Converting a check to cash means taking it to a business that will give you money for it, usually for a fee

You do not need a bank account to cash a check. Grocery stores, convenience stores, check-cashing businesses, and some retailers will exchange your check for cash on the spot. The process is straightforward: you sign the back of the check, show an ID, and pay a fee that ranges from a few dollars to a percentage of the check amount. The fee depends on where you go and how large the check is.

The main trade-off is cost. A check-cashing business might charge $5 to $15 for a personal check, or 1 to 3 percent of the check amount for a larger one. A grocery store or Walmart typically charges less — sometimes $3 to $5 — but may have limits on how large a check they will cash. Banks will cash checks for free if you have an account there, but if you do not have an account anywhere, check-cashing is the standard option.

Key Takeaways

  • Check-cashing businesses, grocery stores, and retailers like Walmart will convert checks to cash without requiring a bank account.
  • You will pay a fee ranging from $3 to $15 or 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, depending on the business and check size.
  • You must sign the back of the check and show a valid ID before the business will cash it.
  • Grocery stores and big-box retailers usually charge less than dedicated check-cashing businesses but may refuse checks over a certain amount.
  • Opening a bank account, even a basic checking account, eliminates the fee and is often free at credit unions or online banks.

Where to cash a check without a bank account

Check-cashing businesses are the most common option. They exist specifically to convert checks to cash and will handle personal checks, payroll checks, tax refunds, and government benefit checks. You can find them in most neighborhoods, often near grocery stores or in strip malls. They are open longer hours than banks and do not require an account.

Grocery stores and supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons cash checks at the customer service desk. Walmart and Target also offer this service. The fee is usually lower than a check-cashing business — often $3 to $5 — but they typically have a limit on check size, often $1,000 or $2,000. If your check is larger, they will turn it down.

Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Circle K cash checks, though not all locations do. Call ahead to confirm. The fee is usually $5 to $10. These are useful if you need cash outside normal business hours.

Your bank, even if you do not have an account there, may cash a check drawn on that bank for free or a small fee. For example, if your paycheck is from a bank's account, you can go to that bank and ask them to cash it. Bring your ID.

What you need to bring and what happens next

Bring the check and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some businesses will ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint. Sign the back of the check in front of the cashier; do not sign it before you arrive.

The cashier will examine the check for signs of fraud — checking that the signature on the front matches the one you just wrote, that the amount in words matches the amount in numbers, and that the check is not post-dated (dated in the future). If everything looks good, they will count out your cash and charge the fee. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

If the check is post-dated, most businesses will refuse it. If the check is damaged, torn, or has alterations, they may refuse it too. If the check is very large, the business may call the bank to verify funds before cashing it, which can add 10 to 15 minutes.

How much the fee will be

Check-cashing businesses charge either a flat fee or a percentage of the check amount. A flat fee is usually $5 to $15 for a personal check. A percentage fee is typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount — so a $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash. Larger checks are more likely to be charged as a percentage.

Grocery stores and retailers usually charge a flat fee of $3 to $5 and do not charge a percentage. Convenience stores fall in the middle, usually $5 to $10 flat. Your bank will cash checks drawn on that bank for free if you ask, even without an account.

The fee varies by location and by the business's policy. Call ahead or ask at the counter before you hand over the check if you want to know the exact cost.

Why opening a bank account might cost less in the long run

If you cash checks regularly, the fees add up. Cashing one check a week at $5 each costs $260 a year. A basic checking account at most banks and credit unions is free, and they will cash your checks for no fee at all.

Many online banks and credit unions offer free checking with no minimum balance. You can open an account in minutes online, and the debit card arrives in a few days. Once you have an account, you can deposit checks by phone or mobile app without going anywhere. This is faster and cheaper than check-cashing over time.

If you do not want a traditional bank account, some prepaid card companies and money services offer check-cashing or mobile check deposit as part of their service, sometimes for a lower fee than a check-cashing business.

What to do if the check-cashing business refuses your check

A business can refuse to cash a check for several reasons: the check is post-dated, the check is damaged or altered, the check is very old (usually more than 6 months), the amount is too large for their policy, or the signature does not match your ID. If this happens, your options are limited.

If the check is post-dated, you must wait until that date to cash it. If the check is damaged, contact the person or business that wrote it and ask for a replacement. If the check is old, contact the issuer to ask if it is still good; many checks expire after 6 months. If the amount is too large, try a different business or a bank.

If the signature on the check does not match your ID name — for example, if you go by a nickname but the check is written to your legal name — bring a document that shows both names, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Some businesses will accept this; others will not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sign the check before I go to the business?

No. Sign it at the counter in front of the cashier. If you sign it before you arrive and then lose it, anyone can cash it. Signing it in front of the cashier is safer and is what most businesses require.

Can I cash a check that is written to someone else?

Not usually. The check must be written to you or to you and another person. If it is written to someone else, that person must sign it over to you on the back, and you must bring their ID as well as yours. Many businesses refuse third-party checks anyway, so call ahead.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

Most check-cashing businesses require a valid photo ID. If you do not have one, you cannot cash a check there. You can get a state ID card from your local DMV without a driver's license. Some businesses may accept a passport or tribal ID if you do not have a state ID.

How long does it take to cash a check?

Usually 5 to 10 minutes. If the business calls the bank to verify funds on a large check, it may take 10 to 15 minutes. Grocery stores and retailers are often faster than dedicated check-cashing businesses because they have fewer customers waiting.

Can I cash a check online?

Not directly. You cannot cash a check for physical cash through the internet. However, if you open a bank account or use a mobile money service, you can deposit a check by taking a photo of it with your phone, and the money will be transferred to your account within a few days. You can then withdraw cash from an ATM.