The fastest places to cash a personal check
You can cash a personal check at your bank, the check writer's bank, a check-cashing store, a grocery store, or Walmart. Banks are free if you have an account there; the check writer's bank will usually cash it for free even if you don't bank there, though some charge a small fee. Grocery stores and Walmart cash checks for a flat fee (usually $3 to $5), and check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount (typically 1% to 5%, sometimes higher). Speed varies: banks and grocery stores usually take minutes, while check-cashing stores may take longer if they verify funds.
The check writer's bank is often your best option if you don't have your own bank account. Walk in with the check and your ID, and most will cash it on the spot for free or a small fee. Call ahead if the check is large (over $1,000) because some branches require advance notice. If the check is from a local credit union, their member banks can often cash it too.
Key Takeaways
- The check writer's bank will cash a personal check for you even if you don't have an account there, usually for free or a small fee.
- Grocery stores and Walmart offer check cashing at a flat fee of $3 to $5, with no account required and results in minutes.
- Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount (1% to 5% or more) and may take longer to verify funds.
- Bring a valid photo ID to any location; some may ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint for larger checks.
- If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), most places will not cash it until that date arrives.
Banks and credit unions
Your own bank is the cheapest option if you have an account there — cashing is free. If you don't have an account at the bank that issued the check, that bank will still cash it, usually for free. Some large banks charge a small fee ($2 to $5) for non-customers, so call ahead if the amount is significant. Bring your photo ID and the check.
Credit unions work the same way. If you belong to a credit union, you can cash checks there for free. If you don't, you can still go to the issuing credit union, though fees and policies vary by institution. Some credit unions are part of shared branching networks, which means you can cash checks at other credit unions in the network even if you don't belong to either one.
Grocery stores and retail chains
Walmart, Target, and most grocery store chains (Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and others) cash personal checks at the customer service desk. The fee is usually $3 to $5 per check, regardless of the amount. You need a valid photo ID. The process takes a few minutes, and you walk out with cash.
Not all locations cash checks, so call ahead or check the store's website. Some stores limit the amount they will cash (often $1,000 to $2,000) or the number of checks per day. Grocery stores are convenient if you're already shopping, and the flat fee makes them cheaper than check-cashing stores for larger checks.
Check-cashing stores
Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount, typically 1% to 5%, sometimes more. On a $500 check, that could be $5 to $25. They are fastest for people without ID or with bad credit, because they ask fewer questions than banks do. Bring your photo ID and the check. Some stores may ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint.
Check-cashing stores are most useful when other options are closed or unavailable. They often stay open later and on weekends. However, the percentage fee adds up quickly on large checks, so compare the cost to a grocery store's flat fee before you go. Some check-cashing stores also offer payday loans and other services; you are not required to use them.
Online banks and mobile payment apps
If you have a bank account with an online bank (Chime, Ally, Charles Schwab, or others), many let you deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back with your phone. The check clears within one to three business days, and you can withdraw cash at an ATM or use a debit card. This requires having an account, so it does not help if you have no bank account at all.
Some apps like PayPal and Square Cash also offer mobile check deposit if you have an account with them. The rules and timing vary, so check your app's terms. This is convenient if you already use the service, but again, it requires an existing account.
What you need to bring
Every place that cashes checks requires a valid photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport works. Some locations ask for a second form of ID (a utility bill, credit card, or Social Security card) or a thumbprint, especially for checks over $1,000 or if you are a new customer.
The check itself must be signed by the person who wrote it. If it is made out to you and someone else, both of you usually need to be present and sign it. If it is post-dated (dated in the future), most places will not cash it until that date. If the check is damaged, faded, or hard to read, some places may refuse it.
Fees and timing by location
| Location | Fee | Speed | ID Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your bank (with account) | Free | Minutes | Usually not |
| Check writer's bank | Free or $2–$5 | Minutes | Yes |
| Grocery store or Walmart | $3–$5 flat | Minutes | Yes |
| Check-cashing store | 1%–5% of amount | 10–30 minutes | Yes |
| Online bank (mobile deposit) | Free | 1–3 business days | Account required |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
If the check is made out to you and another person, both of you must be present and sign the back. If it is made out to someone else entirely, you cannot cash it — the person named on the check must do it themselves. Some places may allow a third party to cash a check if the original recipient signs it and is present, but policies vary.
What if the check is damaged or the ink is faded?
Most places will still cash it if the check number, amount, and signature are readable. If key information is missing or unclear, the bank or store may refuse it. If the check is torn, tape it together neatly. If the damage is severe, contact the person who wrote the check and ask for a replacement.
How long does a check take to clear if I deposit it instead of cashing it?
Personal checks typically clear within one to three business days, depending on the bank and the amount. Large checks may take longer. If you deposit it on a Friday evening, it may not clear until the following Tuesday or Wednesday. Banks must make the first $225 available within one business day, but the rest may take longer.
Can I cash a post-dated check before the date on it?
No. A post-dated check (one dated in the future) should not be cashed before that date. Most banks and stores will refuse to cash it early. If you need the money now, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one with today's date.
What if I don't have a photo ID?
Most places require a photo ID and will not cash a check without one. If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you can get a state ID card from your local DMV. In the meantime, some check-cashing stores may work with other forms of identification, but policies vary widely. Call ahead to ask.