You can cash a check at the issuer's bank, a check-cashing store, or certain retailers—no account required

If you receive a check and don't have a bank account, you have several ways to turn it into cash. The fastest and cheapest option is usually the bank that issued the check—the one printed in the bottom left corner. That bank will cash it for you in person, often for free or a small fee. If that's not convenient, check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart also cash checks, though they charge a percentage of the check amount. Each route has different fees, speed, and requirements.

The key difference between these options is cost and how much identification you need to carry. A bank that issued the check typically charges nothing or a flat fee of a few dollars. A check-cashing store might charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount—so $2 to $6 on a $200 check. Knowing which option is available to you right now matters more than which is theoretically cheapest.

Key Takeaways

  • The issuer's bank will cash a check for free or a small flat fee if you bring a valid ID and the unsigned check.
  • Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount (typically 1 to 3 percent) but are open longer hours than banks and don't require you to be a customer.
  • Walmart, grocery stores, and some pharmacies cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6, and are often faster than dedicated check-cashing stores.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID for any of these options; some places also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number.
  • If the check is made out to someone else, most places will not cash it without that person present or a signed endorsement.

Cashing a check at the issuer's bank

The bank whose name appears at the bottom of the check will cash it for you even if you don't have an account there. Walk in during business hours with the unsigned check and a valid government-issued 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 the account it's drawn from has enough money, and hand you cash.

Most banks do this for free if you're cashing a check drawn on their own account. Some charge a small fee—typically $2 to $5—if you're not a customer. Call ahead or ask the teller what the fee is before they process it. The whole transaction usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Banks are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some branches open on Saturday mornings; Sunday hours are rare.

Check-cashing stores and their fees

A dedicated check-cashing store will cash almost any check without requiring you to have an account anywhere. Bring your unsigned check and a valid photo ID. The store will charge you a percentage of the check amount—this varies by store and by state, but typically ranges from 1 to 3 percent. On a $200 check, that's $2 to $6. Some stores charge a flat fee instead, usually $3 to $8 per check.

Check-cashing stores are often open longer than banks—many stay open until 7 or 8 p.m. on weekdays and open on Saturdays. The trade-off is the fee. If you're cashing a small check, the percentage fee can hurt: a $50 check with a 2 percent fee costs you $1. If you're cashing a large check, the fee is still real money. Ask the store for their fee before you hand over the check. Some stores also require a second form of ID or a phone number on file, so bring more than one ID if you have it.

Walmart, grocery stores, and pharmacy check cashing

Many Walmart locations, grocery store chains (including Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons), and some pharmacy chains will cash checks at the customer service desk or pharmacy counter. The fee is usually a flat $3 to $6 per check, which is often cheaper than a percentage-based fee at a check-cashing store, especially for larger checks. Bring your unsigned check and a valid photo ID. Some stores ask for a second form of ID or a phone number.

These retailers are convenient because they're often open early and late, and many are open on Sundays. The speed is usually fast—5 to 10 minutes. However, not every location offers check cashing, and policies vary by store and region. Call ahead or ask at the customer service desk when you arrive. Some stores limit the amount they'll cash per check or per day, so if you're cashing a very large check, confirm they can handle it.

What ID you need and what happens if you don't have it

Every place that cashes checks requires at least one form of government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport works. If you don't have any of these, you cannot cash a check at a bank, check-cashing store, or retailer. A tribal ID, military ID, or passport card also counts as valid photo ID in most places.

Some check-cashing stores and retailers ask for a second form of ID—usually a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement with your name and address on it. This is less common but does happen. If you're turned away for lack of ID, your only option is to open a bank account (which requires ID anyway) or ask the person who wrote the check to deposit it into their own account and transfer you the money another way.

Checks made out to someone else

If a check is made out to another person and you want to cash it, that person must either be present with you or have signed the back of the check. A signature on the back is called an endorsement. The person whose name is on the check signs the back, and then you sign below their signature. Both of you then bring the check and your IDs to cash it.

Some places will not accept a third-party check (one endorsed to you by someone else) even with both signatures present. Banks are more likely to refuse than check-cashing stores. If you're unsure, call ahead. If a check-cashing store or retailer refuses to cash an endorsed check, your option is to ask the original payee to deposit it into their own account and send you the money through a transfer app or cash.

What to do if the check is damaged or unclear

If the check is torn, faded, or has information that's hard to read, the bank or check-cashing store may refuse to cash it. The routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left), account number, and check number must all be readable. If the amount written in numbers doesn't match the amount written in words, or if the signature is missing, most places will refuse it.

If the check is damaged, ask the person who wrote it for a replacement. If the information is unclear because of fading or smudging, take a photo on your phone and show it to the teller or cashier—they can sometimes read it even if the physical check is hard to read. If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), most banks and check-cashing stores will not cash it until that date arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at any bank, or only the bank that issued it?

Only the bank that issued the check is required to cash it for you without an account. Other banks may refuse or charge a higher fee. Stick with the bank printed on the check for the best result.

What if I don't have a photo ID?

You cannot cash a check without a government-issued photo ID. If you don't have one, you'll need to get a state ID card or driver's license first. Your local DMV can issue one; requirements vary by state.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At a bank or retailer, it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Check-cashing stores may take slightly longer if they're busy. The money is available immediately—there's no waiting period like there would be if you deposited it into a bank account.

Do I have to sign the check before I cash it?

No. You sign the back of the check after the teller or cashier tells you to, usually right in front of them. Never sign a blank check or sign it before you arrive at the place cashing it.

What's the cheapest way to cash a check?

The issuer's bank is free or nearly free. If that's not available, Walmart or a grocery store with a flat fee is usually cheaper than a check-cashing store with a percentage fee, especially for checks over $100.