Banks can cash checks from non-customers, but they often charge a fee and may refuse
Yes, most banks will cash a check for someone who is not their customer. However, they are not required to, and many charge a fee ranging from $5 to $15 or more. Some banks refuse to cash third-party checks entirely, or they will only cash checks drawn on their own bank. The person whose name is on the check (the account holder) can always cash it at their own bank for free, but if you need to cash someone else's check or a check from a bank where you don't have an account, you have several options with different costs and restrictions.
Key Takeaways
- Your own bank will cash your check for free, but other banks typically charge $5 to $15 to cash a check drawn on a different bank.
- The bank that issued the check (the one printed on the check) is more likely to cash it than a random bank, and may charge less or nothing.
- Many banks refuse to cash third-party checks (checks signed over to someone else) due to fraud risk, regardless of whether you have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart offer alternatives to banks, though they charge fees and may have limits on check amounts.
- Mobile deposit through a banking app lets you deposit a check into your own account without visiting a branch, though you must have a bank account.
How banks decide whether to cash a check for a non-customer
A bank's decision to cash a check depends on several factors. The safest scenario for the bank is when you bring a check drawn on that same bank—meaning the check is from an account at that institution. In that case, the bank can verify the account exists and has funds, so they are more likely to cash it and may charge a lower fee or no fee at all.
If the check is drawn on a different bank, the cashing bank takes on more risk. They have to trust that the other bank will honor the check when they deposit it, and they cannot verify the account instantly. This is why they charge a fee. Some banks set a maximum amount they will cash (often $5,000 to $10,000) or require you to have an account with them.
Banks also look at the check itself. A personal check from an individual carries more risk than a cashier's check or a check from a business or government agency. A check that is post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), or damaged may be refused.
Third-party checks and why most banks won't cash them
A third-party check is one that has been signed over to someone else. For example, if your employer gives you a check and you sign the back and give it to a friend, that friend is trying to cash a third-party check. Most banks now refuse to cash these, even for their own customers, because the fraud risk is high. The bank cannot easily verify that the original payee authorized the transfer, and disputes are common.
If you receive a check made out to someone else, the safest route is to ask that person to deposit it into their own account and then send you the money. If that is not possible, you can try a check-cashing store, though they will charge a percentage fee (often 2 to 5 percent of the check amount) and may refuse third-party checks as well. Call ahead before you go.
Fees and limits at different types of banks
| Bank Type | Typical Fee | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your own bank | Free | None | Always free if you have an account there. |
| Bank that issued the check | $0–$5 | Usually $5,000–$10,000 | Lower risk for the bank; may waive fee for small checks. |
| Other banks | $5–$15 | Usually $5,000–$10,000 | Higher fee because they must verify the check through another bank. |
| Credit unions | $0–$10 | Varies | Policies vary widely; call ahead. |
Alternatives to cashing a check at a bank
If you do not have a bank account or want to avoid bank fees, several other places will cash checks. Walmart cashes checks for a flat fee (usually $3 for personal checks up to $1,000, and $6 for checks up to $5,000). Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix often cash checks for free or a small fee if you have a loyalty card. Check-cashing stores will cash almost any check but charge 2 to 5 percent of the amount, which adds up quickly on large checks.
These alternatives are useful if you need cash immediately and do not want to open a bank account. However, they are more expensive than banking over time. If you cash checks regularly, opening a free checking account at a bank or credit union will save you money.
Using mobile deposit instead of cashing a check
If you have a bank account and a smartphone, mobile deposit is often the fastest and cheapest option. You photograph the front and back of the check using your bank's app, and the check is deposited into your account within one to two business days. You never have to visit a branch or pay a fee. Most banks offer this for free to account holders.
Mobile deposit does require that you have a bank account, and you cannot withdraw the money instantly—you have to wait for the deposit to clear. But if you can wait a day or two, this is the easiest route. Some banks limit the amount you can deposit per day (often $2,000 to $10,000) or per month, so check your bank's policy.
What to do if a bank refuses to cash your check
If a bank refuses to cash your check, ask why. The most common reasons are: the check is third-party, the check is post-dated or stale-dated, the amount exceeds their limit, or you do not have an account and they have a policy against cashing for non-customers. If the reason is a policy against non-customers, try the bank that issued the check instead—they are more likely to cash it.
If the check is legitimate and you need cash, your options are to open a bank account (which takes 10 to 15 minutes online or at a branch), use a check-cashing store, or ask the person who wrote the check to write a new one made out to a different person or to provide cash instead. If the check is from an employer or government agency and you are having trouble cashing it, contact the issuer directly—they may be able to reissue it or provide guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank where I don't have an account?
Yes, but most banks charge a fee of $5 to $15. The bank that issued the check (the one printed on it) is more likely to cash it and may charge less. Call ahead to confirm their policy and fee before you go.
What if the check is post-dated or very old?
Banks can refuse post-dated checks (dated in the future). Checks older than six months are considered stale-dated and banks are not required to cash them, though some will. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask for a new one if yours is stale.
Is it cheaper to use Walmart or a check-cashing store?
Walmart is usually cheaper for personal checks under $5,000 (flat $3 fee). Check-cashing stores charge a percentage (2 to 5 percent), so on a $1,000 check you might pay $20 to $50. For regular check cashing, a free bank account is the cheapest option.
Can I deposit a check into someone else's account?
No, you cannot deposit a check made out to someone else into your own account. The payee must deposit it themselves or sign it over to you (third-party), though most banks now refuse third-party checks. Ask the payee to deposit it and send you the money instead.
How long does mobile deposit take?
The check is usually deposited within one to two business days. The funds may not be available immediately—your bank may hold the money for one to five business days depending on the amount and your account history. Check your bank's policy for specifics.