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 a few retail chains. Each option has different requirements and fees. Your bank is usually the fastest and cheapest route if you have an account there — they can often cash it the same day with no fee.

If you don't have a bank account, a check-cashing service or grocery store will take the check but will charge a fee, usually between 1 and 5 percent of the check amount. A $100 check might cost $1 to $5 to cash. Retail locations like Walmart and Target also cash checks for a flat fee, often around $3 to $6 depending on the check type.

The trade-off is speed versus cost. Banks are free but may require you to be a customer. Check-cashing services are open longer hours and don't require an account, but they take a cut. Knowing which option fits your situation saves you money and time.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank will cash checks for free if you have an account, and usually the same day.
  • Check-cashing services and retail stores charge a percentage or flat fee but don't require an account and often have longer hours.
  • You will need to bring the check and a valid photo ID to any location.
  • Some checks take longer to clear — payroll checks usually clear same-day, but personal checks may take one to three business days.
  • If the check is made out to someone else, most places will not cash it unless that person is present and signs the back.

Cashing a check at your bank

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, bring the check and your ID to any branch during business hours. Tell the teller you want to cash it. They will ask you to sign the back of the check in front of them, then hand you the cash. This usually takes five to ten minutes and costs nothing.

If the check is large — typically over $5,000 — the bank may need to order cash from another location or verify the check with the issuing bank first. Call ahead if you're cashing a large check so the branch can prepare. Some banks also let you cash checks through their ATM or mobile app if the check is under a certain amount, usually $1,000 or less.

If you don't have an account at the bank that issued the check, you can still try to cash it there, but they may refuse or charge a fee. Call the bank first to ask their policy. Many banks will cash checks for non-customers, but some will not.

Cashing a check at a check-cashing service

Check-cashing services are storefronts that cash checks for a fee and don't require you to have a bank account. You bring the check and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The service will examine the check, verify it's real, and charge you a fee based on the check amount.

Fees vary widely. A typical fee is 1 to 3 percent of the check amount for payroll or government checks, and 3 to 5 percent for personal checks. Some services charge a flat fee instead — for example, $3 for any check under $500. Ask the fee before you hand over the check.

Check-cashing services are often open longer than banks, including evenings and weekends. The trade-off is that you pay for the convenience and for not having a bank account. If you cash checks regularly, opening a bank account will save you money over time.

Cashing a check at a retail store

Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores and pharmacies cash checks at their customer service desk. Bring the check and a valid photo ID. The fee is usually a flat amount — $3 to $6 for most checks — rather than a percentage. Some stores limit the check amount, often to $5,000 or less.

Retail locations are convenient if you're already shopping there, and their hours are usually longer than a bank's. The downside is that not all locations cash checks, and policies vary by store and location. Call ahead to confirm the store near you offers this service and what their fee is.

Retail stores typically cash payroll checks, government checks, and personal checks, but some will refuse checks from businesses or checks that are very old. If the check is dated more than six months ago, most places will not cash it.

What you need to bring and what happens next

You will need the check itself and a valid photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some places accept other forms of ID — ask first if you don't have one of these.

Sign the back of the check in the presence of the person cashing it. Write your signature on the line marked "Endorse here" or similar. Do not sign it before you arrive — most places require you to sign in front of them as proof you are the person cashing it.

After you sign, the service will count out your cash and hand it to you. There is no waiting period at a bank or check-cashing service — you walk out with the money the same day. The only exception is if the check is very large or if the service needs to verify it with the issuing bank, which can take a few hours.

When a check is made out to someone else

If the check is made out to a different name than yours, most places will not cash it. The person whose name is on the check must be present with their ID and must sign the back of the check in front of the teller or service worker. This is called a third-party check, and many banks and services refuse them because of fraud risk.

Some banks will cash a third-party check if both people are account holders at that bank, or if the person whose name is on the check signs it and the person cashing it signs below. Policies vary widely. If you need to cash a check made out to someone else, call the location first and ask if they allow it and what proof they need.

The safest option is to have the person whose name is on the check deposit it into their own account, then transfer the money to you. This avoids the hassle and risk of a third-party check.

How long it takes for a check to clear

When you cash a check, you get the money immediately. However, the bank that issued the check takes time to actually transfer the funds. This is called clearing the check. For your own bank, this usually happens the same day or the next business day. For checks from other banks, it can take one to three business days.

If you deposit a check instead of cashing it, the clearing time is longer — often three to five business days. This is why cashing a check is faster than depositing it. If you need the money right away, cashing is the better option.

Payroll checks and government checks (like tax refunds or Social Security) usually clear the same day or next day. Personal checks from individuals take longer because the bank has to verify the funds are actually in that person's account. If the check bounces — meaning there is not enough money in the account — you may be responsible for returning the money or paying a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check without a bank account?

Yes. Check-cashing services, grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail chains like Walmart and Target will cash checks without requiring an account. You will pay a fee, usually 1 to 5 percent of the check amount or a flat fee of $3 to $6. Bring the check and a valid photo ID.

What if the check is dated in the past?

A check is valid for six months from the date written on it. After six months, it is considered stale-dated and most banks and services will refuse to cash it. If the check is older than six months, contact the person or company that issued it and ask them to write a new check.

What happens if I cash a check that bounces?

If the check bounces, the bank or service that cashed it will deduct the amount from your account or ask you to return the cash. You may also be charged a fee. The person who wrote the check is responsible for the bounced check, but you may have trouble getting the money back from them. This is why cashing checks from people you know and trust is important.

Can I cash a check on my phone?

Some banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back. However, this is a deposit, not a cash-out — the money goes into your account and takes several business days to clear. To get cash immediately, you need to visit a bank branch, check-cashing service, or retail store in person.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash?

Banks usually have no limit for account holders. Check-cashing services and retail stores often limit checks to $5,000 or less. If your check is larger, call ahead to confirm the location can handle it. Very large checks may require the service to verify the funds with the issuing bank, which can take a few hours.