The most common places to cash a check are banks, credit unions, check-cashing stores, and grocery stores
You do not need a bank account to cash a check. Banks will cash checks for non-customers, though many charge a fee if you do not have an account with them. Credit unions often cash checks for free if you are a member, and some will cash them for non-members for a small fee. Check-cashing stores exist specifically for this purpose and are found in most neighborhoods, though their fees are usually higher than banks. Grocery stores, Walmart, and other retailers cash checks as part of their customer service, typically for a flat fee or a percentage of the check amount.
The place you choose depends on three things: whether you have an account there, how much the fee will be, and whether you have the right ID. Each option has different requirements and costs, and some are faster than others.
Key Takeaways
- Banks cash checks for non-customers but usually charge a fee ranging from $5 to $15 depending on the check amount and the bank.
- Credit unions typically offer free check cashing for members and sometimes for non-members at a lower cost than banks.
- Check-cashing stores are open longer hours than banks and do not require an account, but their fees are often the highest option available.
- Grocery stores and retailers like Walmart cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $5, and are convenient if you already shop there.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID at any location, and some places require a second form of ID or a thumbprint.
Banks and what they charge non-customers
Most banks will cash a check drawn on their own bank for free, even if you do not have an account. If the check is drawn on a different bank, they may charge you a fee. This fee typically ranges from $5 to $15 depending on the bank and the check amount. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage of the check.
Call ahead before you go. Banks vary widely in their policies — some charge for all non-customer check cashing, others only for checks drawn on other banks, and some have stopped offering the service entirely. Ask specifically whether the fee applies to the type of check you have and whether they need any documents beyond your ID.
Banks are open during business hours only, usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and limited hours on Saturday. If you need to cash a check outside these hours, a bank is not your option.
Credit unions and member benefits
Credit unions typically cash checks for free if you are a member. If you are not a member, many credit unions will still cash checks for a small fee, often $1 to $3, which is lower than most banks charge. Some credit unions are part of shared branching networks, meaning you can visit a different credit union and cash a check there if you belong to a participating credit union.
To find a credit union near you, search online for your employer's credit union or your industry's credit union — many exist for specific groups like teachers, military members, or government employees. If you already belong to one, call and ask whether they cash checks for non-members and what the fee is.
Check-cashing stores and their higher fees
Check-cashing stores are open longer than banks — many stay open until 8 or 9 p.m. and some are open on Sundays — and they do not require you to have an account. They will cash almost any type of check: payroll checks, personal checks, government checks, and tax refund checks. You do not need to be a customer or have any prior relationship with them.
The trade-off is cost. Check-cashing stores typically charge 1% to 3% of the check amount, or a flat fee of $5 to $10, whichever is higher. On a $500 check, that could be $15 to $25. On a $1,000 check, it could be $30 to $50. These fees are higher than banks or credit unions charge, but the convenience and longer hours make them worth it for some people.
You will need a valid government-issued ID and sometimes a second form of ID. Some stores also take a thumbprint or photograph as part of their record-keeping.
Grocery stores and retailers like Walmart
Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and other large retailers cash checks as a service to customers. The fee is usually a flat $3 to $5 per check, regardless of the amount. This is often cheaper than a check-cashing store, especially for larger checks. You do not need to have a membership or account, and you do not need to make a purchase.
These stores are open longer than banks — many until 10 or 11 p.m. — and are located in most neighborhoods. The process is fast: you go to the customer service desk, show your ID, and the check is cashed within a few minutes. Some stores will cash checks only during certain hours, so call ahead if you are going outside normal business hours.
The main limitation is that some retailers have stopped cashing checks or limit the types of checks they will cash. Call the store before you go to confirm they still offer the service and whether they cash the type of check you have.
What ID you need and what documents to bring
Every place that cashes checks requires a valid government-issued ID. This means a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. A student ID, work ID, or library card will not work. Some places require a second form of ID as well — this could be a credit card, utility bill, or another government ID.
Bring the check itself and nothing else unless the place tells you otherwise. Do not sign the back of the check until you are at the counter and the cashier asks you to. Some places will ask you to sign it in front of them; others will sign it for you. If you sign it before you arrive, you may not be able to cash it if the place has a policy against pre-signed checks.
If the check is made out to someone else, most places will not cash it. Some will cash a check made out to two people if both people are present with ID, but this varies by location.
When a check cannot be cashed right away
Some checks have holds placed on them, meaning the money is not immediately available. This happens most often with checks from out-of-state banks, very large checks, or checks from banks that have had fraud problems. A hold can last from one day to ten business days depending on the bank and the check.
If a place tells you they cannot cash your check because of a hold, you have two options: wait until the hold is lifted and come back, or ask whether they will cash it anyway and charge you a higher fee for the risk. Some check-cashing stores will do this; banks and retailers usually will not.
If the check is damaged, illegible, or missing information like the date or amount, most places will refuse to cash it. You will need to contact the person or organization that issued the check and ask for a replacement.
Comparing your options by cost and convenience
| Location | Fee for non-customers | Hours | ID required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank | $5–$15 or percentage | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays | One government ID |
| Credit union | $1–$3 for non-members | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays | One government ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% or $5–$10 | Until 8–9 p.m., some Sundays | One or two forms of ID |
| Grocery store or Walmart | $3–$5 flat fee | Until 10–11 p.m. | One government ID |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank if I do not have an account there?
Yes, but you will likely pay a fee. Most banks cash checks drawn on their own bank for free to non-customers, but charge $5 to $15 to cash checks from other banks. Call the bank first to ask about their specific policy and fee.
What if the check is made out to two people?
Most places will not cash it unless both people are present with ID. Some retailers and check-cashing stores will cash it if both names are endorsed on the back, but policies vary. Call ahead to ask.
How long does it take to cash a check?
At a grocery store or Walmart, it usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. At a bank or check-cashing store, it can take 10 to 20 minutes depending on how busy they are. If there is a hold on the check, you may have to wait days or weeks.
Can I cash a check if I do not have a government ID?
No. Every place that cashes checks requires a valid government-issued ID like a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have one, you will need to open a bank account instead, which requires different documents.
What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?
The place that cashed the check may charge you a fee and ask you to return the money. If the check was fraudulent or stolen, you could be held responsible for the full amount. Always make sure the check is legitimate before you cash it.