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 free if you have an account there; if you don't, they may charge a fee or refuse entirely. Check-cashing stores and grocery stores will cash checks for anyone, but they charge a percentage of the check amount — typically 1 to 3 percent, though some charge a flat fee instead. Walmart cashes checks up to $5,000 for a flat fee of around $3 to $6, depending on your location.
The trade-off is simple: convenience and speed cost money. A bank is cheapest if you already have an account. A check-cashing store is fastest if you don't, but you lose part of the check to fees. Where you go depends on whether you have a bank account, how much the check is for, and how quickly you need the cash.
Key Takeaways
- Banks and credit unions cash checks free for account holders but may charge $5 to $15 for non-members or refuse the transaction entirely.
- Check-cashing stores and grocery stores accept anyone but charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, so a $500 check costs $5 to $15 to cash.
- Walmart cashes checks for a flat fee of around $3 to $6 and accepts checks up to $5,000 without requiring an account.
- You will need a valid ID and the check must be made out to you; some places also require a second form of ID or proof of address.
Banks and credit unions
If you have an account at a bank or credit union, cashing a check is free. Walk in during business hours with your ID and the check, and you'll have cash in minutes. If the check is large or you're cashing it at a branch where you don't normally bank, they may put a hold on the funds for a day or two, but the cash itself is available immediately.
If you don't have an account, most banks will still cash a check — but they'll charge you. The fee ranges from $5 to $15 depending on the bank and the check amount. Some banks refuse to cash checks for non-members entirely, so call ahead or ask at the counter before you wait in line. Credit unions are often more flexible than banks and may cash checks for non-members for free or a smaller fee, especially if you're a member of another credit union in the same network.
Check-cashing stores
Check-cashing stores exist specifically to cash checks for people without bank accounts. They're open longer hours than banks — often until 8 or 9 p.m. and on weekends — and the process is fast. You bring your ID and the check, and you walk out with cash in 10 to 15 minutes.
The cost is the catch. Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount, usually 1 to 3 percent. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. On a $1,000 check, it's $10 to $30. Some stores charge a flat fee instead — say $5 per check — which is cheaper if the check is small but more expensive if it's large. Ask what they charge before you hand over the check. If you cash checks regularly, the fees add up fast, which is why opening a bank account is usually cheaper in the long run.
Grocery stores and pharmacies
Many grocery stores and pharmacy chains — including Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and CVS — will cash checks at the customer service desk. The fee is usually 1 to 2 percent of the check amount, similar to check-cashing stores. The advantage is that you may already be shopping there, so you can cash the check and buy groceries in one trip.
Limits vary by store. Some will cash checks up to $1,500; others cap it at $500 or $1,000. Call your local store or ask at the desk to find out their limit and fee before you hand over the check. Hours are usually the same as the store's regular hours, so you can often cash a check earlier or later than a bank is open.
Walmart check cashing
Walmart cashes checks at the money center or customer service desk for a flat fee of around $3 to $6, depending on your location. The limit is $5,000 per check. You need a valid ID, and the check must be made out to you. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Walmart's flat fee makes it a good deal for larger checks. A $1,000 check costs $3 to $6 to cash at Walmart, versus $10 to $30 at a check-cashing store. For smaller checks under $200, a check-cashing store's flat fee might be cheaper. Walmart is open early and late, and most locations are open on weekends, so it's convenient if you need cash outside normal business hours.
What you need to bring
Every place that cashes checks requires a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The check must be made out to you, and your name on the ID must match the name on the check exactly. If the names don't match, most places will refuse to cash it.
Some check-cashing stores and banks ask for a second form of ID or proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease. This is more common if the check is large or if you're a first-time customer. Call ahead if you're unsure what to bring. Never sign the back of the check until you're at the counter and ready to cash it — the person cashing it needs to see your signature happen.
Comparing costs across options
| Where to Cash | Cost for Account Holders | Cost for Non-Members | Speed | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bank | Free | $5–$15 | 5–10 minutes | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays |
| Credit Union | Free | Free–$5 | 5–10 minutes | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays |
| Check-Cashing Store | 1–3% or flat fee | 1–3% or flat fee | 10–15 minutes | Until 8–9 p.m., weekends |
| Grocery Store | 1–2% | 1–2% | 10–15 minutes | Store hours |
| Walmart | $3–$6 flat | $3–$6 flat | 10 minutes | Early to late, weekends |
If you have a bank account, use it — the fee is zero. If you don't, Walmart's flat fee is usually the cheapest option for checks over $200. For smaller checks, a check-cashing store with a flat fee may be cheaper. Grocery stores are convenient if you're already shopping there, but compare their fee to Walmart's before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you, and your name on your ID must match the name on the check exactly. If someone else received the check and wants to give it to you, they need to sign the back and you need to sign below their signature — this is called a third-party check. Most banks and check-cashing stores refuse third-party checks because of fraud risk, so ask first.
What if I don't have a government ID?
Most places will not cash a check without a valid government-issued ID. If you don't have one, you can get a state ID from your local DMV. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state. In the meantime, if you have a bank account, you can deposit the check through a mobile app or ATM instead of cashing it.
Can I cash a check online or by mail?
No. You must cash a check in person at a physical location. If you have a bank account, you can deposit a check by taking a photo with your phone through the bank's app, or by mailing it to the bank with a deposit slip. But cashing it for physical cash requires you to be there.
What if the check has a date in the future?
A check dated in the future is called a post-dated check. Most banks and check-cashing stores will not cash it until that date arrives. If you need the cash now, you'll have to wait or find another source of money. Some check-cashing stores may cash it early for an extra fee, so ask.
Is there a limit to how much I can cash?
Yes. Walmart caps checks at $5,000. Grocery stores usually cap them at $500 to $1,500. Banks and check-cashing stores typically have higher limits or no limit at all, but large checks may trigger extra verification or a hold. Call ahead if your check is over $2,000.