Yes, banks cash checks, but not always for free and not always on the same day
Most banks will cash a check drawn on their own account at no charge if you have an account with them. If the check is drawn on a different bank, you may pay a fee—typically $5 to $15—and the bank may hold the funds for one to five business days while they verify it with the issuing bank. Some banks have started charging account holders to cash checks drawn on other banks, even if you have an account there. A few banks no longer cash checks at all, so calling ahead is worth the time.
The fastest way to get cash from a check is to deposit it into your own account and withdraw the money immediately, which usually costs nothing. If you need the cash right away and don't have a bank account, or if the check is from a bank you don't use, other places will cash it for you—but the fees and hold times vary widely.
Key Takeaways
- Banks typically cash checks for free if the check is drawn on their own bank and you have an account there.
- Out-of-network checks (drawn on a different bank) often come with a fee of $5 to $15 and a hold period of one to five business days.
- Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart often cash checks for lower fees than banks, but verify their hours and fee structure before you go.
- The issuing bank will cash any check drawn on their account, even if you don't have an account there, though they may charge a fee.
- Mobile deposit through your bank's app lets you cash a check without visiting a branch, though the funds may take one to two business days to clear.
Cashing a check at the bank that issued it
If the check is drawn on Bank A and you walk into a Bank A branch, that bank will cash it for you. You do not need to have an account there. Bring a photo ID and the check itself. The teller will verify the check and hand you cash on the spot, usually within minutes. There is no fee for this service at most banks.
Some banks have started limiting this service to account holders only, or charging a small fee ($2 to $5) even for customers. Call the bank's customer service line or visit their website to confirm their policy before you go. Hours vary by branch, so check online or call ahead to make sure someone is there to help you.
Cashing a check at your own bank
If you have an account at the bank and the check is drawn on that same bank, cashing it is free and immediate. Walk in with your ID and the check, and the teller will give you cash. If you prefer not to visit a branch, most banks let you deposit the check through their mobile app and withdraw the cash from an ATM the same day, or from a teller the next business day.
If the check is drawn on a different bank, your bank may charge you $5 to $15 to cash it. They will also place a hold on the funds—usually one to five business days—while they contact the issuing bank to confirm the check is real and the account has enough money. During the hold period, the money is not available to you, even though you have the cash in hand. Ask the teller about the hold period and fee before you hand over the check.
Check-cashing stores and retail locations
Check-cashing stores exist specifically to cash checks for people without bank accounts or those who need cash immediately. They typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, which works out to $1 to $3 on a $100 check. Some charge a flat fee instead—$5 to $10 depending on the check amount. They usually cash checks on the spot with no hold period, and they are open longer hours than banks, including evenings and weekends.
Walmart, grocery stores like Kroger and Safeway, and some pharmacies also cash checks. Walmart charges a flat fee of $3 to $6 depending on the check amount. Grocery stores typically charge $2 to $5. These places usually cash checks during their regular business hours, and you get the money immediately. Call ahead to confirm they cash checks and what their current fee is, because policies change.
Using mobile deposit to avoid fees and hold times
If you have a bank account and a smartphone, mobile deposit is often the cheapest way to cash a check. Open your bank's app, take a photo of the front and back of the check, and submit it. The bank deposits the money into your account, usually with no fee. You can then withdraw cash from an ATM or visit a teller.
The trade-off is timing. Most banks make mobile deposits available within one to two business days. If you need cash today, mobile deposit won't work. But if you can wait a day or two, it saves you the $5 to $15 fee you would pay to cash an out-of-network check at a teller. Some banks let you withdraw a portion of the deposit before the full hold period ends—ask your bank what their policy is.
What to do if the check is damaged or has problems
A check that is torn, stained, or has missing information may be refused by a bank or check-cashing store. If the routing number, account number, or amount is illegible, the teller cannot process it. Ask the person who wrote the check for a replacement. If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), most banks and check-cashing stores will not cash it until that date arrives, though some will cash it early if you ask.
If a check bounces—meaning the account it was drawn on does not have enough money—the bank will return it to you and may charge you a fee of $5 to $15. The person who wrote the check will also be charged a fee by their bank. If this happens, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to cover the fee or provide a replacement check once they have funds available.
Comparing your options: speed, cost, and convenience
| Option | Speed | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank that issued the check | Same day, minutes | Free (usually) | Any check, no account needed |
| Your own bank (same bank) | Same day, minutes | Free | Checks drawn on your bank |
| Your own bank (different bank) | 1–5 business days | $5–$15 | If you can wait and have an account |
| Check-cashing store | Same day, minutes | 1–3% of amount | No bank account, need cash now |
| Walmart or grocery store | Same day, minutes | $2–$6 flat fee | Convenient location, extended hours |
| Mobile deposit | 1–2 business days | Free | Can wait, want to avoid fees |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at any bank branch, or only my home branch?
If you have an account at the bank, you can cash a check at any branch of that bank. If the check is drawn on a bank you don't use, you can cash it at any branch of that bank, though some branches may have different policies. Call ahead to confirm the branch you plan to visit will cash it.
What happens if I try to cash a check with insufficient funds?
The bank will refuse to cash it and return it to you. The person who wrote the check will be charged a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee by their bank, usually $25 to $35. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to deposit funds and provide a replacement check, or ask if they can pay you another way.
Do I need an ID to cash a check?
Yes. Banks and check-cashing stores require a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you don't have one, you will not be able to cash the check at most places. Some check-cashing stores may accept other forms of ID; call ahead to ask.
Can someone else cash my check for me?
Yes, if you sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [their name]," they can cash it. This is called a third-party check. Many banks and check-cashing stores accept them, but some refuse them due to fraud risk. Call ahead to confirm the place you plan to visit will accept a third-party check.
How long does a check hold usually last?
Federal law allows banks to hold checks for up to five business days, though most hold them for one to three days. Checks drawn on banks in the same area usually clear faster than out-of-state checks. Ask the teller for the specific hold period when you deposit the check.