm the account has sufficient funds, and give you cash on the spot. This takes 5 to 10 minutes.
You don't need to be a customer of that bank. The issuing bank is obligated to honour cheques drawn on its own accounts, so they will cash it for free. Some branches may ask for a second form of ID (a utility bill, credit card, or library card) if they don't recognize your first one, but this is rare for straightforward transactions.
The main limitation is hours. Most bank branches close by 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and are closed on weekends and holidays. If you need cash outside those windows, you'll need a cheque-cashing service instead.
Using a cheque-cashing service or money mart
Cheque-cashing services (also called currency exchanges or money marts) will cash your cheque for a fee. The fee is usually a flat amount or a percentage of the cheque—commonly 1 to 3 percent, though some charge more. On a $500 cheque, that's $5 to $15. On a $1,000 cheque, $10 to $30. Ask the service what they charge before you hand over the cheque.
Bring your photo ID and the cheque. Some services ask for a second ID or a phone number to verify your identity. The transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Many cheque-cashing services are open evenings and weekends, making them useful if you need cash outside bank hours.
The downside is cost. If you cash cheques regularly, the fees add up. A cheque-cashing service is most practical for occasional use or when you need cash urgently and the issuing bank is closed. To find one near you, search online for "cheque cashing near me" or "money mart" in your area.
Cashing cheques at retail stores
Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers (like Walmart or Costco) will cash cheques for customers. Policies vary widely: some cash any cheque up to $500, others only cash payroll cheques, and some don't cash cheques at all. Call ahead or ask at the customer service desk before you go.
If the store does cash cheques, bring your photo ID and the cheque to the customer service counter. There is usually no fee, which makes this the cheapest option if your store offers it. The transaction takes 5 to 10 minutes. However, most retailers cap the amount at $500 or $1,000 per cheque, so this won't work for larger amounts.
Retail cheque cashing is most useful if you already shop at that location and the cheque is within their limit. It's not a reliable primary option because policies change and many stores have stopped offering it.
What ID you need and what can go wrong
Every location that cashes cheques will ask for a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or provincial ID card is standard. Some places ask for a second form of ID—a utility bill, credit card statement, or library card—especially if the cheque is large or the ID looks worn.
A cheque can be refused if the signature on it doesn't match the ID you present, if the cheque is postdated (dated in the future), if it's stale-dated (more than six months old), or if the account it's drawn on has been closed or flagged for fraud. If any of these apply, you'll need to contact the person or business that wrote the cheque and ask them to issue a new one or provide written permission for the cashing service to proceed.
Postdated cheques are the most common issue. If a cheque is dated three weeks from today, you cannot cash it anywhere until that date arrives. The bank and cheque-cashing services are legally required to refuse it. If you need the money sooner, contact the cheque writer and ask them to issue a new cheque with today's date instead.
Comparing your options side by side
| Location | Cost | Hours | Speed | ID Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | Weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m., limited Saturday hours | 5–10 minutes | One photo ID |
| Cheque-cashing service | 1–3% of cheque amount | Often 9 a.m.–9 p.m., some open weekends | 10–15 minutes | One or two forms of ID |
| Grocery store or pharmacy | Free (if offered) | Store hours, often 7 a.m.–10 p.m. | 5–10 minutes | One photo ID |
The issuing bank is free and fast but only open during business hours. A cheque-cashing service costs money but is available evenings and weekends. A retail store is free and convenient if they offer it, but many don't and most have limits on cheque size. Your best choice depends on when you need the cash, how large the cheque is, and what's available near you.
What to do if the cheque writer's bank is far away
If the issuing bank has no branch near you, use a cheque-cashing service instead. You don't need to go to the bank that issued the cheque—any cheque-cashing service can process it. They will deposit it into their own account and give you cash, keeping their fee as payment for the service.
Alternatively, ask the person or business that wrote the cheque whether they can issue payment another way—a bank transfer, a money order, or cash. This avoids the fee and the trip. If they can't, a cheque-cashing service is your fastest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a cheque at a bank that didn't issue it?
No. A bank will only cash cheques drawn on its own accounts. If you try to cash a cheque at a different bank, they will refuse it. You must go to the bank whose name is printed on the cheque, or use a cheque-cashing service instead.
What if the cheque is torn or damaged?
If the cheque is still readable and the signature is intact, most banks and cheque-cashing services will cash it. If it's badly damaged, contact the cheque writer and ask for a replacement. Do not tape or glue the cheque yourself—this can make it harder to verify.
How long does a cheque stay valid?
A cheque is valid for six months from the date written on it. After six months, it is considered stale-dated and banks will refuse to cash it. If your cheque is older than six months, contact the cheque writer and ask for a new one.
Can I cash a cheque made out to someone else?
No. A cheque must be cashed by the person whose name appears on it, or by someone they have formally authorized in writing. If the cheque is made out to you but you need someone else to cash it, you can sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [their name]," but many banks and services will refuse this. It's safer to ask the cheque writer to issue a new one in the correct name.
Do I need a bank account to cash a cheque?
No. You can cash a cheque at the issuing bank, a cheque-cashing service, or a retail store without having any bank account. You only need a valid photo ID and the cheque itself.