Yes, you can cash a Citizens Bank check without having an account there

You do not need to be a Citizens Bank customer to cash a check issued by Citizens Bank. The bank is legally required to cash checks drawn on its own accounts, even for people who have never walked through their doors before. You will need to bring the check itself, a valid photo ID, and be prepared to pay a fee — Citizens Bank charges a flat amount for non-customer check cashing, though the exact fee varies by location and the check amount.

The catch is that you must go to a Citizens Bank branch in person. You cannot cash the check by mail, through an ATM, or at another bank. Citizens Bank has branches across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest, so whether this option works for you depends on whether there is a location near you.

Key Takeaways

  • Citizens Bank will cash checks drawn on Citizens Bank accounts for non-customers at any branch during business hours, though you will pay a fee.
  • You must bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and the original check — no copies.
  • The fee is not the same at every branch, so call ahead to ask what Citizens Bank charges at the location you plan to visit.
  • If no Citizens Bank branch is near you, a check-cashing store, grocery store, or your own bank can cash the check, though fees and policies vary widely.

What to bring to a Citizens Bank branch

Bring the check itself and a valid photo ID. Citizens Bank accepts a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The ID must not be expired, and the name on the ID must match the name on the check exactly — if you are cashing a check made out to "Robert" but your ID says "Bob," you may run into trouble.

Bring the original check, not a photocopy or mobile image. Go during the branch's regular business hours, which are usually Monday through Friday during the day and Saturday morning, though hours vary by location. Call the branch ahead of time to confirm they are open and to ask about the fee.

How much the fee will be

Citizens Bank charges a flat fee for cashing checks drawn on Citizens Bank accounts when you are not a customer. The amount is not the same everywhere — it depends on the branch and sometimes on the check amount. Fees typically range from a few dollars to around $10, but you should call the specific branch where you plan to go and ask directly.

Some branches may waive the fee or charge less if the check amount is very small, but do not count on it. Ask before you cash the check so you know exactly what will come out of the money you receive.

When a Citizens Bank branch is not nearby

If there is no Citizens Bank location close to you, you have other options. A check-cashing store will cash a Citizens Bank check, though the fee is often higher than what Citizens Bank itself charges — sometimes 2 to 3 percent of the check amount, which can add up quickly on larger checks. Some grocery stores and pharmacies with check-cashing services will also cash Citizens Bank checks, and their fees are often lower than dedicated check-cashing stores.

Your own bank or credit union may cash a Citizens Bank check for you even if you do not have an account there, though policies vary. Some banks will do it for free or for a small fee; others refuse. Call ahead and ask. If you have a bank account anywhere, that is often your cheapest option.

Cashing a check made out to someone else

If the check is made out to someone else and they want you to cash it on their behalf, you cannot do it at Citizens Bank. The bank will only cash a check to the person whose name is on it. The person the check is made out to must go to the branch themselves with their ID, or they can sign the back of the check and give it to you to deposit into your own account if you have one.

If the check is made out to two people (like "John and Jane Smith"), both people must be present with ID, or one person can sign it over to the other in writing on the back.

What happens if the check bounces

If you cash a check and it later bounces — meaning there is not enough money in the account to cover it — you are responsible for returning the money to Citizens Bank or to whoever cashed it for you. The bank will not pursue you for payment, but the person or business that cashed the check for you may. This is rare with checks from established businesses or individuals you know, but it is a real risk with checks from strangers.

If you are unsure about a check, you can ask Citizens Bank to verify that the account has enough funds before you cash it. Not all branches will do this, but it is worth asking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Citizens Bank customer to cash a check there?

No. Citizens Bank will cash checks drawn on Citizens Bank accounts for anyone with a valid photo ID, regardless of whether you have an account. You will pay a fee, and the amount varies by branch.

What if the check is post-dated or older than six months?

A post-dated check (one dated in the future) should not be cashed before that date — Citizens Bank may refuse it. A check older than six months is considered stale and most banks will not cash it. If either applies to your check, contact the person who wrote it and ask for a new one.

Can I cash a Citizens Bank check at an ATM without an account?

No. ATMs only work for account holders. You must go inside a branch during business hours and speak to a teller to cash a check as a non-customer.

What if my ID is expired?

Most banks, including Citizens Bank, will not accept an expired ID. You will need a current, valid photo ID. If your ID is expired, renew it at your state's DMV or passport office before you try to cash the check.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash?

Citizens Bank does not publish a public limit for non-customer check cashing, but very large checks may require additional verification or a manager's approval. Call the branch ahead of time if your check is for several thousand dollars or more.