Places that cash checks near you

Check-cashing services, grocery stores, and retail chains are the fastest options if you need cash the same day. Walmart, Target, and most supermarkets with customer service desks cash checks during store hours — usually for a flat fee of $3 to $8 depending on the check amount. Check-cashing storefronts (often called check-cashing services or payday loan shops) are everywhere in urban and suburban areas and typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, though some charge a flat fee instead.

Your bank or credit union will cash your check for free if you have an account there, even if the check is drawn on a different bank. If you do not have an account, many banks will cash checks for non-customers, but fees range from $5 to $15 and policies vary by institution — call ahead before you go. Some banks limit this service to checks under a certain amount or only during specific hours.

Gas stations, convenience stores, and liquor stores sometimes cash checks, but this is less common and fees can be higher. Your best bet is to ask the cashier directly rather than assume they offer it. Money transfer services like MoneyGram and Western Union also cash checks at their locations, though the fee structure is similar to check-cashing storefronts.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart, Target, and grocery store customer service desks cash checks for a flat fee of $3 to $8, and this is usually the cheapest option for larger checks.
  • Check-cashing storefronts charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount and are open longer hours than banks, but the total fee can be higher on large checks.
  • Your own bank or credit union cashes checks for free if you have an account, regardless of which bank issued the check.
  • Non-customers can sometimes get their checks cashed at a bank for $5 to $15, but you need to call first because policies and limits vary by branch.

How to find check-cashing locations in your area

Google Maps is the fastest way to find what is near you. Search "check cashing near me" or "Walmart near me" and the results will show addresses, hours, and customer reviews. If you are looking for a specific chain like Walmart or Target, use their store locator on the company website — you can filter by distance and see which locations offer check-cashing services.

If you want to compare fees before you go, call ahead. Most check-cashing storefronts will tell you their fee structure over the phone, and some post it on their window or website. Walmart and Target publish their check-cashing fees online, so you can see exactly what you will pay before you arrive.

What documents you need to cash a check

You will need a valid photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Some check-cashing services also require the check to be made out to you and signed on the back by you. If the check is made out to someone else, most places will not cash it unless that person signs it over to you (called a third-party check), and many storefronts have stopped accepting third-party checks altogether because of fraud risk.

If you are cashing a check at your own bank, bring your account number or debit card along with your ID. If you are a non-customer, bring two forms of ID if possible — some banks require it. Bring the unsigned check with you; do not sign it until you are at the counter, because some places want to see your signature match the ID.

Fees and what they cost you

Flat fees are usually better for large checks, and percentage fees are usually better for small checks. A $100 check at Walmart costs $3 flat, but a check-cashing storefront charging 2 percent would cost $2. A $1,000 check at Walmart still costs $3 flat, but the same storefront would charge $20. Compare the two methods before you go if the check is large.

Some check-cashing services charge extra for certain types of checks — government checks, payroll checks, and personal checks may have different rates. A few places charge a small fee just to verify the check is real. Ask about the total cost upfront, including any verification or processing fees, so you know exactly how much cash you will receive.

Risks of using check-cashing services instead of a bank account

Every time you cash a check, you pay a fee that you would not pay if you had a bank account. Over a year, if you cash two checks a week at an average cost of $5 each, that is $520 in fees. A basic checking account at most banks is free, and cashing your own checks costs nothing.

Check-cashing storefronts also have less protection if something goes wrong. If a check bounces after you have already received the cash, the storefront may pursue you for the money or report it to a check verification system that can make it harder to cash checks elsewhere. Banks have fraud protections and dispute processes that check-cashing services do not always offer.

Using check-cashing services also leaves no record of your income or financial activity, which can make it harder to rent an apartment, get a loan, or prove your income to an employer or government program later. A bank account creates a paper trail that many institutions require.

Opening a bank account as an alternative

If you cash checks regularly, opening a checking account will save you money and give you more protection. Many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance, and some do not require a Social Security number — you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Credit unions often have lower fees and more flexible requirements than big banks.

You will need a photo ID and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement from another account). Some banks also ask for a second form of ID. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in person, and you can start using your account the same day. Once you have an account, you can deposit checks by mail, at an ATM, or through a mobile app, depending on your bank.

If you have had banking problems in the past (overdrafts, fraud, or a closed account), you may be turned down by some banks. In that case, look for a credit union or a bank that offers second-chance checking accounts — these have higher fees but are designed for people rebuilding their banking history.

When check-cashing makes sense and when it does not

Check-cashing is reasonable if you receive a check once or twice a year and need the cash immediately. It is also practical if you are traveling and do not have access to your bank. For occasional use, the fee is a small price for convenience.

Check-cashing does not make sense if you receive a paycheck every week or every two weeks. The annual cost of fees will be hundreds of dollars, and you lose the security and record-keeping that a bank account provides. If you are in this situation, opening a free checking account will pay for itself in a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check that is made out to someone else?

Only if that person signs it over to you on the back. This is called a third-party check, and many check-cashing services no longer accept them because of fraud risk. Call ahead to ask if the location you plan to visit will cash a third-party check.

What if my check bounces after I cash it?

The check-cashing service may ask you to repay the amount, and they may report it to a check verification system that makes it harder to cash checks elsewhere. Banks have more formal dispute processes. If you suspect a check might bounce, ask the person who wrote it to verify the funds first.

Do I need a bank account to cash a check?

No. Check-cashing storefronts, Walmart, Target, and grocery stores will cash checks without an account. Your own bank will cash checks for free if you have an account there, but non-customers can usually get checks cashed for a fee of $5 to $15.

What is the cheapest way to cash a check?

If you have a bank account, cashing it there is free. If you do not, Walmart and Target usually have the lowest flat fees ($3 to $8) for checks under $1,000. For very large checks, call a few places and compare the percentage fee versus the flat fee.

Can I cash a check online?

Some banks and credit unions let you deposit checks through a mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back. The funds are usually available within one to two business days. This requires a bank account but is faster and cheaper than going to a check-cashing storefront.