Your main options for cashing a check
You can cash a check at a bank, credit union, check-cashing store, grocery store, or Walmart. Banks and credit unions are usually cheapest or free if you have an account there. If you don't have an account, a check-cashing store will cash it for a fee — typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, though some charge a flat fee instead. Grocery stores and Walmart cash checks for customers, usually for $3 to $6 per check, and you don't need an account with them.
The check must be signed by the person who wrote it, made out to you by name, and not more than six months old (though banks often won't cash checks older than 90 days). You'll need to show a government-issued ID. Some places require a second form of ID or a thumbprint.
Speed varies. Banks and credit unions usually cash checks instantly if you're a customer. Check-cashing stores and retailers typically cash checks on the spot as well, though some hold the funds for a day or two. Online banks generally don't cash checks in person, so that option doesn't work if you have no local branch.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and credit unions cash checks for free or low cost if you have an account, but charge a fee if you don't.
- Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount and don't require an account, but are more expensive than banks.
- Grocery stores and Walmart cash checks for a flat fee of $3 to $6 and don't require membership or an account.
- You need a government-issued ID and the check must be signed, made out to you, and less than six months old.
- If you cash checks regularly, opening a bank or credit union account usually costs less over time than paying per-check fees.
Banks and credit unions
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, cashing a check is free. Walk in with your ID and the signed check, and they'll cash it on the spot. You don't need to be a customer of that specific branch — most banks will cash a check for anyone, though they may charge a small fee (usually $5 to $10) if you're not a customer.
Credit unions are often more flexible than banks about cashing checks for non-members. Some credit unions will cash checks for free even if you don't have an account, especially if you're a member of the same credit union network. Call ahead to ask, since policies vary by location.
The downside is that banks have limited hours and you have to go in person. If you need cash outside business hours, this won't work. Also, if you don't have an account and the bank charges a fee, you're paying more than you would at a grocery store or Walmart.
Check-cashing stores
Check-cashing stores are designed for people without bank accounts. They're open longer than banks — often until 9 p.m. or later, and some are open on weekends. They cash checks on the spot and don't require an account or membership.
The cost is the trade-off. Most charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. Some charge a flat fee instead — say $5 per check regardless of size. Read the posted fee schedule before you hand over your check. Some stores also offer payday loans and other services, but you're there to cash a check, not to borrow.
Check-cashing stores are common in urban and suburban areas but may be hard to find in rural areas. Search online for "check cashing near me" to see what's available. If you're cashing checks regularly, the fees add up quickly — a $500 check cashed weekly at 2 percent costs you $520 per year in fees alone.
Grocery stores and Walmart
Most grocery store chains and Walmart will cash checks at the customer service desk. The fee is usually $3 to $6 per check, flat rate regardless of the check amount. You don't need an account or membership (though some stores give discounts to loyalty program members). You need a government-issued ID.
Hours are usually longer than a bank — many grocery stores are open until 10 p.m. or later, and Walmart locations often stay open even later. The check is cashed on the spot in most cases, though some stores may hold it for a day.
This is often the cheapest option if you don't have a bank account and only cash checks occasionally. A $500 check costs you $3 to $6 to cash, compared to $5 to $15 at a check-cashing store. If you're cashing small checks or doing it rarely, the flat fee makes this the better deal.
Online banks and mobile check deposit
If you have an account with an online bank like Chime, Ally, or Charles Schwab, you can deposit checks using your phone's camera — no trip to a branch needed. You photograph the front and back of the check, and the funds appear in your account within one to three business days.
This only works if you already have an account. If you don't, you'd need to open one first, which takes a few days. Online banks don't have physical locations, so you can't walk in and cash a check the way you can at a traditional bank.
Many traditional banks and credit unions also offer mobile check deposit to account holders. If you have a bank account anywhere, ask whether your bank offers this feature — it's usually free and faster than going to a branch.
What to do if the check won't cash
A check may be refused if it's post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), missing a signature, or made out to someone other than you. If the check is post-dated, you have to wait until that date to cash it. If it's stale-dated, contact the person who wrote it and ask them to write a new check.
If the check is missing a signature or made out to the wrong name, the person who wrote it needs to correct it. Some banks will cash a check made out to you and another person if both of you sign it, but policies vary. Call ahead before you go in.
If you suspect the check is fraudulent or the account it's drawn on is closed, the bank will refuse to cash it. In that case, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to verify it or provide a different payment method.
Comparing costs for regular check cashing
| Where to cash | Cost per check | Hours | Account required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank (with account) | Free | Business hours | Yes |
| Bank (without account) | $5–$10 | Business hours | No |
| Credit union (with account) | Free | Business hours | Yes |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of amount | Extended hours | No |
| Grocery store or Walmart | $3–$6 | Extended hours | No |
If you cash one $500 check per week, a bank account costs you nothing. A check-cashing store costs $260 to $780 per year. A grocery store costs $156 to $312 per year. If you're cashing checks regularly, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union pays for itself within weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else cash a check made out to me?
No, the person whose name is on the check must be the one to cash it. If you want someone else to cash it for you, you can endorse it (sign the back) and write "Pay to the order of [their name]," but many banks and retailers won't accept this. It's safer to cash it yourself.
What if I lost my ID?
You won't be able to cash a check without a government-issued ID. Get a replacement ID from your state's DMV or equivalent office before you try to cash the check. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.
Can I cash a check if it's torn or damaged?
It depends on the damage. If the check number, routing number, or account number is illegible, most places won't cash it. If only a corner is torn and all the important information is readable, some banks will cash it. Call ahead or ask at the counter before you hand it over.
How long does it take to get the money?
Banks, credit unions, check-cashing stores, and Walmart usually give you cash on the spot. Grocery stores sometimes hold the check for a day. If you deposit a check using mobile check deposit, the funds typically appear in one to three business days.
What's the difference between cashing and depositing a check?
Cashing means you get cash in hand immediately. Depositing means the money goes into your bank account, and you can withdraw it later. Depositing is usually free if you have an account; cashing costs money if you don't have an account or go to a check-cashing store.