Not every bank will cash a check from someone who doesn't have an account there, and the ones that do charge a fee.
Your own bank will cash your check for free if you have an account. If you don't have an account at the bank that issued the check, you have three realistic options: cash it at the bank that issued it (the drawee bank), use a check-cashing service, or deposit it into an account at any bank or credit union that will take it. Each option has different costs and speed.
The bank that issued the check—the one whose name appears in the top left corner—must cash it if you present it in person with a valid ID. This is a legal obligation under the Uniform Commercial Code. However, they may charge you a fee, typically $5 to $15 for non-customers. Some banks have stopped this practice entirely and will only cash checks for their own customers.
If you want to avoid the fee or the bank won't cash it, a check-cashing store will take it, but the fee is usually higher—often 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, or a flat fee between $3 and $10. Walmart and some grocery stores also cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $4.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check must cash it in person with a valid ID, though they may charge a non-customer fee of $5 to $15.
- Some banks have stopped cashing checks for non-customers entirely, so call ahead before you go in.
- Check-cashing stores and retailers like Walmart charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount or a flat fee, which is usually higher than a bank fee.
- Depositing the check into any bank or credit union account is free, but you'll have to wait for it to clear before you can withdraw the money.
- A mobile check deposit through a bank app is the fastest free option if you already have an account somewhere.
Cashing at the bank that issued the check
Go to a branch of the bank whose name is printed on the check. Bring the check and a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Tell the teller you want to cash the check. They will verify the check is real, confirm you are the payee (the person the check is made out to), and give you cash.
The fee, if there is one, will be charged at the time of the transaction. Ask before you hand over the check so you know what to expect. Some banks charge the same fee to all non-customers; others charge more for larger checks. A few banks—mainly smaller regional banks and some credit unions—will cash checks for free even if you don't have an account.
If the check is postdated (dated in the future), the bank may refuse to cash it until that date arrives. If the check is stale-dated (more than six months old), the bank can refuse it, though many will cash it anyway if the issuer approves.
Using a check-cashing store or retailer
Check-cashing stores are designed to turn checks into cash on the spot. You bring the check and a valid ID, and they verify it and pay you minus their fee. The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount—typically 1 to 3 percent—or a flat fee. On a $500 check, you might pay $5 to $15. On a $100 check, the fee might be $3 to $5.
Walmart, Target, and many grocery store chains also cash checks at the customer service desk. Their fees are usually lower than dedicated check-cashing stores, often $3 to $4 flat. Some grocery stores cash checks for free if you're a loyalty member or if you buy something at the same time.
The advantage of these services is speed—you walk out with cash in minutes. The disadvantage is cost. If you're cashing checks regularly, the fees add up quickly. Also, some stores have limits on the check amount they'll cash, often $1,000 to $5,000.
Depositing the check into a bank or credit union account
If you have an account at any bank or credit union, you can deposit the check there for free. You don't need an account at the bank that issued the check. Walk into a branch, use an ATM, or use mobile check deposit through the bank's app if your phone has a camera.
Mobile check deposit is the fastest option if you have it. Take a photo of the front and back of the check through the app, enter the amount, and submit it. The check is usually available within one business day, though some banks hold it for two to three days. You don't have to go anywhere.
The downside is that you can't access the money immediately. Banks hold deposited checks while they verify the funds are actually in the issuing account. The hold period varies: most banks release the funds within one to three business days for checks from other banks in the same country. Checks from out-of-state banks or foreign banks may take longer.
What to do if the check is damaged or has a problem
If the check is torn, faded, or has writing on it that wasn't there originally, a bank may refuse to cash or deposit it. If the signature doesn't match the ID, or if the check is made out to someone else, it won't be cashed. If the check is made out to two people with "and" between the names, both people usually have to be present and sign the back.
If the check bounces—meaning there isn't enough money in the issuing account—the bank will return it to you and may charge you a fee. If you already spent the money, you'll have to pay it back. The person who wrote the check may also face overdraft fees from their own bank.
Comparing your options by cost and speed
| Option | Cost | Speed | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank that issued the check | $5–$15 fee (or free at some banks) | Immediate | Valid ID, check |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check amount or $3–$10 flat | Immediate | Valid ID, check |
| Retailer (Walmart, grocery store) | $3–$4 flat (or free with membership) | Immediate | Valid ID, check |
| Deposit into your own bank account | Free | 1–3 business days | Bank account, valid ID |
| Mobile check deposit | Free | 1–3 business days | Bank account with app, phone camera |
When a bank refuses to cash your check
Some banks have stopped cashing checks for non-customers as a cost-cutting measure. If the bank won't cash it, you have no legal recourse—the bank can set its own policy. Your options are to deposit it into an account somewhere else, use a check-cashing service, or ask the person who wrote the check to write you a new one at a bank where you do have an account.
If you're cashing payroll checks regularly and the bank keeps refusing, ask your employer if they offer direct deposit. Direct deposit puts your pay straight into your account with no check involved, and it's free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you or have your name on it. If it's made out to someone else, that person has to cash it or sign it over to you, and even then, many banks won't accept a third-party check. The safest option is to ask the person who wrote it to write a new one in your name.
What if I don't have a valid ID?
Banks and check-cashing services require a valid photo ID to cash a check. If you don't have one, you can't cash it in person. Your only option is to deposit it into a bank account if that bank will accept a deposit without an ID, which is rare. Contact your bank to ask what documents they need.
How long does a check hold last?
Most banks hold checks from other banks for one to three business days. Checks from out-of-state banks may be held longer, sometimes up to five business days. The bank will tell you the hold period when you deposit the check. You can ask the teller if they can release it faster, but they're not required to.
Can I cash a check at a different branch of the same bank?
Yes. If the check is from Bank A, you can cash it at any branch of Bank A, even if you don't have an account there. You still need a valid ID. Some branches may charge a fee for non-customers; others won't. Call ahead to ask.
What happens if I deposit a check that bounces?
The bank will reverse the deposit and remove the money from your account. If you already spent it, your account will go negative and you'll owe the bank the amount of the check. The bank may also charge you a returned-check fee, usually $15 to $35. You can try to contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write you a new one or pay you in cash.