Places that will cash your check right now
You can cash a check at the bank or credit union that issued it, even without an account at that bank. Walk in with your check and a photo ID, and most will cash it on the spot. The issuing bank is listed at the top left of the check — that is the one that has to honor it.
If you do not know which bank issued the check, call the number on the back or ask the person who gave it to you. Some banks charge a fee to cash a check from a non-customer, usually $5 to $10. A few banks (mostly larger ones) waive the fee if the check is under a certain amount, often $100.
Beyond the issuing bank, you have several other options that do not require an account. Each has different hours, fees, and limits on check size.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check must cash it for you without an account, though some charge a non-customer fee of $5 to $10.
- Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart will cash checks for a percentage fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount) and accept checks up to $5,000 or more depending on the location.
- Prepaid card companies and some money transfer services can deposit checks into an account you control, often with lower fees than check-cashing stores.
- Payday lenders and pawn shops cash checks but charge the highest fees and should be your last resort.
- Always bring a photo ID and the original check; photocopies and digital images are not accepted for cashing.
Check-cashing stores and their fee structure
A dedicated check-cashing store will cash almost any check, including payroll, government, and personal checks. They are open longer hours than banks — many stay open until 8 or 9 p.m. and some on weekends — and the process takes minutes. The trade-off is the fee, which is usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that is $5 to $15.
Check-cashing stores typically have a maximum check size they will cash without extra verification, often $5,000 to $10,000. Larger checks may require additional ID or a phone call to the issuing bank. Some stores also offer a second-party check service, meaning they will cash a check made out to someone else if that person is present with ID, though this is less common now.
To find a check-cashing store near you, search online for "check cashing" plus your city name, or look for chains like ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, or Checksmart. Fees and policies vary by location, so call ahead if the check is large or unusual.
Grocery stores and retailers that cash checks
Walmart, Target, and most grocery store chains will cash checks at the customer service desk. The fee is usually lower than a dedicated check-cashing store — often $3 to $6 for a check under $1,000 — and some grocery stores charge a flat fee regardless of check size. Walmart typically charges $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks $1,001 to $5,000.
These retailers usually cash payroll checks, government checks, tax refunds, and cashier's checks. Personal checks are often declined or subject to a higher fee. Hours are the same as the store itself, so you can cash a check while shopping. Bring your photo ID and the original check.
Not every location offers check cashing, so call ahead or check the store's website. Some rural or smaller stores do not have the service, and policies can differ by region.
Prepaid cards and mobile payment services
If you have a prepaid debit card or a mobile payment account like PayPal, Square Cash, or Chime, you may be able to deposit a check by taking a photo of the front and back. This is called mobile check deposit. The check clears into your prepaid account in one to three business days, and you can withdraw the money at an ATM or use it to make purchases.
The advantage is no fee — most prepaid card companies and mobile payment services do not charge to deposit checks this way. The disadvantage is the wait: you cannot spend the money immediately. Some services also limit how much you can deposit per day or per month, often $500 to $2,500 per deposit.
To use mobile check deposit, download the app, open a prepaid account (which usually takes minutes and requires only an email address), and follow the deposit instructions. Take the photo in good light and make sure all text on the check is legible. The service will tell you if the image is rejected.
Payday lenders and pawn shops
Payday lenders and pawn shops will cash checks, but their fees are the highest of any option. Payday lenders typically charge $15 to $20 per $100 borrowed, which works out to 15 to 20 percent of the check amount. A pawn shop fee varies but is often 10 to 20 percent. On a $500 check, you could lose $50 to $100.
These places are open late and on weekends, and they cash checks quickly. However, the cost is steep enough that you should exhaust other options first. Use them only if the issuing bank is closed, check-cashing stores are not available, and you need the money immediately.
What you need to bring and what will not work
Every check-cashing location requires a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some also ask for a second form of ID, such as a Social Security card or utility bill, though this is less common. Bring the original check; photocopies, photos, or digital images are not accepted for cashing.
The check must be signed by the person or business that issued it. If it is blank or unsigned, no one will cash it. If the check is made out to you and someone else, most places will not cash it unless both people are present with ID. Personal checks from someone you do not know are often declined or charged a higher fee.
Stale checks — checks dated more than six months ago — may be refused. Some places will still cash them, but they may call the issuing bank first to confirm the check has not been stopped.
Comparing fees across your options
| Location | Fee Type | Typical Cost on $500 Check | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank (non-customer) | Flat fee | $5–$10 | Bank hours |
| Check-cashing store | Percentage (1–3%) | $5–$15 | Late evening, weekends |
| Walmart | Flat fee | $3–$6 | Store hours |
| Grocery store | Flat or percentage | $3–$8 | Store hours |
| Prepaid card (mobile deposit) | None | $0 | Anytime (1–3 day wait) |
| Payday lender | Percentage (15–20%) | $75–$100 | Late evening, weekends |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
Most places will not cash a check made out to another person unless that person is present with ID. Some check-cashing stores offer second-party check cashing, but it is becoming less common. Call ahead to ask. If the check is made out to you and another person, both of you usually need to be present.
What if the check is damaged or hard to read?
If the check is torn, water-damaged, or faded, the issuing bank may refuse to cash it or ask you to contact the person who wrote it for a replacement. Check-cashing stores have more flexibility and may still cash it if the account number and routing number are legible. Ask before you hand it over.
How long does it take to cash a check in person?
At a bank, check-cashing store, or retailer, cashing a check usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. The teller will verify your ID, check the signature, and count out the cash. Mobile check deposit is faster to initiate but takes 1 to 3 business days for the money to appear in your account.
Will I get cash or a card load?
The issuing bank, check-cashing stores, and retailers give you cash. Prepaid card services and mobile payment apps load the money onto your card or account, which you can then withdraw as cash at an ATM. Payday lenders and pawn shops give cash but may offer to hold the money on a prepaid card instead.
What if the check bounces after I cash it?
If the check is returned unpaid, the place that cashed it may charge you a returned-check fee, usually $10 to $25. You are responsible for returning the cash or the fee will be deducted from your account if you have one. The issuing bank is liable for the bad check, but collecting from them is your responsibility.