Where you can cash a check

You can cash a check at your bank, a credit union, a check-cashing store, or sometimes at a grocery store or pharmacy. Each option has different requirements, fees, and speed. Your bank is usually the fastest and cheapest if you have an account there — most banks cash checks for free for their own customers. A credit union will do the same if you're a member. Check-cashing stores and grocery stores will cash checks from anyone, but they charge a fee that ranges from a few dollars to a percentage of the check amount.

If you don't have a bank account, a check-cashing store is your main option, though some grocery stores and pharmacies also offer this service. The fee varies by location and the check amount, so it's worth calling ahead or comparing a couple of places if you're cashing a large check. Some employers and government agencies also partner with check-cashing services to offer free or reduced-fee cashing for their specific checks.

Key Takeaways

  • Your bank or credit union will cash your check for free if you have an account there, usually within minutes.
  • Check-cashing stores charge a fee but will cash checks for anyone without requiring an account.
  • You'll need to bring the check and a valid photo ID to any location that cashes checks.
  • Some checks require the person named on the check to be present in person, while others can be cashed by someone else if endorsed properly.
  • Mobile check deposit through a bank app lets you deposit checks without visiting a branch, though the money may not be available immediately.

What you need to bring

You'll need the check itself and a valid photo ID. Most places accept a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Some check-cashing stores may ask for additional information like your address or phone number, especially if the check is large or if you're a new customer.

If someone else is cashing the check on your behalf, the check must be endorsed to them. This means you sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [their name]" above your signature. The person cashing it will then sign below that. Not all places accept third-party checks, so call ahead if this is your situation.

How to endorse a check

Endorsing a check means signing the back of it. Turn the check over to the blank side and sign your name on the line that says "Endorse here." Your signature should match the name printed on the front of the check as closely as possible. That's all that's required for a basic endorsement.

If you want to restrict how the check can be used, you can write "For deposit only" above your signature. This prevents someone from cashing it if they get the check — it can only be deposited into a bank account. If you're giving the check to someone else to cash or deposit, write "Pay to the order of [their name]" above your signature, and they'll sign below it.

Cashing a check at your bank

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, you can walk in during business hours and ask to cash a check. Bring your ID and the check. The teller will verify the check, confirm you have funds in your account to cover it (if it's your own check), and give you cash. This usually takes a few minutes. Most banks cash checks for free for their own customers, even if the check is drawn on a different bank.

Some banks have limits on how much you can withdraw in cash on a single day, so if you're cashing a very large check, call ahead. If you can't get to a branch during business hours, you can deposit the check using your bank's mobile app or ATM, though the funds may take one to three business days to become available.

Using a check-cashing store

Check-cashing stores will cash checks for anyone with a valid ID, whether or not you have a bank account. Bring your ID and the check. The clerk will examine the check, verify it's legitimate (sometimes by calling the issuing bank), and charge you a fee. The fee is typically a flat amount or a percentage of the check — for example, 1% to 3% of the check amount, or a fixed fee like $5 to $10. Ask what the fee is before you agree to it.

Check-cashing stores usually give you cash on the spot, though they may hold large checks for a day or two while they verify them. Some stores also offer other services like bill payment or money transfers, which may have separate fees. If you use the same store regularly, ask if they offer a discount for repeat customers.

Depositing a check without visiting a branch

Most banks let you deposit checks using their mobile app. Open the app, select "Deposit a check," take photos of the front and back of the check, and submit it. The bank will process the deposit and add the funds to your account. You won't get cash immediately, but the money will be available within one to three business days, depending on the bank and the check amount.

Some banks also have ATMs that accept check deposits. You insert the check into the machine, and it's deposited into your account the same way. Mobile deposit and ATM deposit are convenient if you can't get to a branch, but they're not the same as cashing a check — you're depositing it into your account, not getting cash in hand.

What happens if a check bounces

A check bounces when the account it's drawn on doesn't have enough money to cover it. If you cash a check that bounces, you're responsible for returning the money. If you cashed it at a check-cashing store, the store will contact you and ask you to repay them. If you deposited it at your bank, your bank will reverse the deposit and may charge you a fee.

To protect yourself, only cash checks from people or organizations you trust. If you're unsure about a check, you can ask the issuing bank to verify that the account has sufficient funds before you cash it. Some check-cashing stores will do this verification for you as part of their process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if that person endorses it to you. They sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature, then you sign below it. Not all banks and check-cashing stores accept third-party checks, so call ahead to confirm.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At a bank or check-cashing store, it usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. If you deposit it through a mobile app or ATM, the funds typically become available within one to three business days, depending on the bank and check amount.

What if I don't have a photo ID?

Most banks and check-cashing stores require a valid photo ID. If you don't have one, you can apply for a state ID at your local DMV. Some check-cashing stores may accept other forms of identification, so call ahead to ask what they accept.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash?

Banks may have daily cash withdrawal limits, typically $500 to $1,000, though this varies. Check-cashing stores usually have higher limits but may charge higher fees for large checks. Call ahead if you're cashing a check for more than a few hundred dollars.

What should I do if I lose a check before cashing it?

Contact the person or organization that issued the check and ask them to stop payment on it and issue a replacement. This prevents someone else from cashing it if they find it. The issuer may charge a fee for this service.