You can cash a Fidelity check at your own bank, at Fidelity's retail locations, or at check-cashing services, though each route has different fees and speed

A Fidelity check is a standard bank check issued by Fidelity Bank or drawn on a Fidelity account. It works like any other check — the bank that issued it is responsible for honoring it. Where you cash it depends on whether you have an account at that bank, whether you want to avoid fees, and how quickly you need the money.

The fastest and cheapest option is almost always your own bank. If you don't bank at Fidelity, your bank will still cash it, though you may pay a fee for an out-of-network check. If you do bank at Fidelity, you can deposit or cash it for free at any Fidelity branch or through mobile deposit.

Key Takeaways

  • Depositing a Fidelity check into your own bank account is free and takes one to two business days, even if you don't bank at Fidelity.
  • Cashing a check at your own bank (rather than depositing it) may cost $5 to $15 if you don't have an account there.
  • Fidelity Bank branches will cash their own checks for free if you have a Fidelity account, or for a small fee if you don't.
  • Check-cashing stores and grocery store services charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount and should be a last resort.
  • Mobile deposit through your bank's app is the fastest route if your bank offers it — funds may post within hours.

Cashing at your own bank

If you have a checking or savings account at any bank, that bank will cash a Fidelity check for you. Walk in with the check, your ID, and your debit card or account number. The teller will verify the check and give you cash or credit your account on the spot.

If you deposit the check instead of cashing it, there is no fee at any bank. The money will post to your account within one to two business days (sometimes faster). This is the route most people should take because it leaves a record and costs nothing.

If you want cash in hand and you have an account at the bank, cashing is also free. If you don't have an account there, the bank may charge you $5 to $15 to cash a check drawn on another bank. Some banks waive this fee for customers; others charge it to anyone without an account. Call ahead to ask.

Cashing at a Fidelity Bank branch

Fidelity Bank has physical branches in several states, mostly in the Midwest and South. If there is a branch near you and you have a Fidelity account, you can cash a Fidelity check for free. Bring your ID and the check.

If you don't have a Fidelity account, the branch will still cash the check, but you will pay a fee — usually $5 to $10. This is more expensive than depositing at your own bank, so it makes sense only if you need cash immediately and have no other option.

To find a Fidelity Bank branch, visit the Fidelity Bank website or call their customer service line. Not all Fidelity locations are full branches; some are limited-service offices that may not cash checks.

Mobile deposit through your bank's app

Most banks now offer mobile deposit, which lets you photograph the front and back of a check and submit it through your bank's app. This is the fastest way to get money into your account — funds often post within hours, sometimes the same day.

Mobile deposit is free and requires no trip to the bank. The check must be endorsed (signed on the back) and the photos must be clear and in focus. Your bank will tell you the maximum check amount you can deposit this way (often $5,000 to $10,000 per check).

If you need cash rather than a deposit, mobile deposit won't help you directly. But once the check clears, you can withdraw cash from an ATM or teller window.

Check-cashing stores and grocery services

Check-cashing stores and grocery store check-cashing services (like those at Walmart or Kroger) will cash a Fidelity check, but they charge a percentage of the check amount — typically 1 to 3 percent. On a $500 check, that is $5 to $15. On a $1,000 check, it is $10 to $30.

These services are convenient if you need cash outside of banking hours, but they are expensive compared to depositing at your own bank (free) or cashing at a bank branch (free if you have an account). Use them only if you have no other option.

Some check-cashing services also require you to provide personal information or sign up for a membership. Read the terms before you hand over your check.

Endorsing the check

Before you cash or deposit a Fidelity check, you must endorse it by signing your name on the back, in the space marked "Endorse here." Your signature should match the name printed on the front of the check.

Do not sign the back of the check until you are at the bank or check-cashing location. If you sign it early and lose it, anyone can cash it. Some banks ask you to write "For deposit only" above your signature if you are depositing rather than cashing; this limits who can cash it if it is lost.

What to do if the check is damaged or unclear

If a Fidelity check is torn, water-damaged, or has faded printing, the bank may refuse to cash it. If this happens, contact the person or organization that issued the check and ask for a replacement. Fidelity can issue a new check, but you will need to provide the check number, amount, and date of the original.

If the check is postdated (dated in the future), most banks will not cash it until that date arrives. Some banks will cash it anyway; others will refuse. Ask the teller before you hand it over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a Fidelity check at an ATM?

No. ATMs accept deposits but do not dispense cash for checks. You must go to a teller at a bank branch or use mobile deposit to get the money into your account, then withdraw cash from an ATM.

How long does it take for a Fidelity check to clear?

If you deposit it, one to two business days is standard. If you cash it in person at a bank branch, it clears immediately — you get cash on the spot. Mobile deposit may clear within hours.

What if I lost the Fidelity check?

Contact the person or organization that issued it and ask for a replacement or a stop payment on the original. Fidelity can issue a new check if you provide the check number and amount. There may be a small fee.

Can I cash a Fidelity check at a different bank than the one that issued it?

Yes. Any bank will cash a check drawn on another bank, though you may pay a fee if you don't have an account there. Depositing is always free and takes one to two business days.

Do I need an ID to cash a Fidelity check?

Yes. Banks and check-cashing services require a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to verify your identity before cashing any check.