Chase cashes checks for customers and non-customers, but the terms differ

Chase will cash a check for you whether or not you have an account there. If you are a Chase customer, you can cash checks at any Chase branch during business hours at no charge. If you do not have a Chase account, you can still cash a check at a Chase branch, but the bank charges a fee — typically $5 to $10 depending on the check amount — and you will need to show a valid government-issued photo ID.

The check must be drawn on a Chase account (a check from another bank will not be cashed by Chase for non-customers). You also cannot cash a check remotely; you must go to a physical Chase branch location. Mobile deposit, which lets you photograph a check and deposit it through the Chase app, is only available to account holders.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase customers can cash checks for free at any Chase branch with a valid ID, regardless of which bank issued the check.
  • Non-customers can cash checks drawn on Chase accounts only, and will pay a fee of $5 to $10 depending on check amount.
  • You must visit a physical Chase branch in person; check cashing cannot be done online or by mail.
  • A valid government-issued photo ID is required for all check cashing, whether you have an account or not.

What ID you need to bring

Chase requires a valid government-issued photo ID to cash any check. This includes a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The ID must not be expired, though Chase may accept an ID that expired recently — call your local branch to confirm their specific policy if your ID is close to expiration.

If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, Chase will not cash the check. You would need to open an account or use a different check-cashing service. Some grocery stores and check-cashing businesses will cash checks without a photo ID if you have other forms of identification, though fees are often higher.

How the fee works for non-customers

Chase charges non-customers a fee to cash checks drawn on Chase accounts. The fee is not a flat amount — it scales with the check amount. A check for $100 or less typically costs $5; a check between $100 and $500 costs $8; a check over $500 costs $10. These amounts can vary slightly by branch location, so confirm the exact fee before you cash the check.

Chase customers pay no fee, regardless of check amount. If you cash checks regularly and the fees add up, opening a Chase checking account may be worth the cost. Chase offers accounts with no monthly maintenance fee if you meet certain conditions, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.

Checks that Chase will not cash

Chase will not cash a check drawn on another bank, even if you are a customer. If someone gives you a check from Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or any other institution, you cannot cash it at Chase. You would need to deposit it into your Chase account (if you have one) or go to the bank that issued the check.

Chase also will not cash checks that are post-dated (dated in the future), checks with missing or illegible information, checks that appear altered, or checks that are more than six months old. If the check has any of these issues, ask the person who wrote it for a replacement or contact the issuing bank directly.

When Chase branches are open for check cashing

Check cashing is available during regular branch hours, which vary by location. Most Chase branches are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. A few branches in high-traffic areas stay open later or on Sunday, but this is not standard.

You can find your nearest Chase branch and its hours on the Chase website or by calling 1-800-935-9935. If you need to cash a check outside of branch hours, you cannot do so at Chase — you would need to use an ATM at another bank, a grocery store check-cashing service, or a check-cashing business.

Alternatives if you cannot get to a Chase branch

If you have a Chase account, you can deposit a check using mobile deposit through the Chase app instead of visiting a branch. You photograph the front and back of the check, and the funds are usually available within one business day. This works for checks from any bank, not just Chase.

If you do not have a Chase account and cannot visit a branch, you have other options. Grocery stores like Walmart, Target, and Kroger cash checks for a fee, usually $3 to $5 for personal checks. Check-cashing businesses are also available in most areas, though their fees are often higher — $5 to $15 depending on check amount. Some credit unions cash checks for non-members at a lower fee than banks charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a Chase ATM?

No. Chase ATMs accept check deposits for account holders, but they do not dispense cash in exchange for a check. You must visit a branch and speak to a teller to cash a check.

What if the check is made out to someone else?

Chase will not cash a check made out to another person, even if they sign the back and you sign below them (a practice called third-party endorsement). You would need to ask the original payee to deposit or cash it themselves, or contact the check issuer for a replacement made out to you.

Do I need to be a Chase customer to deposit a check?

Yes. Only Chase account holders can deposit checks at Chase branches or through the mobile app. Non-customers must cash the check instead, which requires paying a fee.

How long does it take to get the cash after I cash a check?

You receive the cash when ready when you cash a check at a Chase teller. There is no waiting period — the teller counts out your money and hands it to you before you leave the branch.

Can I cash a check if it has a memo line or is signed on the back?

Yes. A memo line (the line that says "for" or "memo") and a signature on the back do not prevent Chase from cashing the check. The memo is just a note and does not affect whether the check can be cashed.