Where you can cash a check

You can cash a check at your own bank, at another bank if you have an account there, at a check cashing service, at some grocery stores and pharmacies, and at some retailers. The fastest and cheapest option is almost always your own bank — you walk in, hand over the check, and leave with cash or a deposit. If you don't have a bank account, a check cashing service or grocery store will do it for a fee, usually between 1 and 3 percent of the check amount.

Banks that aren't yours will sometimes cash checks for non-customers, but many charge a fee or refuse entirely. Call ahead if you're thinking of using a bank where you don't have an account. Check cashing services exist specifically for people without bank accounts or who need cash immediately, but they cost more than a bank and are open longer hours — some are open until 9 p.m. or on weekends.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank will cash your check for free if you have an account there, and it takes just a few minutes.
  • Check cashing services charge a percentage of the check amount (usually 1 to 3 percent) but don't require a bank account and often have longer hours.
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies that offer check cashing typically charge less than dedicated check cashing services.
  • You'll need to bring a photo ID and the check itself; some places may ask for a second form of ID.
  • Post-dated checks (dated in the future) usually cannot be cashed until that date arrives, even if you try earlier.

What you need to bring

Bring the check and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Most places will ask for this. Some check cashing services ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill or bank statement with your name and address on it, especially if the check is large or if you're a new customer.

If you're cashing a check made out to someone else, you'll need that person's signature on the back of the check (called an endorsement) and their ID as well. Some places won't cash third-party checks at all, so call first if that's your situation.

How to endorse a check

The person whose name is on the check must sign the back, usually in the area marked "Endorse here." That signature authorizes the bank or service to cash it. If you're cashing a check made out to you, you sign it. If someone else is cashing a check made out to you, you sign the back and they sign below your signature.

Don't sign the back until you're at the place where you're cashing it. Once it's signed, anyone with the check can cash it. Some checks have a line that says "For deposit only" — if you write that before your signature, the check can only be deposited into a bank account, not cashed for cash.

Cashing a check at your bank

Walk in during business hours with your ID and the endorsed check. Tell the teller you want to cash it. They'll verify the check is real, confirm you have an account, and ask whether you want the cash in specific denominations (twenties, tens, fives, ones). They'll count it out and you're done — usually in under five minutes.

If your account doesn't have enough money to cover a bad check, your bank may still cash it for you, but they'll hold the funds until the check clears (usually one to three business days). Ask the teller if there's a hold before you leave.

Cashing a check at a check cashing service

Bring your ID, the endorsed check, and any second form of ID they ask for. The service will verify the check is real by calling the bank or checking electronically. They'll calculate their fee (a percentage of the check amount) and show you the total you'll receive. You sign a receipt, they give you cash, and you leave.

The fee varies by location and by check amount. A $500 check might cost $10 to $15 to cash. Some services charge a flat fee instead of a percentage, so it's worth asking what they charge before you hand over the check. Services are often open evenings and weekends when banks are closed.

Cashing a check at a grocery store or pharmacy

Many grocery stores and pharmacies offer check cashing at the customer service desk. Bring your ID and the endorsed check. The process is similar to a check cashing service — they verify the check, calculate a fee (usually lower than a dedicated check cashing service), and give you cash. Fees are often $2 to $5 for checks under $1,000.

Not all stores offer this service, and some limit the check amount or the number of checks you can cash per day. Call ahead or ask at the customer service desk when you arrive. The advantage is that you may already be shopping there, so you can cash the check while you're in the store.

What happens if the check bounces

If the check is bad (the account doesn't have enough money), the bank that issued it will reject it. If you cashed it at your own bank, the bank will take the money back out of your account and may charge you a fee for the returned check — usually $15 to $35. If you already spent the cash, you'll owe your bank the amount of the check plus the fee.

If you cashed it at a check cashing service, the service will contact you to return the money. You're responsible for paying them back. The person who wrote the check is also responsible for the bad check, and you may be able to pursue them for the money, but that's a separate legal matter.

Post-dated checks and holds

A post-dated check is one dated in the future — for example, dated January 15 when today is January 10. Most banks and check cashing services will not cash a post-dated check before that date, even if you ask. They'll either refuse or ask you to come back on the date written on the check. Some services will cash it early for an extra fee.

A hold is different — it's when a bank delays clearing a check even though you've already cashed it. Banks can hold checks for up to seven business days, though most clear in one to three days. If your bank puts a hold on a check you deposited, you won't have access to that money until the hold lifts, even though you've already handed over the check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check without a bank account?

Yes. Check cashing services, grocery stores, and pharmacies will cash checks without requiring an account. You'll pay a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount), but you'll walk out with cash. Some banks will also cash checks for non-customers, though they may charge a fee or refuse.

What if the check is made out to my business, not my name?

You'll need to endorse it with your business name and your signature, and bring a business license or EIN documentation along with your personal ID. Some banks and check cashing services won't cash business checks without a business account, so call first.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At your own bank, usually five to ten minutes. At a check cashing service or store, typically ten to fifteen minutes. The service has to verify the check is real, which takes time. If the check is very large or if you're a new customer, it may take longer.

Can I cash a check if it's torn or damaged?

It depends on how damaged it is. If the account number or routing number is illegible, the bank can't process it. If it's just a small tear, most banks will cash it. Ask the teller — they can tell you whether it's acceptable.

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

Cashing means you get cash in hand immediately. Depositing means the money goes into your bank account and you can withdraw it later. Deposits usually clear faster than cashes, and you don't pay a fee for a deposit at your own bank.