You can cash a Citibank check at any Citibank branch, at most other banks, at check-cashing stores, and at some retailers

The fastest option is usually a Citibank branch if you have one nearby — you can cash it same-day without a Citibank account. If you don't have a branch close by or prefer not to go in person, you can deposit the check into your own bank account using mobile deposit, mail it to yourself, or take it to another bank that cashes third-party checks. Grocery stores, Walmart, and check-cashing shops will also cash Citibank checks, though they may charge a fee.

The method you choose depends on whether you have a bank account, how quickly you need the money, and whether you want to avoid fees. Some options are free; others cost a few dollars.

Key Takeaways

  • Citibank branches cash checks for non-customers at no charge, and you can do it during business hours without an account.
  • Your own bank will deposit a Citibank check into your account for free, and many banks let you do this through a mobile app.
  • Walmart, grocery stores, and check-cashing shops will cash Citibank checks but typically charge a fee ranging from a few dollars to a percentage of the check amount.
  • Third-party check-cashing (when someone else's name is on the check) is less common now; most places require the check to be made out to you.

Cashing at a Citibank branch with no account

Any Citibank branch will cash a check drawn on a Citibank account, even if you don't have an account there. You'll need to bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. There's no fee for this service.

Bring the check itself and your ID to any Citibank location during business hours. Tellers will verify the check and give you cash. This is the most straightforward route if you have a branch nearby and can get there during operating hours. Citibank branches are typically open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations; call ahead or check online to confirm hours at your nearest branch.

Depositing into your own bank account

If you have a bank account anywhere, you can deposit a Citibank check into it for free. Most banks now offer mobile deposit, which means you can photograph the front and back of the check using your bank's app and deposit it without visiting a branch. The funds usually appear in your account within one to three business days, though some banks make the money available faster.

If your bank doesn't have mobile deposit or you prefer to deposit in person, you can mail the check to your bank with a deposit slip, or walk into any branch and hand it to a teller. This method costs nothing and works whether the check is from Citibank or any other bank.

Cashing at other banks

Many banks will cash checks drawn on other banks, including Citibank, even if you're not a customer. However, policies vary widely — some banks cash checks for free, others charge a fee (typically $5 to $15), and some won't do it at all. Call ahead to ask whether the bank cashes third-party checks and what the fee is.

You'll need a valid photo ID. If the check is made out to someone else and you're trying to cash it on their behalf, most banks will refuse; they rarely cash third-party checks anymore due to fraud risk.

Cashing at retailers and check-cashing shops

Walmart, grocery store chains like Kroger and Safeway, and dedicated check-cashing shops will cash Citibank checks. Walmart typically charges $3 to $6 depending on the check amount. Grocery stores may charge $2 to $5. Check-cashing shops often charge a percentage of the check amount — typically 1 to 3 percent — which can be more expensive for large checks.

You'll need a valid photo ID. Some retailers limit the check amount they'll cash (for example, Walmart may cap it at $5,000). Call the location first to confirm they cash checks and what their fee is, since policies can differ by store.

What to do if the check is damaged or unclear

If the check is torn, stained, or hard to read, a Citibank branch is your best option. Tellers can verify the check details directly with Citibank's system and are more likely to cash it than a retailer or check-cashing shop would be. Bring your ID and the damaged check to any branch.

If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), most places won't cash it until that date arrives. If it's stale-dated (more than six months old), banks are not required to honor it, though some will. Ask the person who wrote the check whether they can issue a new one if there's any question about the date.

Avoiding fees and delays

The free options are a Citibank branch (if you don't have an account) and depositing into your own bank account. Both work reliably and cost nothing. Mobile deposit through your bank is often the fastest and most convenient if you need the money within a few business days.

If you need cash immediately and don't have a Citibank branch nearby, a retailer like Walmart is faster than waiting for a deposit to clear, but you'll pay a small fee. Check-cashing shops are an option if no retailer near you cashes checks, but compare their percentage fee to a flat fee at a retailer — for a large check, a percentage fee can be expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash someone else's Citibank check?

Most banks and retailers won't cash a check made out to someone else. If the check is made out to you and another person, you may be able to cash it if both names are on the check, but policies vary. Ask the issuer to write a new check in your name, or contact the bank or retailer first to ask whether they'll accept it.

What if I don't have a photo ID?

You'll need a valid photo ID to cash a check anywhere — at a bank, retailer, or check-cashing shop. If you don't have one, you can't cash the check. Consider depositing it into a bank account instead if you have one; some banks allow account holders to deposit checks without ID verification through mobile or online banking.

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

At a Citibank branch, you'll get cash immediately — usually within a few minutes. At a retailer, it's also immediate. If you deposit into your own bank account, the funds typically appear within one to three business days, though some banks make it faster.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash?

Citibank branches typically don't have a limit for non-customers cashing checks. Retailers like Walmart often do — Walmart caps most checks at $5,000. Check-cashing shops may also have limits. Call ahead to confirm if you're cashing a large check.

Can I cash a Citibank check at an ATM?

No. ATMs only dispense cash; they don't cash checks. You'll need to use a branch, retailer, or deposit the check into an account.