Cash a Wells Fargo check at a Wells Fargo branch, at another bank if you have an account there, at most grocery stores and pharmacies, or through a check-cashing service
You have several options depending on whether you have a bank account, how quickly you need the money, and what fees you want to avoid. Wells Fargo branches will cash their own checks for free if you're a customer, and many will cash them for non-customers for a small fee. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and dedicated check-cashing businesses will also cash Wells Fargo checks, though they typically charge a percentage of the check amount.
The fastest and cheapest route is usually a Wells Fargo ATM or branch if you're a customer. If you're not, your next-best option depends on what's nearby and whether you already bank somewhere else.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo customers can cash checks at any Wells Fargo branch or ATM for free, with no minimum balance required.
- Non-customers can cash Wells Fargo checks at a Wells Fargo branch for a fee that varies by location, typically $5 to $10.
- Grocery stores like Walmart, Target, and Kroger cash checks at customer service desks, usually charging 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.
- Check-cashing businesses charge higher fees (often 2 to 5 percent) but are open longer hours and may cash checks other banks won't.
- If you have an account at another bank, that bank will deposit or cash the check, though some charge a fee for non-customers cashing checks.
Cashing at a Wells Fargo branch or ATM
If you have a Wells Fargo account, you can cash a Wells Fargo check at any Wells Fargo branch during business hours or at a Wells Fargo ATM 24/7. There is no fee, and you don't need a minimum balance in your account. You'll need to bring a photo ID and the check itself.
If you don't have a Wells Fargo account, you can still cash a Wells Fargo check at a branch, but the bank will charge a fee. The amount varies by location—some branches charge $5, others $10 or more. Call ahead to ask what your local branch charges, or ask the teller when you arrive. You'll still need a photo ID.
ATMs are faster if you're a customer and the check amount is within your daily withdrawal limit. Wells Fargo ATMs can process checks up to $10,000, though your account may have a lower daily limit. Non-customers cannot use ATMs to cash checks.
Cashing at grocery stores and pharmacies
Most large grocery chains—including Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons—cash checks at their customer service desks. They will cash Wells Fargo checks along with checks from other banks. Hours are typically during store hours, which are often longer than bank hours.
The fee is usually a flat amount or a percentage of the check. Walmart, for example, typically charges $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $5 for checks over $1,000. Other stores may charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. Bring a photo ID and the check. Some stores have a maximum check amount they'll cash—often $1,000 or $2,000—so ask before you get in line.
Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens also cash checks at their registers, usually with similar fees and limits. This option works well if you're already shopping or if the store is more convenient than a bank branch.
Using a check-cashing service
Dedicated check-cashing businesses will cash Wells Fargo checks and checks from other banks. They're often located in strip malls or downtown areas and typically stay open longer than banks—many are open evenings and weekends. You can find them by searching "check cashing near me" online.
Fees are higher than at banks or grocery stores, usually 2 to 5 percent of the check amount. A $500 check might cost $10 to $25 to cash. Some also charge a flat fee on top of the percentage. Ask about the total fee before you hand over the check. You'll need a photo ID, and some may ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint.
Check-cashing services are useful if you don't have a bank account, if you need cash outside normal bank hours, or if other places have turned down your check. However, the fees add up quickly, especially on larger checks.
Depositing instead of cashing
If you have a bank account anywhere—not just Wells Fargo—you can deposit a Wells Fargo check instead of cashing it. This is free at your own bank and often faster than waiting in line to cash it. Most banks let you deposit checks through their mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back, or you can deposit at an ATM or branch.
Depositing also gives you a record of the transaction and protects you if there's a dispute later. The check will clear within one to three business days, depending on your bank and the check amount. If you need the money immediately, this won't work, but if you can wait a day or two, it's the cheapest option.
What to do if a store or service won't cash your check
Some checks get refused because they're post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), or have issues like a missing signature or illegible writing. If a store or bank turns down your check, ask why. If it's a problem you can fix—like a missing signature—contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to issue a new one.
If the check is legitimate but a store still won't cash it, try another location of the same chain or a different type of business. Wells Fargo branches are more likely to cash Wells Fargo checks than other businesses are, so that's your most reliable fallback. Check-cashing services are also more flexible about unusual checks, though they'll charge more.
Comparing your options by cost and convenience
| Option | Cost (Wells Fargo customer) | Cost (non-customer) | Hours | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo branch | Free | $5–$10 | Business hours | 5–10 minutes |
| Wells Fargo ATM | Free | Not available | 24/7 | 2–5 minutes |
| Grocery store | $3–$5 or 1–3% | $3–$5 or 1–3% | Extended hours | 5–10 minutes |
| Check-cashing service | 2–5% | 2–5% | Evenings/weekends | 5–15 minutes |
| Your own bank (deposit) | Free | Free | 24/7 (mobile) | 1–3 business days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a Wells Fargo check at a bank that isn't Wells Fargo?
Yes, most banks will cash checks drawn on other banks, though they may charge a fee if you're not a customer. Call your bank first to ask what they charge. Some banks have reciprocal agreements and won't charge non-customers, while others charge $5 to $15. If you have an account at that bank, cashing is usually free.
What if the check is post-dated or very old?
A post-dated check (dated in the future) cannot be cashed until that date arrives—most places will refuse it. A stale-dated check (more than six months old) may be refused by banks, though some will still cash it. Contact the person who wrote the check and ask for a replacement if either is an issue.
Can I cash a check without a photo ID?
No. All banks, grocery stores, and check-cashing services require a photo ID to cash a check. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud. If you don't have a photo ID, you won't be able to cash the check anywhere.
Is it better to cash or deposit a Wells Fargo check?
Depositing is free and creates a record, but takes one to three business days. Cashing is immediate but may cost a fee depending on where you go. If you need the money right away, cash it. If you can wait a day or two, deposit it to avoid fees.
What's the maximum check amount I can cash?
Wells Fargo branches typically have no limit for customers. Grocery stores often cap checks at $1,000 to $2,000. Check-cashing services may have limits too, usually $5,000 to $10,000. Call ahead if your check is large, or ask when you arrive.