Banks and credit unions that cash checks for non-members

Most banks will cash a check drawn on their own institution even if you don't have an account there. Walk in with the check and a government-issued ID, and the teller can process it on the spot. The catch: you'll usually pay a fee, often $5 to $10 depending on the check amount, and some banks limit this service to checks under a certain dollar value.

Credit unions are often more flexible than banks. Many will cash checks for non-members at a lower fee or sometimes free, especially if the check is drawn on their institution. Call ahead to confirm the fee and whether they have a size limit. If the check is drawn on a different bank or credit union, they may still cash it but the fee tends to be higher.

Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank all offer non-member check cashing at their branches. Regional banks vary widely—some welcome it, others don't. Your best move is to call the branch where the check is drawn and ask their current fee before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks will cash checks drawn on their own account for non-members, but charge a fee that typically ranges from $5 to $10.
  • Credit unions often charge lower fees than banks for non-member check cashing and may waive the fee entirely.
  • Checks drawn on a different bank or credit union cost more to cash and may take longer to process.
  • Calling the branch first saves a trip—not all locations offer the service, and fees vary by location and check size.
  • Retail stores like Walmart, Target, and grocery chains often cash checks for a flat fee and may be faster than banks.

Retail stores and supermarkets that cash checks

Walmart cashes checks at customer service desks in most locations for a flat fee—usually $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks up to $5,000. You need a valid ID and the check must be a personal check, paycheck, or government check. Walmart does not cash two-party checks or checks that are already endorsed to someone else.

Target's check-cashing service works similarly: flat fees starting at $2 for smaller checks, and you need an ID. Not every Target location offers it, so call ahead. Kroger, Safeway, and other major grocery chains often cash checks at the customer service counter for $2 to $5, depending on the check amount and your location.

The advantage of retail check cashing is speed and convenience—no appointment needed, and many locations are open evenings and weekends. The downside is that fees add up if you cash checks regularly, and some stores have lower limits on check amounts than banks do.

Check-cashing storefronts and payday loan locations

Dedicated check-cashing businesses exist in most cities and towns. They cash personal checks, payroll checks, and government checks for a percentage of the check amount—typically 1% to 3%, though some charge a flat fee. A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash depending on the business and the check type.

Payday loan stores also cash checks as a side service. Their fees are usually higher than dedicated check-cashing places—sometimes 3% to 5% of the check amount. These locations are convenient if you need cash fast and have limited other options, but the cost adds up quickly if you use them regularly.

Check the business's hours before you go. Many are open late and on weekends, which can be useful if you need cash outside normal bank hours. Ask about their fee structure upfront—some charge a flat fee, others a percentage, and a few have different rates depending on whether the check is local or out-of-state.

Online banks and mobile payment options

If you have a smartphone, mobile payment apps like Chime, Cash App, and PayPal let you deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back. You don't need a bank account to use these services—you can transfer the money to a prepaid card or have it sent to another account. Fees vary: some apps charge nothing, others take a small percentage.

The catch is that mobile deposit usually takes 1 to 3 business days to clear, so you won't have immediate access to cash. If you need money right now, this won't work. Also, the check must be endorsed to you and the amount must fall within the app's deposit limit, which is often $1,000 to $5,000 per transaction.

Some online banks like Chime and LendingClub offer check cashing through partner networks—you can walk into a participating retail location and cash a check without opening an account. Check their websites for locations near you and current fees.

What to bring and how the process works

You'll need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The check must be made out to you and not already endorsed to someone else. If the check is damaged, torn, or illegible, most places will refuse it.

Endorse the check by signing the back in the space provided. Some places ask you to write "For deposit only" and your account number if you're depositing rather than cashing, but for cashing, a signature is usually enough. Don't sign it until you're at the counter—signing it early makes it negotiable by anyone who has it.

The teller or cashier will verify the check amount, confirm your ID matches the payee name, and process the transaction. For checks drawn on their own institution, this is usually instant. For checks drawn elsewhere, it may take a few minutes to verify funds. Ask if there's a hold or delay before you leave.

Fees and how they compare

Bank non-member check cashing: $5 to $10 per check, sometimes higher for large amounts. Credit unions: $0 to $5, often lower than banks. Retail stores (Walmart, Target, grocery chains): $2 to $6 flat fee. Check-cashing storefronts: 1% to 3% of check amount. Payday loan stores: 3% to 5% of check amount. Mobile apps: $0 to 2% depending on the service.

The cheapest option depends on your check amount. For a $500 check, a $5 bank fee costs 1%. A check-cashing storefront at 2% would cost $10. For a $100 check, the bank fee is 5% while the storefront is 2%. Compare the flat fee against the percentage to see which costs less for your specific check.

If you cash checks regularly, the fees matter. Cashing two checks a week at $5 each adds up to $520 a year. Opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union—often free—eliminates these fees entirely and gives you other benefits like direct deposit and bill pay.

Finding locations near you

Use Google Maps to search "check cashing near me" or "banks near me" and filter by hours and distance. Call before you go to confirm they cash checks for non-members and ask about their current fee. Many banks and retail stores have updated their policies during the pandemic, so what worked six months ago may have changed.

If you're looking for a specific bank's branch, visit their website and use the branch locator tool. It will show you hours, address, and phone number. For Walmart and Target, search their store locator and call the customer service desk to ask if they cash checks.

Check-cashing storefronts often don't have websites, so a Google search or asking neighbors for recommendations is your best bet. Read reviews on Google Maps or Yelp to see what others say about wait times and fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

No. Most places require the check to be made out to you and will refuse a check that's already been endorsed to a third party. If someone wants to give you money via check, they need to write it in your name or give you cash instead.

What if the check is from out of state?

Banks and retail stores will still cash it, but may charge a higher fee or put a hold on the funds while they verify it clears. Out-of-state checks take longer to process—sometimes 3 to 5 business days. Ask the teller about the hold before you hand over the check.

Do I need to endorse the check before I go to the bank?

No. Wait until you're at the counter. Signing the back early makes the check negotiable by anyone who has it. Sign it only when the teller asks you to, right in front of them.

What if the bank says they won't cash my check?

They may refuse if the check is damaged, post-dated, or if you don't have proper ID. If the check is drawn on a different bank, they may refer you to that bank instead. Ask why they won't cash it and what your options are.

Is it cheaper to open a bank account than to keep paying check-cashing fees?

Usually yes, if you cash checks regularly. Many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. You'd pay nothing to deposit checks and have access to your money immediately, plus other services like bill pay and direct deposit.