How to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account

Where to cash a check if you don't have a bank account

You can cash a check at your bank or credit union even without an account, though most charge a fee for non-members. Walmart, Target, and other retailers offer check cashing at customer service desks, usually for $3 to $6 depending on the check amount. Payday loan stores and dedicated check-cashing businesses will cash almost any check but typically charge higher fees — often 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. The issuer of the check (your employer, government agency, or whoever wrote it) may also cash it for free at their office or location.

The fastest option is usually a retailer you already shop at, since you can cash the check and buy what you need in one trip. Banks and credit unions are cheapest if you have access to one, even if you're not a member. Check-cashing businesses are most convenient if you need cash outside normal business hours, since many stay open evenings and weekends.

Key Takeaways

Retailers like Walmart and Target cash checks at customer service desks for a flat fee of $3 to $6, making them cheaper than payday loan stores for most checks.
Your own bank or credit union charges less than a payday lender but may require you to open an account or charge a non-member fee.
The person or business that issued the check may cash it for free at their office, so calling first can save you money.
Check-cashing businesses charge a percentage of the check amount and are most useful for after-hours or weekend cashing.
You will need a valid ID and the original check; some places also ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint.

What you need to bring to cash a check

You must bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Most places also ask for a second form of ID, which can be a Social Security card, utility bill, or employee badge. The check itself must be original (not a photocopy), signed by the issuer, and made out to you or to you and someone else.

Some check-cashing businesses and retailers will ask you to provide a thumbprint or sign the back of the check in front of them. This is normal and protects both you and the business. If the check is made out to two people, both people usually need to be present with ID, though policies vary by location.

Fees and what they cost you

Retailer fees are usually fixed amounts: $3 for checks under $1,000 and $6 for checks $1,000 or more at Walmart, for example. Target charges around $3 to $5. These fees don't change based on the check amount, so they're cheaper for large checks but more expensive for small ones.

Check-cashing businesses typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. On a $2,000 check, it's $20 to $60. Banks and credit unions may charge $5 to $15 for non-members, or they may cash checks free for customers. Call ahead to ask about fees before you go — they vary by location and by the bank's policy.

Checks that may be harder to cash

Post-dated checks (dated in the future) cannot be cashed until that date arrives, and some places won't cash them at all. Third-party checks — checks made out to someone else that they're signing over to you — are refused by most retailers and banks because of fraud risk. Government checks like tax refunds or unemployment benefits are usually accepted everywhere, but some businesses ask for extra ID.

Checks with spelling errors in your name, missing signatures, or damage to the check itself may be rejected. If the check is damaged, torn, or faded, contact the issuer and ask for a replacement. If your name is spelled differently than your ID (a nickname versus your legal name, for example), bring both your ID and the check and explain the situation — many places will still cash it.

Cashing checks without an ID

You cannot cash a check without a valid ID at any mainstream location — retailers, banks, and check-cashing businesses all require it by law. If you don't have an ID, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The process usually takes a few weeks and costs $10 to $30, depending on your state.

If you need cash immediately and don't have an ID, your only option is to ask someone you trust to cash the check for you and give you the money. They will need to bring the check and their own ID, and the check must be made out to them or signed over to them by you. This carries risk for both of you, so only do this with someone you know well.

Alternatives to check cashing

Opening a bank account or credit union account is free at most institutions and lets you deposit checks without paying a fee each time. Many banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee. If you open an account, you can also use direct deposit for paychecks, which is faster and safer than cashing checks in person.

Mobile payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Square Cash let you photograph a check and deposit it into an account you control, though you'll need a bank account to transfer the money out. Some employers offer paycard accounts that work like debit cards and let you access your paycheck without a bank account — ask your HR department if this is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Not at most places. Third-party checks (checks made out to someone else and signed over to you) are considered high-fraud risk. Your best option is to ask the original recipient to cash it themselves and give you the money, or to ask them to contact the issuer and request a new check in your name.

What happens if I try to cash a check that bounces?

If the check bounces (the account doesn't have enough money), the business that cashed it will charge you a fee, usually $10 to $30. You'll also owe the original check amount. The issuer of the check is responsible for paying you back, but you may need to contact them directly or take legal action to recover the money.

Can I cash a check at a different bank than the one it's drawn from?

Yes. Any bank, credit union, or check-cashing business can cash a check regardless of which bank issued it. You may pay a non-member fee at a bank or credit union, but retailers and check-cashing businesses don't care which bank the check comes from.

How long does it take to cash a check?

In-person check cashing usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. The business verifies your ID, checks the signature and account information on the check, and counts out your cash. Mobile check deposit through an app takes a few minutes to photograph and submit, but the money may take one to three business days to appear in your account.

Is it safer to cash a check or deposit it?

Depositing is safer because you have a record and the money is protected by the bank. Cashing gives you immediate cash but no paper trail. If you need the money right away, cashing is your only option. If you can wait a day or two, depositing into even a temporary account is safer.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.