How to find check cashing places in your area

The fastest way to find a check cashing location near you is to search "check cashing near me" on Google Maps or your phone's maps app — it will show you addresses, hours, and distance from your current location. You can also call ahead to confirm they cash the type of check you have (paycheck, government benefit, personal, business) and what ID they require, since requirements vary by location and check type.

Pawn shops, title loan stores, and liquor stores often cash checks even if they do not advertise it prominently. Ask at the counter. Some grocery stores and pharmacies (Walmart, Kroger, CVS, Walgreens) offer check cashing at customer service desks, usually for a lower fee than dedicated check cashing businesses, though they may have limits on the amount or the types of checks they will accept.

Your own bank or credit union will cash your checks for free if you have an account there, even if the check is drawn on a different bank. If you do not have an account, many banks will cash checks drawn on their own institution for free or a small fee, but will charge more to cash checks from other banks.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Maps and your phone's maps app show check cashing locations, hours, and distance, and let you call ahead to confirm what they accept.
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies usually charge less than dedicated check cashing businesses and may be closer to where you already shop.
  • Your bank or credit union cashes your checks for free if you have an account, and may cash checks from other banks for a small fee.
  • Pawn shops and liquor stores often cash checks even though they do not advertise it — calling ahead saves a trip.
  • Fees and ID requirements vary by location and check type, so confirm both before you go.

What to bring when you go to cash a check

You will need a valid photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Some places accept a military ID or tribal ID. A few locations may ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill or lease showing your current address, though this is less common.

Bring the check itself, unsigned if possible — some places require you to sign it in front of them so they can verify your signature against your ID. If you have already signed it, that is usually fine. If the check is made out to someone else, most places will not cash it, though some will if that person is present with their own ID.

Fees and what they depend on

Check cashing fees vary widely depending on where you go and what type of check you are cashing. A dedicated check cashing business might charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, or a flat fee of $5 to $15. Grocery stores and pharmacies typically charge $3 to $5 for a personal check. Your bank charges nothing if you have an account there.

The fee often depends on the check amount — larger checks may have a higher percentage fee or a higher flat fee. Government benefit checks (Social Security, unemployment, TANF) sometimes have lower fees than personal checks at the same location. Some places charge more for checks drawn on banks outside your state or region.

Always ask the fee before you hand over the check. If the fee seems high, you have time to go somewhere else or ask if they have a lower-fee option.

Why some places refuse to cash certain checks

A check cashing business may refuse your check if it is post-dated (dated for a future day), if the amount is very large and they do not have enough cash on hand, if the check is damaged or hard to read, or if the signature does not match your ID. Some places have a policy against cashing checks from certain banks or regions.

Personal checks are riskier for the business than payroll checks or government checks, so some locations will not cash them at all or will charge a higher fee. If a check cashing place refuses you, try your bank, a grocery store, or a different check cashing business — policies differ.

Alternatives if you cannot find a check cashing place nearby

If you have a bank account, you can deposit the check through your bank's mobile app (mobile deposit) and have the money available within one or two business days, usually for free. This works for most personal and payroll checks.

Some employers will direct-deposit your paycheck into a bank account or a prepaid card instead of issuing a paper check. If you receive government benefits, you can sign up for direct deposit through your state or federal agency — this puts the money in your account on the payment date without you having to go anywhere.

If you do not have a bank account and cannot find a check cashing place, ask your employer or the issuer of the check (government agency, insurance company) whether they offer direct deposit or can reissue the check in a different form.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most check cashing places will not cash a check made out to another person. Some will if that person is present with their own ID and signs the back of the check, but policies vary. Call ahead before you go. Your best option is to ask the person whose name is on the check to cash it themselves or to deposit it into their own account.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

Most check cashing places require a valid photo ID and will not make exceptions. If you do not have one, apply for a state ID at your local DMV or equivalent agency — the process takes a few weeks. In the meantime, ask your employer or the check issuer if they can direct-deposit the money instead, or ask a trusted person with an ID to cash it for you.

Do I have to sign the check in front of them?

Some places require you to sign it in front of them so they can watch your signature. Others are fine if you have already signed it. Call ahead and ask, or just sign it when you arrive and let them tell you if they need you to do it differently.

Can I cash a check online?

You cannot cash a paper check online, but you can deposit it into a bank account using mobile deposit through your bank's app, and then withdraw the money at an ATM or transfer it to another account. This usually takes one or two business days. Some banks offer this service even if you do not have an account with them, though it is less common.

What if the check cashing place charges a fee I think is too high?

You are not required to use them. Ask the fee before you hand over the check, and if it is higher than you expected, go to a grocery store, pharmacy, or your bank instead. Fees vary significantly by location, so it is worth calling a few places first.