The fastest places to cash a check
Your bank or credit union will cash your check for free if you have an account there — that is the cheapest option. Walk in with your ID and the check, and you will usually get cash within minutes. If you do not have an account, a bank will often cash checks drawn on that same bank, though some charge a small fee (usually $5 to $10) for non-customers.
If the check is drawn on a different bank, your own bank may still cash it, but they may charge you a fee. Call ahead to ask what they charge for out-of-network checks, because the fee varies by bank and by the check amount.
Credit unions work the same way. Members cash checks free; non-members may pay a fee or be turned away entirely, depending on the union's policy.
Key Takeaways
- Your own bank or credit union cashes checks free for account holders, usually within minutes.
- Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount (typically 1 to 3 percent) and are open longer hours than banks, but cost more than any other option.
- Walmart, grocery stores, and some pharmacies cash checks for a flat fee ($3 to $6) and are often faster than banks during busy hours.
- Depositing the check into your account (in-person, by mail, or through mobile deposit) is free but takes one to three business days before you can withdraw the cash.
- Some checks cannot be cashed at retail locations — two-party checks, post-dated checks, and checks over a certain amount are often refused.
Retail check cashing at grocery stores and Walmart
Grocery stores, Walmart, and some pharmacies will cash checks at their customer service desk for a flat fee, usually between $3 and $6 depending on the store and the check amount. You need a valid ID. The fee is the same whether the check is drawn on your bank or someone else's, which makes this option cheaper than a bank's out-of-network fee for most checks under $500.
These locations are often open longer than banks — many Walmart locations stay open until 10 or 11 p.m., and grocery stores may be open on Sundays when banks are closed. During lunch hours or after work, a retail location may be faster than waiting in a bank line.
The downside is that retail locations have limits on the check amount they will cash (often $1,000 to $5,000) and they refuse certain types of checks: two-party checks, post-dated checks, checks with alterations, and checks that look suspicious. If your check does not meet their requirements, they will turn you away.
Check-cashing stores
Check-cashing stores (also called payday loan stores or currency exchanges) will cash almost any check, including two-party checks and out-of-state checks. They are open late and on weekends. The cost is high: they typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, which means a $500 check costs $5 to $15 to cash.
These stores exist because they serve people without bank accounts and people who need cash outside normal banking hours. If you have no other option and need the money urgently, they work. But if you can wait a day or use a bank or retail location, you will save money.
Check-cashing stores often require ID and may ask questions about where the check came from. Some states regulate how much they can charge; others do not. Fees vary widely by location, so call ahead or ask before you hand over the check.
Mobile deposit and direct deposit into your account
If you have a bank account, you can deposit the check through your bank's mobile app (taking photos of the front and back) or by mailing it to the bank. Mobile deposit is free and takes one to three business days before the money is available to withdraw. Direct deposit (if the check is from your employer) is also free and usually faster.
This option costs nothing, but it requires you to wait. If you need cash today, this does not work. If you can wait a few days, it is the cheapest route by far.
What checks cannot be cashed at most locations
Two-party checks (checks made out to two people) are refused by most banks and retail stores because they create disputes about who can cash them. Check-cashing stores will usually cash them if both people are present with ID.
Post-dated checks (dated in the future) cannot be cashed until that date arrives, by law. Checks with alterations, stains, or damage may be refused because they look fraudulent. Checks over a certain amount (often $5,000 to $10,000) may be refused by retail locations because they do not keep that much cash on hand.
If your check falls into one of these categories, your bank account is your best bet — banks have more flexibility than retail locations and can often cash checks that stores will not.
Comparing the cost and speed of each option
| Option | Cost | Speed | Hours | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your bank (account holder) | Free | Minutes | Bank hours | Account + ID |
| Your bank (non-account holder) | $0–$10 | Minutes | Bank hours | ID |
| Retail store (Walmart, grocery) | $3–$6 | Minutes | Extended hours | ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check | Minutes | Late/weekends | ID |
| Mobile or mail deposit | Free | 1–3 days | Anytime | Bank account |
How to avoid check-cashing fees altogether
The simplest way to avoid fees is to open a bank account or credit union account. Many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. Once you have an account, you can deposit checks for free and withdraw cash whenever you need it.
If you do not have an account and want to avoid high fees, use a retail location (Walmart or grocery store) instead of a check-cashing store. The flat fee of $3 to $6 is much cheaper than the percentage fee at a check-cashing store, especially for larger checks.
If you can wait a few days, mobile deposit is free and requires only a bank account. Many employers also offer direct deposit, which puts your paycheck straight into your account with no check involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank where I do not have an account?
Yes, if the check is drawn on that bank. Most banks will cash checks drawn on their own accounts for non-customers, though they may charge a fee ($5 to $10). If the check is drawn on a different bank, they may refuse or charge a higher fee. Call the bank first to ask their policy.
What do I need to bring to cash a check?
You need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Some locations may ask for a second form of ID or may ask questions about where the check came from. Bring the check and your ID, and that is usually enough.
Why do check-cashing stores charge so much?
Check-cashing stores charge a percentage because they take on the risk that the check might bounce or be fraudulent. They also stay open late and on weekends when banks are closed, and they serve people without bank accounts. The high fee reflects that convenience and risk.
How long does it take to cash a check at Walmart or a grocery store?
Usually 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how busy the customer service desk is. During peak hours (lunch, after work), it may take longer. Banks are often similar, but retail locations tend to have shorter lines outside of business hours.
Can I deposit a check and withdraw the cash the same day?
If you deposit in person at a bank branch, the money may be available to withdraw the same day, depending on the bank's policy and the check amount. Mobile deposit and mail deposit take one to three business days. Ask your bank what their policy is for same-day availability.