Types of places that cash checks
You can cash a check at a bank, credit union, check-cashing store, grocery store, or pharmacy. Each charges different fees and has different rules about which checks they'll accept and how much they'll cash. A bank or credit union is usually cheapest if you have an account there — often free. A check-cashing store charges a percentage of the check amount, typically 1 to 3 percent, though some charge a flat fee instead. Grocery stores and pharmacies usually charge less than dedicated check-cashing businesses, often $2 to $5 per check.
The place you choose depends on whether you have a bank account, how quickly you need the money, and what kind of check you're cashing. A personal check from a friend takes longer to clear than a paycheck or government check. Some places won't cash certain types of checks at all.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and credit unions cash checks free for account holders, but may charge $5 to $15 for non-customers.
- Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, so a $500 check costs $5 to $15 to cash.
- Grocery stores and pharmacies often charge flat fees of $2 to $5 and may have lower limits on check amounts.
- Government checks like tax refunds and Social Security typically cash faster and at lower cost than personal checks.
- Payroll checks from your employer usually cash the same day at most places, while personal checks may take 24 to 48 hours.
Banks and credit unions
If you have a checking or savings account, your bank or credit union will cash your check free, even if it's drawn on a different bank. You'll need your account card or ID. Most banks cash checks the same day if you deposit them before the cutoff time, usually 2 or 3 p.m. on weekdays. If you cash it at the teller window instead of depositing it, you get the money immediately.
If you don't have an account at that bank, they may still cash a check drawn on their own bank, but they'll usually charge a fee — typically $5 to $15. Some banks won't cash checks for non-customers at all. Call ahead to ask. Credit unions are often more flexible with non-members than banks are, but policies vary by location.
Check-cashing stores
A check-cashing store will cash almost any check — payroll, personal, government, tax refund — without requiring you to have a bank account. They're open longer hours than banks, often until 9 p.m. or later, and some are open on weekends. The trade-off is cost: they charge a percentage of the check amount, usually 1 to 3 percent. On a $500 paycheck, that's $5 to $15. Some charge a flat fee instead, like $3 per check regardless of amount.
Check-cashing stores verify the check by calling the issuer or checking electronically, which takes a few minutes. They may hold the check for a day or two before releasing the money if they're uncertain about it. Some stores have limits on how much they'll cash in a single transaction, often $5,000 to $10,000. If you cash checks regularly, the fees add up quickly — $15 per week is $780 a year.
Grocery stores and pharmacies
Many grocery stores and pharmacies offer check cashing as a service to customers. Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and CVS all cash checks at customer service desks. The fees are usually lower than check-cashing stores — typically $2 to $5 per check — and some have no fee at all if you're cashing a payroll check. They accept payroll checks, government checks, and some personal checks, but policies differ by location and by store.
The main limitation is the amount: most grocery stores and pharmacies have a cap, often $1,000 or $2,000 per check. You'll need a valid ID. The process is quick, usually just a few minutes, and you get cash immediately. These places are convenient if you're already shopping there, but call ahead to confirm they cash the type of check you have.
Online banks and mobile payment apps
If you have an account with an online bank like Chime, Ally, or Charles Schwab, you can deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone. The bank processes the image and deposits the money into your account, usually within one business day. You don't get cash immediately, but there's no fee and you avoid a trip to a store. Some online banks offer early direct deposit for paychecks, crediting the money a day or two before it officially clears.
Mobile payment apps like PayPal, Square Cash, and Venmo also let you deposit checks by photo, though they have limits on how much you can deposit per day or per month. These services work best if you don't need cash the same day and are willing to wait for the money to land in your account.
What affects where you can cash a check
The type of check matters. A payroll check from a major employer cashes almost anywhere and usually the same day. A government check like a tax refund or Social Security payment is nearly as easy. A personal check from a friend or family member is riskier — the issuer's bank might not have funds, or the check might be stale (more than six months old). Check-cashing stores and banks are more cautious with personal checks and may refuse them or hold them longer.
The amount also matters. A $100 check cashes easily almost anywhere. A $5,000 check may hit the limit at a grocery store or pharmacy, forcing you to a bank or check-cashing store. The time of day and day of week affect when you get the money. A check cashed at a bank teller window on a Friday afternoon may not clear until Monday. A check deposited electronically may take longer.
Comparing costs across places
| Place | Fee for account holders | Fee for non-account holders | Speed | Check types accepted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (your bank) | Free | $5–$15 | Same day | Most types |
| Credit union (your CU) | Free | $3–$10 | Same day | Most types |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of amount | 1–3% of amount | Same day | Most types |
| Grocery store | $2–$5 (or free) | $2–$5 (or free) | Same day | Payroll, government |
| Online bank (deposit by photo) | Free | N/A | 1–2 business days | Most types |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank that's not my bank?
Yes, but most banks charge a fee of $5 to $15 for non-customers. Some banks won't do it at all. If the check is drawn on that bank (the bank name is printed on the check), you have a better chance of them cashing it. Call ahead to ask before you go.
How long does it take for a check to clear?
A payroll or government check usually clears the same day if you cash it at a teller window, or within one business day if you deposit it. A personal check takes longer — often 24 to 48 hours — because the bank has to verify the funds. Some banks hold personal checks for up to five business days.
What's the cheapest way to cash a check?
If you have a bank or credit union account, cashing there is free. If you don't have an account, a grocery store or pharmacy is usually cheapest at $2 to $5 per check. A check-cashing store costs 1 to 3 percent of the amount, which is more expensive on large checks but may be less on very small ones.
Can I cash a check without an ID?
No. Banks, check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies all require a valid ID — usually a driver's license or state ID card. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering. A passport works at some places but not all.
What if the check is written to someone else?
You can't cash a check written to someone else unless they sign the back and you sign below their signature — this is called a third-party check. Many banks and check-cashing stores no longer accept third-party checks because of fraud risk. Your best option is to ask the person who received the check to cash it themselves, or to deposit it into their account and have them give you cash.