Most banks will cash checks, but not always for non-customers and not always on the spot

Whether a bank will cash a check depends on three things: whether you have an account there, whether the check is drawn on that bank, and how much money is involved. If you have an account at the bank and the check is drawn on that same bank, they will almost always cash it. If you don't have an account there, or the check is from a different bank, the answer gets more complicated — and the bank may charge you a fee.

The check itself also matters. A check that is post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), or missing a signature or amount will be refused. A check with a signature that doesn't match the ID you show, or one that appears altered, will also be declined.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks will cash checks for their own customers without a fee, but may charge non-customers $5 to $15 per check.
  • A check drawn on a different bank takes longer to clear and may require you to have an account at the bank doing the cashing.
  • Post-dated checks, stale-dated checks (older than six months), and checks with missing or mismatched signatures will be refused.
  • If a bank refuses to cash your check, you can deposit it to an account, use a check-cashing service, or ask the check writer for a different form of payment.

Cashing a check at your own bank

If you have a checking or savings account at the bank and the check is drawn on that same bank, cashing it is straightforward. Walk in with the check and a valid ID, endorse the back of the check (sign your name), and hand it to the teller. You get cash immediately, and there is no fee.

Even if the check is drawn on a different bank, your own bank will usually cash it for you as a customer. The teller will take the check and either give you cash on the spot or credit your account within one to three business days, depending on the bank's policy. Again, no fee for account holders.

Cashing a check at a bank where you don't have an account

Banks are not required to cash checks for non-customers. Many will refuse outright. Those that do will usually charge a fee — typically $5 to $15 per check, though some banks charge more for larger amounts. A few banks, including some credit unions, will cash checks for free if the check is drawn on that bank.

If you try to cash a check at a bank where you don't have an account, call ahead first. Ask whether they cash third-party checks (checks drawn on other banks) and what the fee is. Some banks will only cash checks drawn on their own institution. Bring a valid ID and be prepared to endorse the check in front of the teller.

What happens when a bank refuses to cash your check

A bank can refuse to cash a check for several reasons: the check is post-dated, the signature doesn't match your ID, the check is older than six months, the amount is illegible, or the check appears to have been altered. If the bank refuses, ask why. If it's a signature mismatch or a missing element, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one.

If the bank simply won't cash it because you're not a customer, you have other options. You can deposit the check into your own bank account instead of cashing it — this works even if you don't have an account at the bank that issued the check. You can also take the check to a check-cashing service, though these typically charge 1 to 5 percent of the check amount. Ask the person who wrote the check whether they can pay you another way: direct deposit, a wire transfer, or a different form of payment.

Post-dated and stale-dated checks

A post-dated check is one dated in the future. Banks are not required to cash post-dated checks before that date arrives, and many will refuse them outright. If you receive a post-dated check, wait until the date on the check has passed before trying to cash it. Some banks will cash it early anyway, but don't count on it.

A stale-dated check is one that is more than six months old. Banks are not required to cash checks older than six months and will usually refuse them. If you have a check that is close to or past the six-month mark, contact the person who wrote it and ask for a replacement. They may need to issue a stop payment on the old check first.

Large checks and holds

Banks can place a hold on large checks, even for their own customers. A hold means the bank credits your account but doesn't let you withdraw the money right away. The hold can last anywhere from one to ten business days, depending on the bank and the amount. During this time, the bank is verifying that the check is legitimate and that the account it's drawn on has enough money to cover it.

If you need cash immediately and the bank places a hold, ask the teller whether they can give you a partial amount in cash and credit the rest to your account. Some banks will do this for customers. If the check is very large or unusual in some way, the hold may be longer. The bank should tell you when the hold will be lifted.

Cashing checks at ATMs and through mobile apps

Many banks now allow customers to deposit checks through ATMs or mobile apps without visiting a teller. You photograph the front and back of the check, and the bank credits your account. This is not the same as cashing — you don't get cash, you get a deposit to your account. But if you need the money quickly and don't need physical cash, this is often faster than waiting in line.

ATM and mobile check deposits usually clear within one to three business days. Some banks offer next-business-day clearing for their customers. You cannot use ATM or mobile deposit to get cash directly — only to deposit the check into your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a bank that didn't issue it?

Yes, but the bank may charge you a fee of $5 to $15 if you don't have an account there. Some banks will only cash checks drawn on their own institution. Call ahead to ask their policy before you go in.

What do I do if the bank says the check is post-dated?

Wait until the date on the check has passed, then try again. Banks are not required to cash post-dated checks before that date. If you need the money sooner, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one dated today.

How long does a bank hold last on a large check?

Holds typically last one to ten business days, depending on the bank and the amount. The bank should tell you when the hold will be lifted. Ask the teller whether they can release part of the money sooner if you need cash right away.

Can I cash a check that's six months old?

Banks are not required to cash checks older than six months and will usually refuse them. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask for a replacement. They may need to stop payment on the old check first.

What if my signature doesn't match my ID?

The bank will refuse to cash the check. Bring a different form of ID if you have one, or contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one. If your signature has changed significantly, you may need to update your ID.