You have five main ways to turn a check into cash without owning a bank account

The fastest option is to walk into the bank or credit union that issued the check — the one printed in the bottom left corner — and ask to cash it at the teller window. You'll need a photo ID. Most banks cash checks from their own customers for free, even if you don't have an account there. Some charge a small fee ($5 to $10) for non-customers, but it's still faster than other routes.

If that bank isn't convenient, you can cash the check at a check-cashing store, grocery store, or Walmart. Each charges a fee — usually 1% to 3% of the check amount — and each has its own rules about which checks they'll accept and what ID they need. A $100 check might cost you $2 to $3 to cash. A $1,000 check might cost $10 to $30.

You also have the option to deposit the check into a prepaid card account, a savings account at a credit union, or a temporary account opened just to cash that one check. These routes take longer but often cost less or nothing.

Key Takeaways

  • The issuing bank (printed on the check) will usually cash it for free if you show a photo ID, even without an account.
  • Check-cashing stores and retailers charge 1% to 3% of the check amount as a fee, so a $500 check costs $5 to $15 to cash.
  • Prepaid cards and credit union savings accounts let you deposit checks without a checking account and withdraw cash later, sometimes with lower fees.
  • Mobile deposit through a prepaid card app or temporary account can turn a check into cash in one to three business days without visiting a store.

Cashing at the issuing bank costs nothing and takes 10 minutes

The bank name appears in small print at the bottom left of the check. Call that bank's main number or visit a branch near you with your photo ID and the check. Ask to cash it at the teller window. Most banks will do this for free for anyone with a valid ID, whether or not you have an account.

Some banks have started charging non-customers a fee ($5 to $10) to cash checks, but this is still cheaper than a check-cashing store. Call ahead if you want to confirm the bank's policy before you go. If the check is large ($5,000 or more) or unusual in any way, the bank may ask questions or put a hold on the cash while they verify the check is real — this can take a few hours to a few days.

If you don't have a photo ID, most banks will not cash the check. A state driver's license, passport, or military ID all work. A school ID or work badge usually does not.

Check-cashing stores are open late but charge the most

Check-cashing businesses, payday loan stores, and some grocery stores will cash checks for anyone with an ID. They're often open evenings and weekends when banks are closed. The trade-off is the fee: typically 1% to 3% of the check amount. On a $500 check, expect to pay $5 to $15. On a $2,000 check, expect $20 to $60.

Each store sets its own fee and its own rules about which checks it will accept. Some will not cash two-party checks (checks made out to two people), post-dated checks (dated in the future), or checks larger than a certain amount. Call or visit the store first to ask if they'll cash your specific check before you make the trip.

Walmart and some grocery chains also offer check-cashing at customer service desks, usually with fees similar to dedicated check-cashing stores. Hours are longer than banks, and you may already be shopping there anyway.

Prepaid cards let you deposit checks without a bank account

A prepaid card is a plastic card you load money onto, similar to a gift card. Many prepaid cards let you deposit checks using a mobile app — you photograph the front and back of the check, and the money appears in your account in one to three business days. You can then withdraw cash at an ATM or use the card to pay for things.

Common prepaid cards that accept mobile check deposits include NetSpend, Chime, and Gobank. Some have no monthly fee; others charge $5 to $10 per month. Check the card's fee schedule before you open one. The deposit itself is usually free, so you pay nothing to turn the check into money in your account — you only pay if you use the card's other features or if the card charges a monthly fee.

The main drawback is the wait: deposits take one to three business days, so you can't get cash the same day. If you need cash when ready, this route won't work. If you can wait, it's often cheaper than a check-cashing store.

Credit union savings accounts accept check deposits without a checking account

Credit unions often let you open a savings account without a checking account. Some credit unions will let you deposit checks by mail or mobile app, even if you're not a member yet. Once the check clears (usually three to five business days), you can withdraw the cash at a credit union ATM or at the teller window.

To find a credit union near you, search the CO-OP network or Allpoint network online — these are shared ATM systems that let you access your money at thousands of locations. Some credit unions charge a small fee to open an account ($5 to $25) or charge monthly maintenance fees ($2 to $5), so ask about fees before you open the account.

This route is slower than cashing at a bank (three to five days instead of same-day), but it costs less than a check-cashing store if the credit union has no monthly fee. It also gives you a place to keep money if you need to deposit more checks in the future.

Temporary accounts let you cash one check and close the account

Some banks and credit unions will let you open a checking or savings account just to deposit a check, then close it once the check clears. You won't need a minimum balance, and you can close the account by phone or in person. This works best if you have a bank branch nearby and can visit in person to open the account.

Call a bank or credit union in your area and ask if they offer "no-fee checking" or "basic checking" accounts with no minimum balance. Explain that you want to deposit one check and close the account. Many will say yes. Once the check clears (one to five business days), you can withdraw the cash and close the account. You pay nothing if the account has no monthly fee.

This route takes longer than cashing at the issuing bank but costs nothing and gives you a safe place to hold the money while the check clears. It's useful if the issuing bank is far away or if you don't have a photo ID.

What to do if the bank won't cash your check

Banks refuse checks for a few common reasons: the check is post-dated (dated in the future), the check is stale (more than six months old), the check is damaged or illegible, or the bank suspects the check is fraudulent. If the bank refuses, ask why. If it's a post-dated or stale check, you may be able to contact the person who wrote it and ask for a new one.

If the check is damaged, try a check-cashing store — they're sometimes more flexible than banks about condition. If the bank suspects fraud, they will not cash it, and you'll need to contact the person who wrote the check to resolve the issue.

If you're having trouble cashing a check you believe is legitimate, contact the bank that issued it (not your bank, but the bank printed on the check) and ask to speak with a manager. Explain the situation. They may be able to verify the check and override the refusal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Not without their permission. If the check is made out to another person, they must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. This is called a third-party check. Many banks and check-cashing stores now refuse third-party checks because of fraud risk, so ask first before you try.

What if the check is for more than $5,000?

Banks may ask questions or place a hold on the cash while they verify the check is real. This is normal and legal. Be prepared to wait a few hours to a few days. Bring documentation about where the check came from if you have it — a job offer letter, a court settlement, a receipt, anything that explains the large amount.

Do I need to endorse the check?

Yes. Sign the back of the check in the space marked "Endorse here." If you're depositing it into an account, write "For deposit only" above your signature. If you're cashing it, just sign your name. The teller or cashier will ask you to sign if you forget.

How long does it take to cash a check at the issuing bank?

Usually 10 to 15 minutes if you have a photo ID and the check is straightforward. If the check is large or unusual, the bank may verify it first, which can take a few hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm the bank won't need extra time.

What's the cheapest way to cash a check without a bank account?

The issuing bank is free if you have a photo ID. If that's not an option, a prepaid card or credit union savings account costs nothing or very little ($5 to $10 one-time fee), though deposits take one to five business days. Check-cashing stores cost the most (1% to 3% of the check amount) but are fastest if you need cash the same day.