Where you can cash a check and what each place charges

You can cash a check at your own bank for free if you have an account there. If you don't have an account, or the check is from a different bank, you have three main options: visit the bank that issued the check, use a check-cashing service, or cash it at a retail store like Walmart or Target. Each route has different fees and speed.

Your own bank will cash checks drawn on other banks, though some charge a small fee ($5 to $10) if you're not a customer. The bank that issued the check will always cash it free for anyone, but you'll need to go to a branch during business hours. Check-cashing services and retail stores charge a percentage of the check amount — typically 1% to 3% — which means a $100 check might cost you $1 to $3 to cash. Some places charge a flat fee instead, like $5 per check regardless of amount.

Key Takeaways

  • Cashing a check at your own bank is free; cashing it at the issuing bank is also free but requires you to visit that specific bank.
  • Check-cashing services and retail stores charge a percentage (usually 1% to 3%) or a flat fee, so a smaller check may cost more as a percentage than a larger one.
  • You will need a valid photo ID to cash any check, and some places require a second form of ID or proof of address.
  • Mobile check deposit through your bank's app lets you avoid going anywhere at all, though the check takes a few business days to clear.

What ID and documents you need to bring

Every place that cashes checks requires a valid photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Some check-cashing services and retail stores ask for a second form of ID, such as a Social Security card, utility bill, or bank statement with your address on it. Call ahead or check the store's website to see what they require, because policies vary by location and by the amount of the check.

You'll also need the actual check itself. Make sure the check is made out to you (or to you and someone else), that it's not post-dated (dated in the future), and that it hasn't been altered. If the check is damaged, torn, or the numbers don't match the written amount, some places will refuse it or ask you to contact the person who wrote it.

How to cash a check at a bank

If you have an account at the bank, walk in during business hours, go to the teller window, and hand them the check along with your ID. They'll verify the check, confirm you have funds in your account to cover it, and give you the cash. This usually takes a few minutes. If you're cashing a check from a different bank and you're not a customer, the process is the same, but you may be charged a fee.

If you want to cash a check from the bank that issued it (the name printed at the top), you can go to any branch of that bank. You don't need an account there. Bring your ID and the check, and a teller will cash it immediately at no charge. Some banks have limited hours or fewer branches than they used to, so check their website or call ahead to find a location near you and confirm they're open.

Using a check-cashing service or retail store

Check-cashing services are storefronts dedicated to cashing checks, and they're often faster than banks because they don't require an account. You walk in with your ID and the check, they verify it, and you walk out with cash in minutes. The trade-off is the fee — typically 1% to 3% of the check amount. A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash.

Retail stores like Walmart, Target, and grocery store chains also cash checks at their customer service desk. Their fees are often similar to check-cashing services, sometimes a flat fee like $3 to $5 per check. The advantage is convenience — you may already be shopping there. The disadvantage is that they may refuse checks over a certain amount, or they may have stricter ID requirements. Ask at the customer service desk what their policy is before you hand over the check.

Mobile check deposit as an alternative

If you have a bank account, the fastest way to get the money without leaving home is mobile check deposit through your bank's app. You photograph the front and back of the check, submit it through the app, and the bank deposits it into your account. You don't pay a fee, and the money is usually available within one to three business days.

The catch is that you have to wait for the check to clear, so you can't use the money immediately. Some banks let you withdraw a portion of the check right away (called a "mobile deposit hold"), but the full amount takes longer. If you need cash today, mobile deposit won't work — you'll need to go to a bank, check-cashing service, or retail store instead.

What to do if the check is refused

A place may refuse to cash your check if the check is post-dated (dated in the future), if it's damaged or altered, if the signature doesn't match your ID, or if the amount is too large. Some check-cashing services and retail stores also refuse checks over $1,000 or $5,000, depending on their policy. If this happens, ask why they're refusing it — sometimes it's a simple fix, like a missing signature or a smudged number.

If the check itself is legitimate but the place won't cash it, try a different location. Banks are more likely to cash checks than retail stores, and the bank that issued the check will almost always cash it. If you can't cash the check in person, mobile deposit through your bank app is your next option, though you'll have to wait for it to clear.

Fees and how to compare costs

The cost of cashing a check depends on where you go and how much the check is for. Your own bank charges nothing. The issuing bank charges nothing. Check-cashing services typically charge 1% to 3% of the check amount, so a $100 check costs $1 to $3, and a $1,000 check costs $10 to $30. Some charge a flat fee instead — $3 to $5 per check — which is cheaper for large checks but more expensive for small ones.

Before you hand over the check, ask what the fee is. If the fee seems high, ask if they have a flat-fee option or if there's a discount for larger checks. Compare a few places in your area — fees vary by location and by business. If you're cashing checks regularly, opening a bank account might save you money in the long run, since deposits and withdrawals are free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check that's made out to someone else?

Not usually. A check must be made out to you to cash it. If it's made out to you and another person, both of you typically need to be present with ID. If it's made out to someone else entirely, they need to sign it over to you (called a third-party check), but many banks and check-cashing services refuse third-party checks because of fraud risk.

What if the check is post-dated?

A post-dated check is dated in the future. Most places will refuse to cash it until that date arrives. If you need the money before then, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one with today's date instead.

How long does it take to cash a check in person?

At a bank or check-cashing service, cashing a check usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. At a retail store, it may take longer if there's a line. Mobile deposit through your bank app takes seconds to submit, but the money takes 1 to 3 business days to appear in your account.

Do I need a bank account to cash a check?

No. You can cash a check at the bank that issued it, at a check-cashing service, or at a retail store without an account. You will need a valid photo ID. If you have an account at any bank, that bank will also cash checks for you, usually free.

What's the difference between cashing and depositing a check?

Cashing means you get the money in cash immediately. Depositing means the money goes into your bank account, and you can withdraw it later. Deposits are free but take a few business days to clear. Cashing costs a fee (unless you use your own bank) but gives you cash right away.