Where you can cash a check

You can cash a check at your own bank, at the bank that issued the check, at a check-cashing store, at some retail locations, or through a mobile app if your bank offers mobile deposit. The fastest and cheapest option is usually your own bank — most do it free for account holders. If you don't have a bank account, a check-cashing store or retailer will do it, but they charge a fee that ranges depending on the check amount and the business.

The check must be signed by the person who wrote it, made out to you by name, and not post-dated (a future date written on it). If any of those things are wrong, the place cashing it will refuse. Some places also won't cash checks older than six months, though banks often will.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank will cash checks free if you have an account there, and it takes a few minutes at a teller window or through an ATM.
  • Check-cashing stores and retailers charge a fee — usually a percentage of the check amount or a flat dollar amount — to cash checks without an account.
  • Mobile deposit through your bank's app lets you deposit checks from home by photographing the front and back, though the funds may take one to two business days to clear.
  • The check must be signed, made out to you, and not post-dated, or the business will not cash it.
  • If you don't have ID or the check is damaged, some places will still cash it but may ask questions or refuse.

Cashing a check at your bank

If you have a checking or savings account, go to your bank's branch during business hours with your ID and the check. Hand it to a teller and they will verify your account, check the signature, and give you the cash. This takes about five minutes. You can also use an ATM at many banks — insert your debit card, select deposit, photograph or insert the check, and the machine will process it. ATM deposits usually take one business day to show up in your account.

If the check is written to you and someone else, both people must be present with ID, or the bank may refuse. If the check is damaged, faded, or torn, the bank may still cash it but might hold it for verification. Ask the teller before you leave whether the funds are available immediately or if there's a hold.

Cashing a check at a check-cashing store or retailer

Check-cashing businesses and some grocery stores, pharmacies, and Walmart locations will cash checks if you don't have a bank account. You'll need a valid ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The business will verify the check, take a fee, and give you cash. Fees vary widely: some charge a flat amount like $2 to $5, others charge a percentage of the check (often 1 to 3 percent). A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash depending on the place.

Call ahead or ask in person what the fee is before you hand over the check. Some stores also require a phone number or address for their records. If the check is post-dated, most check-cashing places will refuse it. If you're a regular customer, some stores offer lower fees or waive them entirely.

Using mobile deposit through your bank's app

Many banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app without visiting a branch. Open the app, go to the deposit or check deposit section, and photograph the front and back of the check. The app will ask you to confirm the amount and the check number. Submit it, and the bank processes it on the next business day.

Mobile deposit is free for account holders and works from home or anywhere. The funds usually appear in your account within one to two business days, though some banks make a portion available sooner. There's a limit on how much you can deposit this way per day or per month — check your bank's rules. If the check is damaged or the photo is blurry, the bank may reject it and ask you to try again or bring it to a branch.

What to do if the check is damaged or the signature looks wrong

If the check is torn, water-damaged, or faded, take it to your bank first. Banks can often still cash it if enough of the check is readable and the routing number and account number are clear. They may put a hold on it while they verify it with the issuing bank, which can take a few days. Check-cashing stores are usually stricter and may refuse a damaged check outright.

If the signature on the check doesn't match the name it's made out to, or if the signature looks forged or shaky, the bank or check-cashing place will refuse it. This is a fraud protection. If you believe the check is legitimate but the signature is unusual, ask the person who wrote it to contact their bank and explain. The issuing bank can sometimes override the concern.

Cashing a check made out to two people

If a check says "Pay to the order of John Smith and Jane Doe," both people must endorse it (sign the back) and both must be present with ID to cash it. Some banks will cash it if only one person signs the back, but they're not required to. If the check says "Pay to the order of John Smith or Jane Doe," either person can cash it alone by signing the back.

If you're not sure how the check is written, look at the front carefully. If it says "and," both people are needed. If it says "or," one person can do it. Call your bank ahead of time if you're unsure — they can tell you their policy before you make the trip.

Understanding check holds and when you can use the money

When you deposit a check at a bank, the funds may not be available immediately. Banks can place a hold on checks to verify they're real and that the account they're drawn from has enough money. A hold typically lasts one to five business days depending on the check amount, the bank, and whether you're a new account holder. Large checks (over $5,000) often have longer holds.

If you cash a check at a teller window, ask whether the funds are available right away or if there's a hold. If there's a hold and you withdraw the money before it clears, you could overdraw your account and face fees. Check-cashing stores and retailers give you cash immediately, so there's no hold — you get the money on the spot, minus their fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A check must be made out to you by name to cash it. If someone else wrote it to another person, that person must cash it or sign it over to you (called a third-party check), and many banks and check-cashing places refuse third-party checks because of fraud risk.

What if I lost my ID?

Most banks and check-cashing stores require a valid ID to cash a check. If you've lost yours, get a replacement from your state's DMV or apply for a passport. Some banks may cash a check for an account holder without ID if they can verify your account another way, but this is rare. Call your bank first.

How long does a check take to clear?

If you cash it at a teller window, the money is yours immediately. If you deposit it through an ATM or mobile app, it usually takes one to two business days. Banks can hold checks longer if they're large, if you're new to the bank, or if something looks unusual about the check.

Can I cash a check online without going to a bank?

Yes, through mobile deposit if your bank offers it. You photograph the check and submit it through the app. The funds appear in one to two business days. You cannot cash a check for cash online — you can only deposit it into an account.

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

Cashing means you get the money in cash immediately. Depositing means the money goes into your bank account, and you can withdraw it later. Banks offer both; check-cashing stores only cash checks for cash.