Yes, Chase cashes checks for both customers and non-customers, but the rules and fees differ

Chase will cash a check at any of its branches if you have a Chase checking or savings account and present a valid ID. If you don't have a Chase account, Chase will still cash certain checks — but only if the check is drawn on Chase itself, and you'll pay a fee. A check drawn on another bank cannot be cashed at Chase if you're not a customer.

The specifics depend on whether you're a Chase customer, what kind of check it is, and which branch you visit. Some branches enforce these rules more strictly than others, so calling ahead can save you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase customers can cash any check at a Chase branch with a valid ID, regardless of which bank the check is drawn on.
  • Non-customers can only cash checks drawn on Chase accounts, and Chase charges a fee (typically $5 to $10, though this varies by branch and check amount).
  • You must present a valid government-issued ID to cash any check at Chase.
  • Some branches may refuse to cash very large checks or checks with unclear information, so calling ahead is wise for unusual situations.

Cashing checks as a Chase account holder

If you have an active Chase checking or savings account, you can walk into any Chase branch and cash a check drawn on any bank. You'll need to bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will verify your account and process the check on the spot.

Chase customers typically don't pay a fee for this service. The check clears against your account immediately or within one business day, depending on the time of day you deposit it and the amount.

Cashing checks as a non-customer

Non-customers can cash checks at Chase, but only if the check is drawn on a Chase account. This means the check must come from someone with a Chase checking or savings account, or from a business that banks with Chase. If the check is drawn on Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or any other bank, Chase will not cash it for you.

Chase charges a fee for this service. The fee typically ranges from $5 to $10 depending on the branch location and the check amount, though some branches may charge differently. Ask the teller for the exact fee before you proceed. Some branches may also refuse to cash checks over a certain amount for non-customers, or may require additional verification.

What ID you need to bring

Chase requires a valid government-issued photo ID to cash any check. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. A library card, credit card, or employee badge will not work. If you don't have a government ID, you cannot cash a check at Chase.

If your ID is expired, some branches may still accept it, but this varies. Call your local Chase branch to ask before you go.

Checks that Chase may refuse to cash

Chase can refuse to cash a check even if you meet the basic requirements. Common reasons include a check with unclear or illegible information, a check that appears altered or forged, a check with a date more than six months in the past (called a stale check), or a check with a future date. If the check amount is unusually large, the branch may ask you to deposit it instead of cashing it, or may require additional verification.

If a teller refuses your check, ask why. If the issue is something you can fix — like the check being post-dated — you may be able to return another day. If the teller suspects fraud, they will not process it.

Depositing instead of cashing

If you have a Chase account, depositing a check is often faster and simpler than cashing it. You can deposit checks through the Chase mobile app using mobile check deposit, at an ATM, or at a branch. Mobile deposit is usually available within minutes, though the funds may take one to two business days to clear. This avoids the need to carry cash and gives you a digital record of the transaction.

If you don't have a Chase account and need cash, cashing a Chase-drawn check at the branch is your only option at Chase itself. You could also ask the person who wrote the check to cash it for you at their own bank, or visit an ATM if the check writer's bank allows it.

What to do if your local branch won't cash your check

If Chase refuses to cash your check, you have other options. If you have an account at another bank, you can deposit the check there. If the check is drawn on Chase, you can ask the person who wrote it to cash it at their own bank or to give you cash instead. Some grocery stores and check-cashing services will cash checks for a fee, though those fees are often higher than Chase's.

If you believe Chase wrongly refused your check, you can ask to speak with a branch manager. Bring your ID and the check itself. The manager may be able to override the teller's decision, though they are not required to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a Chase ATM?

No. Chase ATMs accept check deposits but do not dispense cash for checks. You must go inside a branch and speak with a teller to cash a check.

Will Chase cash a check if I'm not on the account but the account holder is with me?

Not automatically. The account holder's presence may help, but Chase's policy is that only the account holder or an authorized signer can cash checks drawn on that account. If you're a non-customer, you can only cash a Chase-drawn check if Chase allows it under their non-customer policy. Bring the account holder with you and ask the teller what options exist.

How long does it take to cash a check at Chase?

Usually five to ten minutes if you have an account and valid ID. For non-customers cashing a Chase-drawn check, it may take slightly longer because the teller will verify the check more carefully. Busy times at the branch can add wait time.

What if the check is written to me and someone else?

If the check says "John Smith and Jane Doe," both people typically need to be present with ID to cash it. If it says "John Smith or Jane Doe," either person can usually cash it alone. Ask the teller before you go to confirm your branch's policy.

Can I cash a check from a closed Chase account?

Probably not. If the account that issued the check has been closed, the check may be rejected. If you have a check from a closed account, contact the person or business that wrote it and ask them to issue a new one from their current account.