Your main options for cashing a PNC check

You can cash a PNC check at any PNC branch during business hours, at a PNC ATM if you have a PNC account, or at most other banks and credit unions if you have an account there. If you don't have a bank account anywhere, you can cash it at a check-cashing store, though they will charge you a fee. Walmart and some grocery stores also cash checks for a small fee.

The fastest and cheapest route depends on whether you have a bank account and which bank it's with. If the check is from your own PNC account, cashing it at a PNC branch or ATM costs you nothing and takes seconds. If you don't have a PNC account, your own bank is usually next-best because they know you and won't charge you to cash a check drawn on another bank.

Key Takeaways

  • PNC branches will cash PNC checks for free during business hours, and you don't need to have an account with them.
  • If you have a PNC account, you can deposit or withdraw the check amount at a PNC ATM without visiting a branch.
  • Your own bank or credit union will usually cash a PNC check for free or a small fee if you have an account there.
  • Check-cashing stores, Walmart, and grocery stores will cash PNC checks but charge a fee that ranges depending on the check amount.
  • Cashing a check takes longer at non-bank locations and may require you to show ID and provide personal information.

Cashing at a PNC branch with or without an account

Any PNC branch will cash a PNC check for free, whether or not you have a PNC account. You'll need to bring the check and a valid photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will verify the check and the signature, then give you the cash. This usually takes five to ten minutes.

To find a PNC branch near you, go to pnc.com, click "Locations," and enter your zip code or city. The website shows branch hours, which vary by location. Most branches are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. A few branches may be closed on Saturdays, so check before you go.

Using a PNC ATM if you have a PNC account

If you have a PNC checking or savings account, you can deposit a PNC check into your account at any PNC ATM. You won't get cash when ready—the check will be processed and the money added to your account, usually within one business day. If you need cash right away, this won't work.

If you want to withdraw cash from your account after depositing the check, you can do that at the same ATM or at any other PNC ATM. You can also withdraw cash at ATMs belonging to other banks if your PNC account includes surcharge-free ATM access, though this varies by account type. Check your account terms or call PNC customer service at 1-888-762-2265 to confirm what ATM networks you can use without a fee.

Cashing at your own bank or credit union

If you have a checking or savings account at another bank or credit union, that institution will usually cash a PNC check for you at no charge. Some banks charge a small fee—typically $5 to $10—for cashing a check from another bank, but many waive the fee for their own customers. Call your bank ahead of time to ask whether they charge and what ID you'll need to bring.

This is often faster than going to PNC because you're already a customer and the bank has your information on file. You'll still need a valid photo ID, and the teller will verify the check signature and amount before handing over cash.

Check-cashing stores and retail locations

Check-cashing stores will cash a PNC check if you don't have a bank account. They charge a fee based on the check amount—usually between 1% and 3% of the check value. On a $500 check, that could be $5 to $15. You'll need to bring a valid photo ID and sometimes a second form of ID, like a utility bill or lease agreement.

Walmart and many grocery store chains (including Kroger, Safeway, and others) also cash checks at their customer service desk. Their fees are often lower than dedicated check-cashing stores—sometimes $3 to $6 for checks under $1,000. Hours are usually the same as the store, so you may be able to cash a check early morning or evening. Call ahead to confirm your nearest location cashes checks and what their current fee is.

What to do if the check is damaged or the signature doesn't match

If the check is torn, stained, or hard to read, a teller may refuse to cash it. Ask the person who wrote the check to issue you a replacement. If the signature on the check doesn't match the signature on your ID, the teller will ask you to sign the back of the check in front of them to verify it's really you. This is normal and happens often.

If the check is post-dated (dated for a future date), most banks and check-cashing stores will not cash it until that date arrives. If you need the money before then, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one with today's date.

Depositing instead of cashing

If you have any bank account, depositing the check is usually faster and safer than cashing it. You can deposit through a mobile app (most banks let you photograph the check), at an ATM, or at a branch. The money is added to your account within one to two business days, and you avoid the risk of carrying large amounts of cash.

If you need cash, you can withdraw it from your account at an ATM or branch anytime after the deposit clears. This also creates a record of the transaction, which can be useful if there's ever a question about whether you received the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a PNC check at a different bank?

Yes, but only if you have an account there. Most banks will cash checks from other banks for their own customers, though some charge a fee. Banks generally won't cash checks for people without accounts. Your best option is to go to a PNC branch, which will cash it for free regardless of whether you bank there.

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

At a PNC branch, cashing takes five to ten minutes. At a check-cashing store or retail location, it may take ten to twenty minutes because they verify more information. If you deposit instead of cashing, the money appears in your account within one business day.

What if I don't have a photo ID?

Most banks and check-cashing stores require a valid photo ID to cash a check. If you don't have one, ask the teller whether they accept a second form of ID like a utility bill, lease, or passport card. Some locations may refuse without a photo ID. Contact the location ahead of time to ask what they accept.

Can I cash a check written to someone else?

No. A check must be cashed by the person whose name is on it, or by someone they have formally authorized. If you need to cash a check written to someone else, that person must sign the back and be present with you, or they must sign it over to you in writing (called a third-party check). Many banks no longer accept third-party checks, so ask first.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash?

PNC branches have no stated limit on check amounts, but very large checks may require a manager's approval or a call to verify funds. Check-cashing stores often have limits—sometimes $5,000 or $10,000—so ask if your check is large. If a location won't cash it, try a bank branch instead.