Your main options for cashing a check

You can cash a check at a bank, credit union, check-cashing store, grocery store, or Walmart. If you have an account at a bank or credit union, that is usually the cheapest option — often free. If you do not have an account, a grocery store or Walmart typically charges less than a dedicated check-cashing business, though fees vary by location and check amount.

The check issuer's bank will also cash it if you bring the original check and a photo ID, even if you are not a customer there. This option has no fee, but it requires you to visit that specific bank during business hours.

Each place has different rules about what ID they need, whether they cash third-party checks (checks made out to someone else), and how long they hold the money before releasing it to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions cash checks free for account holders and often free for non-account holders if you bring a photo ID.
  • Grocery stores and Walmart usually charge $3 to $10 per check and do not require an account, making them cheaper than dedicated check-cashing stores.
  • The bank that issued the check will cash it for free if you bring the original check and photo ID, regardless of whether you bank there.
  • Check-cashing stores charge the most — typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount — but stay open longer hours and may cash checks other places refuse.
  • Most places will not cash a check made out to someone else unless that person is present with ID.

Cashing a check at a bank or credit union

If you have an account at a bank or credit union, cashing your own check is free. You can deposit it into your account or ask the teller to cash it on the spot. You will need your debit card or account number and a photo ID.

If you do not have an account, most banks will still cash a check drawn on their own bank for free. Walk in with the original check and a photo ID — driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some banks charge a small fee for non-customers, usually $5 to $10, but many waive it. Call ahead if you want to confirm the fee before you go.

Credit unions are often more flexible than banks about cashing checks for non-members. Many credit unions belong to shared branching networks, meaning you can walk into a different credit union and cash a check there. Ask your credit union whether it participates in CO-OP or Alliant shared branching.

Cashing a check at a grocery store or Walmart

Walmart and most large grocery chains (Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Whole Foods) cash checks at the customer service desk. You do not need an account anywhere. Bring the original check and a photo ID. Fees are usually $3 to $10 per check, depending on the check amount and the store's policy.

Walmart typically charges $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks over $1,000. Grocery stores vary — some charge a flat fee, others charge a percentage of the check amount. Call the store's customer service desk or check their website to confirm the current fee.

These places usually cash checks during regular business hours only. If you need to cash a check outside those hours, a check-cashing store is your only option.

Using a check-cashing store

Check-cashing stores are open longer than banks and grocery stores, often until 8 or 9 p.m. and sometimes on Sundays. They will cash checks that other places refuse — including post-dated checks, two-party checks, or checks with minor errors. The trade-off is cost: fees typically run 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, meaning a $500 check could cost $5 to $15 to cash.

You will need a photo ID and sometimes a second form of ID. Some stores require a thumbprint. If you cash checks there regularly, the store may ask you to open an account (which is not a bank account — it is just a record they keep to track you).

Check-cashing stores are most useful when you need cash outside banking hours or when you have a check that banks and grocery stores will not touch. For routine checks, the cost makes them the most expensive choice.

Cashing a check at the issuing bank

Any bank will cash a check drawn on that bank, regardless of whether you have an account there. Walk into any branch with the original check and a photo ID. There is no fee. The teller will verify the check and hand you cash on the spot, or sometimes within one business day if the check is large or unusual.

This option works well if you know which bank issued the check and can reach a branch during business hours. It is free and straightforward, but it requires you to go to that specific bank rather than somewhere more convenient.

Third-party checks and two-party checks

A third-party check is a check made out to someone else — for example, a check made out to your roommate that your roommate wants to give to you. Most banks, grocery stores, and Walmart will not cash these. The person whose name is on the check must be present with a photo ID, and even then many places refuse them.

Check-cashing stores are more likely to cash third-party checks, but they charge extra and may require both people to sign the back. The safest route is to have the original payee deposit it into their own account and then transfer you the money, or to have them cash it themselves and give you cash.

A two-party check — a check with two names on it, like "John Smith and Jane Doe" — requires both people to be present with ID at most places. Some banks will cash it if only one person is present, but policy varies by bank.

What to bring and what to expect

At any place that cashes checks, bring the original check (not a copy) and a photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card works everywhere. Some check-cashing stores ask for a second form of ID, like a utility bill or bank statement with your current address.

The teller or cashier will examine the check for the date, the amount, the signature, and whether it is signed on the back. If anything looks wrong — a post-dated check, a missing signature, an amount that does not match the written-out words — they may refuse to cash it or ask you to contact the check writer.

Most places hand you cash immediately. Some banks hold large checks for one business day to verify the funds are actually there. Ask before you hand over the check if you need the money right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check without a photo ID?

No. Every place that cashes checks requires a photo ID — it is a federal requirement to prevent fraud. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your local DMV. Some check-cashing stores may accept other forms of ID, but a photo ID is always required.

What if the check is post-dated?

Banks and grocery stores will not cash a post-dated check (one dated in the future). Check-cashing stores often will, but they charge extra. The safest option is to wait until the date on the check and then cash it. If you need the money before that date, ask the check writer for a new check with today's date.

How long does it take to get the money?

Most places give you cash immediately. Banks sometimes hold large checks (usually over $5,000) for one business day while they verify the funds. Ask the teller before you hand over the check if you need same-day cash.

What if I lost the check or it was damaged?

You cannot cash a damaged or illegible check. Contact the person or company that issued it and ask them to issue a replacement check. Bring the damaged check with you if you have it — they may want to see it before issuing a new one.

Can I cash a check made out to my business?

If your business is a sole proprietorship and the check is made out to your business name, most banks will cash it if you bring your personal ID and can show that you own the business (like a business license). If your business is an LLC or corporation, you will need to deposit it into a business account — most places will not cash business checks for individuals.