Your main options for cashing a check
You can cash a check at your bank or credit union if you have an account there — that is free and takes minutes. If you do not have an account, you have four realistic choices: the check issuer's bank, a check-cashing store, a grocery store or pharmacy, or a prepaid card service. Each has different costs, speed, and requirements.
The cheapest option is usually the bank that issued the check. Many banks will cash checks drawn on their own accounts even if you are not a customer, though some charge a small fee ($2 to $5) or require you to show ID. Call ahead to confirm their policy — it varies by bank and sometimes by branch.
If the issuer's bank is not convenient or will not cash it, a check-cashing store will take it for a fee, usually between 1% and 5% of the check amount. A $100 check might cost $1 to $5 to cash. These stores are fast and do not require an account, but the fee adds up if you cash checks regularly.
Key Takeaways
- The issuer's bank will often cash the check for free or a small fee, even if you do not have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores charge 1% to 5% of the check amount and are open longer hours than banks, but cost more over time.
- Grocery stores and pharmacies cash checks for customers, usually for free or a flat fee of $3 to $5, if you have a rewards card or make a purchase.
- Prepaid card services let you deposit checks by photo and access the money within one to two business days, with no monthly fee if you use direct deposit.
- Always bring a valid ID and the original check — you cannot cash a photocopy or a check made out to someone else.
Cashing at the issuer's bank
The bank that issued the check — the one printed on the check itself — will usually cash it for you without an account. This is the cheapest route. Walk in with your ID and the check, and ask the teller to cash it. Most will do it for free, though some banks charge $2 to $5 for non-customers.
Call the bank's customer service number (on their website or the back of any customer's card) before you go. Ask whether they cash checks for non-account holders and what the fee is. Some branches have different policies, so confirm with the specific branch you plan to visit. Bring your state ID or passport — they will not cash it without one.
This option works best if the check is from a large national bank with many branches near you. If the check is from a small local bank or credit union, you may have to travel to one of their branches, which makes it less practical.
Check-cashing stores and services
A check-cashing store will cash almost any check, no account required. You pay a fee — usually 1% to 5% of the check amount — and get cash on the spot. A $200 check might cost $4 to $10 to cash, depending on the store and the check type.
These stores are common in urban and suburban areas. Search online for "check cashing near me" to find one. They are often open longer than banks, including evenings and weekends. Bring your ID and the original check. Some stores also offer other services like money orders or bill payment, which may have separate fees.
The downside is the cost. If you cash checks regularly — weekly or biweekly — the fees add up fast. Over a year, cashing a $500 paycheck every two weeks at 3% costs you $390 in fees. This is why check-cashing stores are best used occasionally, not as your regular banking method.
Grocery stores and pharmacies
Many grocery stores and pharmacies will cash checks for customers, often for free or a flat fee of $3 to $5. Stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and CVS offer this service. The catch is that you usually need to have a rewards card or make a purchase in the store. Some stores limit the check amount to $500 or $1,000.
Call the store's customer service line or visit in person to ask about their check-cashing policy. Policies vary by location and change over time. Bring your ID and the original check. This option is convenient if you are already shopping there, and the fee is lower than a dedicated check-cashing store.
Walmart is one of the most reliable options — most Walmart locations cash checks for a flat fee of $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks between $1,000 and $5,000. You do not need a Walmart card or to make a purchase. However, availability varies by location, so call ahead.
Prepaid card services and mobile deposit
Some prepaid card companies let you deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back with your phone. The money appears in your prepaid account within one to two business days. Services like NetSpend, Chime, and others offer this feature. There is usually no fee if you use direct deposit, though some cards charge a monthly fee ($5 to $10) if you do not meet a minimum deposit.
This option is slower than walking into a store and getting cash, but it is cheaper than check-cashing stores over time. You get a debit card that works like a bank card, so you can spend the money at stores or withdraw it from ATMs. The downside is that you have to wait one to two days for the money to clear, and you need a smartphone to take the photos.
If you receive checks regularly, a prepaid card with mobile deposit can be cheaper than check-cashing stores. Compare the monthly fees and deposit limits before you choose one. Some cards have no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit, which makes them free if your employer offers it.
What you need to bring
Always bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Without it, no one will cash your check. Bring the original check itself; you cannot cash a photocopy or a picture on your phone (except for mobile deposit services, which specifically accept photos).
Make sure the check is made out to you by name. If it is made out to someone else, you cannot cash it unless that person signs it over to you and signs their name on the back. Even then, many places will not accept a third-party check, so ask first.
If the check is damaged, torn, or hard to read, some places may refuse it. If the check is old — more than six months old — banks may refuse to cash it, though they are not legally required to. If you have an old check, contact the person or business that issued it and ask for a replacement.
Comparing costs and speed
| Option | Cost | Speed | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuer's bank | Free to $5 | Immediate | Valid ID, original check |
| Check-cashing store | 1% to 5% of check | Immediate | Valid ID, original check |
| Grocery store or pharmacy | Free to $5 | Immediate | Valid ID, rewards card or purchase, original check |
| Prepaid card mobile deposit | $0 to $10 per month | 1 to 2 business days | Smartphone, prepaid card account |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at any bank, or just the one it is drawn on?
You can cash it at the bank it is drawn on without an account. Other banks will usually not cash it unless you are a customer. Some credit unions have shared branching networks that let you cash checks at other credit unions, but this only works if both your credit union and the issuing credit union are in the network.
What if the check is made out to two people?
If the check says "John and Jane," both people usually have to be present with ID to cash it. If it says "John or Jane," either person can cash it alone. Ask the teller or check-cashing store what they require — policies vary.
How long does a check take to clear?
If you cash it in person for cash, it clears immediately — you walk out with the money. If you deposit it into a bank account, it usually takes one to three business days to clear, depending on the bank and the amount. Mobile deposit through a prepaid card typically takes one to two business days.
Can I cash a check if I do not have an ID?
No. Every place that cashes checks requires a valid government-issued ID. If you do not have one, you cannot cash a check. You would need to open a bank account, which also requires ID, or ask someone else to cash it for you (though third-party checks are risky and many places refuse them).
What if the check bounces after I cash it?
If you cash a check and it bounces, the money comes back out of your account or the store may pursue you for the amount. This is rare with payroll checks but more common with personal checks. If you are unsure about a check, ask the issuer to verify the funds before you cash it, or use a service like mobile deposit that gives you time to confirm before the money fully clears.