Your main options for cashing handwritten checks

You can cash a handwritten check at a bank where you have an account, at the bank that issued the check, at a check-cashing store, at some grocery stores and pharmacies, or at certain retail locations like Walmart. The fastest and cheapest route depends on whether you have a bank account, how much the check is for, and what's near you.

If the check is drawn on a specific bank — meaning it says "First National Bank" or another institution at the top — you can walk into any branch of that bank and cash it without an account. You'll need a photo ID. If you have an account at a different bank, your own bank will usually cash it for you as well, though some banks charge a fee for out-of-network checks.

Check-cashing stores will cash handwritten checks but charge a percentage of the check amount — typically 1 to 3 percent, sometimes higher. A $200 check might cost you $4 to $6 to cash. Grocery stores and pharmacies like Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and CVS often cash checks for free or a small flat fee if you're a customer, though limits vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • The bank that issued the check will cash it for free if you show a photo ID, even without an account at that bank.
  • Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, so a $300 check costs $3 to $9 to cash.
  • Walmart, grocery stores, and pharmacies often cash checks for free or a flat fee of $3 to $5, with limits that vary by location.
  • Online banks and some credit unions may not have physical branches, so you'll need to use a check-cashing store or retail location instead.

Cashing at the bank that issued the check

This is the cheapest option and usually the fastest. Walk into any branch of the bank printed on the check with your photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport works. Tell the teller you want to cash the check. You don't need an account, and there's no fee.

The teller will ask you to sign the back of the check if you haven't already. They may also ask for a second form of ID or your phone number. If the check is large — typically over $5,000 — the bank may put a hold on the funds or ask questions about where it came from, but they will still cash it.

The main limitation is that you have to go to a branch of that specific bank. If the check is from a small local bank and you live far away, this option may not be practical. Online banks like Chime or Ally don't have physical branches, so this route won't work for checks drawn on them.

Check-cashing stores and their fees

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 you can usually get cash the same day. The trade-off is the fee.

A typical check-cashing store charges between 1 and 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. Some stores charge a flat fee instead — say $5 per check — which is cheaper if the check is large but more expensive if it's small. A few stores charge higher percentages, especially for two-party checks or if you're a first-time customer.

Before you go, call ahead or check the store's website for their fee structure. Fees vary widely even between locations of the same chain. Ask whether they charge extra for handwritten checks versus printed ones — some do, some don't. Bring your photo ID and the check itself; that's all you need.

Grocery stores, pharmacies, and Walmart

Many large grocery chains and pharmacies cash checks at the customer service desk. Walmart cashes checks at the money center. These locations often charge nothing or a small flat fee — typically $3 to $5 — and the process is quick if the line is short.

Limits vary by store. Walmart typically cashes checks up to $5,000, though some locations go higher. Kroger, Safeway, and similar chains often have limits between $1,000 and $5,000. CVS and Walgreens usually cash checks up to $1,000 or $2,000. Call your local store to confirm their limit and fee before you go.

You usually need to be a customer — meaning you have a loyalty card or have made a recent purchase — though some stores don't enforce this strictly. Bring your photo ID and the check. The teller will ask you to sign the back if you haven't already. Processing usually takes a few minutes.

Credit unions and online banks

If you belong to a credit union, you can cash checks there even if you don't have an account with them, though policies vary. Call your local branch first to confirm. Some credit unions charge a small fee for non-members; others don't.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, or Marcus don't have physical locations, so you can't walk in and cash a check. If you have an account with an online bank, you can deposit the check through their mobile app by taking a photo of both sides. But if you don't have an account and need cash immediately, you'll need to use a check-cashing store, retail location, or the bank that issued the check.

What to bring and what to expect

You'll need a photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Some places ask for a second form of ID, especially for large checks. Bring the check itself, unsigned on the back (you'll sign it at the counter). Have your phone number ready; many places ask for it.

The teller will examine the check for signs of fraud — checking that the signature looks real, that the amount in words matches the numbers, and that the date is current. If something looks off, they may refuse to cash it. If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), most places won't cash it until that date arrives.

Processing usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. You'll receive cash, and that's it — no receipt unless you ask for one. If you're cashing a very large check, the bank or store may need to order extra cash and ask you to come back later, or they may ask where the check came from.

Two-party checks and other complications

A two-party check is made out to two people — for example, "John Smith and Jane Doe." Both people usually need to be present with ID to cash it. Some places won't cash two-party checks at all. Call ahead if this applies to you.

A check made out to a business or organization is harder to cash as an individual. If you're authorized to handle the business's money, bring documentation showing that — a letter from the business owner, a power of attorney, or a business account statement with your name on it. Many check-cashing stores will refuse these checks anyway.

A check with a missing or illegible signature, or one that's damaged or torn, may be refused. If the check is old — more than six months — banks and stores may refuse it as well, though they're not required to. If you have any doubt, call the person or business that wrote the check and ask them to write a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check if I don't have a photo ID?

Most places require a photo ID. If you don't have one, you can apply for a state ID at your local DMV or equivalent office. Some check-cashing stores may accept other forms of ID like a passport card or tribal ID, but policies vary. Call ahead to ask.

What if the check is made out to someone else?

You generally can't cash a check made out to someone else. If the person who the check is made out to wants to give you the money, they need to sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [your name]," then sign again. You'll both need to be present with ID at most places. Some stores won't accept this at all.

How long does it take to get the money?

At a bank, check-cashing store, or retail location, you get cash immediately — usually within 5 to 15 minutes. If you deposit a check into a bank account, the funds may take 1 to 5 business days to clear, depending on the bank and the amount.

Is it cheaper to cash a check or deposit it into a bank account?

Depositing into a bank account is free if you have one. Cashing costs 1 to 3 percent at a check-cashing store, or nothing to $5 at a retail location. If you cash checks regularly, opening a basic checking account — many are free — saves money over time.

Can I cash a post-dated check early?

Legally, you shouldn't cash a check before the date on it. Most banks and stores will refuse. If you need the money before that date, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one with today's date instead.