You can cash a Citibank check at any Citibank branch, at most other banks if you have an account there, or at check-cashing services and retailers

The fastest option is a Citibank branch — you'll need your ID and the check, and you can walk out with cash the same day. If you don't have a Citibank account, you can still cash a Citibank check at another bank's branch if you have an account there, though some banks charge a fee for out-of-network checks. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and grocery stores also cash checks, usually for a flat fee between $3 and $10 depending on the check amount. Check-cashing stores are open longer hours than banks but typically charge higher fees.

The method you choose depends on whether you have a bank account, how quickly you need the cash, and whether you want to avoid fees. A Citibank branch is free but only works during business hours. A retailer is convenient and often cheaper than a check-cashing store, but has limits on the check amount they'll cash.

Key Takeaways

  • Citibank branches cash Citibank checks for free with just an ID, and this is the fastest option if you have a branch nearby.
  • If you have a bank account at another bank, you can usually cash a Citibank check there, though some banks charge $5 to $15 for out-of-network checks.
  • Retailers like Walmart and grocery stores cash checks for $3 to $10 and are often open longer than banks, but may limit the check amount to $1,000 or $2,000.
  • Check-cashing stores offer the longest hours but charge the highest fees, typically 1% to 3% of the check amount.

Cashing a check at a Citibank branch

Walk into any Citibank branch with your ID and the check. You don't need to have a Citibank account — the teller will cash it for you at no charge. Bring a government-issued ID like a driver's license or passport. The teller will verify the check and the signature, then give you cash or ask how you'd like it broken down (bills and coins).

Citibank branches are open Monday through Friday, usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. If you need cash outside these hours, you'll need to use another method. You can find your nearest branch and its hours on Citibank's website or by calling 1-800-CITBANK.

Cashing at another bank where you have an account

If you have a checking or savings account at another bank, you can usually deposit or cash a Citibank check there. Walk in with your ID and the check, and tell the teller you want to cash it rather than deposit it. Many banks do this for free for their own customers, but some charge a fee for out-of-network checks — typically $5 to $15 depending on the bank and the check amount.

Call your bank before you go to confirm they cash third-party checks and whether there's a fee. Some banks have stopped cashing checks for non-customers entirely, so this option only works if you have an account. If you want to avoid a fee, ask the teller if you can deposit it to your account instead and withdraw the cash immediately — most banks won't charge for that.

Cashing at retailers

Walmart, Target, grocery store customer service desks, and some pharmacies cash checks for a flat fee. The fee is usually $3 for checks under $1,000 and $5 to $10 for larger checks. You'll need a government-issued ID. Most retailers limit the check amount to $1,000 or $2,000, so this works well for smaller checks but not for large ones.

Retailer hours are often longer than bank hours — many are open until 10 p.m. or later, and some are open on Sundays. The trade-off is that you're limited by the check amount and the fee is higher than a bank. Call ahead to confirm the retailer near you cashes checks and what their fee is, since policies vary by location.

Using a check-cashing store

Check-cashing stores are designed for people without bank accounts and are open late, including evenings and weekends. They charge a percentage of the check amount — typically 1% to 3% — which means a $500 check costs $5 to $15 to cash. You'll need a government-issued ID and sometimes a second form of ID.

Check-cashing stores are the most expensive option but the most flexible on hours. If you need cash at 9 p.m. on a Sunday, a check-cashing store may be your only option. However, if you can wait until a bank or retailer is open, you'll save money. Compare the fee at a few stores near you before you go, as rates vary.

What to do if the check is damaged or the signature doesn't match

If the check is torn, stained, or hard to read, any teller may refuse to cash it. If the signature on the check doesn't match your ID, they will also refuse. In either case, contact the person or company who wrote the check and ask them to issue a replacement. This usually takes a few days.

If the signature is slightly different because you've changed your name or your ID is old, bring both the check and your ID to a Citibank branch and explain the situation. The teller may be able to cash it with a manager's approval, but this is not may provide. A replacement check is the safest route if there's any doubt.

Depositing instead of cashing

If you have a bank account, depositing the check is often easier than cashing it. You can deposit a Citibank check at any bank where you have an account, and you don't need to go to a branch — most banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back. The check clears in one to three business days, and you can withdraw the cash then.

Depositing is free and you don't have to carry large amounts of cash. The downside is the wait — if you need cash today, you have to cash it instead. Some banks offer next-day or same-day availability on deposits, so check your bank's policy if you're in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Citibank account to cash a Citibank check?

No. You can cash a Citibank check at any Citibank branch with just a government-issued ID, even if you don't have an account. If you want to cash it somewhere else, you'll need an account at that bank or you'll have to use a retailer or check-cashing store.

How long does it take to cash a check at Citibank?

Usually 5 to 10 minutes. The teller will verify the check and your ID, count out the cash, and you're done. During busy times it may take longer, but it's same-day cash.

What if the check is post-dated?

A post-dated check is dated for a future date. Most banks and retailers will not cash or deposit a post-dated check until that date arrives. If you try to cash it early, they'll refuse. Wait until the date on the check or contact the person who wrote it and ask them to write a new check with today's date.

Can I cash a check if it's made out to someone else?

No. A check must be cashed or deposited by the person whose name is on it. If someone else wrote you a check but put the wrong name on it, ask them to write a new one with your correct name. If the check is made out to two people, both names usually need to be present.

What's the difference between cashing and depositing?

Cashing means you get the money in cash immediately. Depositing means the money goes into your bank account and you can withdraw it later. Depositing is free and safer if you don't want to carry cash, but cashing is faster if you need money today.