You have several ways to turn a check into cash without owning a bank account
The most straightforward option is to take the check to the bank or credit union that issued it — the one printed on the check itself. That bank will cash it for you at the teller window, usually for free or a small fee if you are not a customer. You will need to show a photo ID, sign the back of the check, and the money is yours within minutes.
If that bank is not convenient, you have other paths: a check-cashing store, a grocery store or pharmacy with a check-cashing service, or a prepaid card company. Each has different fees, speed, and limits on how much you can cash at once. The trade-off is usually between convenience and cost — the faster and easier the option, the more it typically costs.
Key Takeaways
- The bank or credit union that issued the check will cash it for free or a low fee, even if you do not have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount, usually 1 to 3 percent, but are open longer hours than banks.
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, and Walmart often cash checks for a flat fee of $3 to $6, which is cheaper than a percentage-based fee for large checks.
- You will need a photo ID and must sign the back of the check before cashing it at any location.
- Some prepaid card companies let you deposit checks by photo through a mobile app, which takes one to two business days but has no fee.
Cashing a check at the issuing bank or credit union
This is the simplest and usually cheapest option. The bank or credit union whose name appears on the check is required to cash it for you, regardless of whether you have an account with them. Walk to the teller window, show your photo ID, sign the back of the check, and hand it over. You will receive cash within minutes, and there is typically no fee.
The catch is location and hours. If the bank is far away or closes before you can get there, this option may not work for your schedule. Some banks also have limits on how much they will cash for a non-customer — often $500 to $1,000 — so call ahead if your check is large.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
A check-cashing store will cash almost any personal check on the spot, without requiring a bank account or even a photo ID in some cases (though most do ask for one). The trade-off is the fee. Most charge between 1 and 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that is $5 to $15. On a $1,000 check, it is $10 to $30.
Check-cashing stores are open longer than banks — many stay open until 8 or 9 p.m. and on Saturdays — which makes them convenient if you need cash outside normal banking hours. However, the percentage-based fee means the larger your check, the more you pay. For small checks under $100, a check-cashing store may be your best option if the issuing bank is closed.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers
Walmart, most grocery store chains, and many pharmacies offer check-cashing at the customer service desk. They typically charge a flat fee — usually $3 to $6 per check — rather than a percentage. This makes them cheaper than check-cashing stores for larger checks. A $500 check costs $3 to $6 instead of $5 to $15.
The downside is that they usually have lower limits than check-cashing stores, often cashing checks up to $500 or $1,000. They may also require you to have a photo ID and may ask you to be a customer (though this requirement varies by location). Call ahead to confirm the fee and limit at your nearest location.
Prepaid cards and mobile check deposit
Some prepaid card companies let you deposit a check by taking a photo of the front and back with your phone. The check is deposited into the card's account, and the money is usually available within one to two business days. There is no fee for this service, and you can do it from home.
The catch is that you need the prepaid card first, and you have to wait for the deposit to clear. This option works well if you already own a prepaid card and are not in a hurry for the cash. Popular prepaid card companies that offer mobile check deposit include NetSpend, Green Dot, and Chime, though not all of their products have this feature — check your card's app to see if it is available.
What to do before you cash the check
Before you go anywhere, sign the back of the check. Write your name on the line that says "Endorse here" or similar. This tells the bank or store that you are the person who is supposed to receive the money. Do not sign it until you are ready to cash it, because a signed check can be cashed by anyone who has it.
Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Every place that cashes checks will ask for one. If you do not have a photo ID, you will have a much harder time cashing a check. Some check-cashing stores may work with you if you have other forms of ID, but banks and retail stores will almost certainly turn you away.
Comparing your options by cost and speed
| Option | Cost | Speed | Hours | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank or credit union | Free or $0–$5 | Minutes | Bank hours | $500–$1,000 for non-customers |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check amount | Minutes | Often 8 p.m.–9 p.m., Saturdays | $500–$5,000 |
| Grocery store or pharmacy | $3–$6 flat fee | Minutes | Store hours | $500–$1,000 |
| Prepaid card mobile deposit | Free | 1–2 business days | Anytime (app-based) | Varies by card |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check that is made out to someone else?
No. A check is a legal document that says the money goes to the person named on it. If the check is made out to someone else, that person must sign it and be present to cash it, or they must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" to transfer it to you. Even then, many places will not accept a third-party check.
What if the check is old or has a date in the future?
A check is usually good for six months from the date written on it. After that, it is considered stale and banks may refuse to cash it. A check dated in the future (post-dated) should not be cashed before that date — most places will refuse it. If either is the case, contact the person who wrote the check and ask for a new one.
Do I need to endorse the check the same way at every place?
Most places just need your signature on the back. Some check-cashing stores may ask you to write your address or phone number as well. Banks and retail stores typically only need your signature. Ask the teller or cashier what they need before you sign.
What happens if I lose the check before I cash it?
Contact the person who wrote the check and tell them you lost it. They can stop payment on the original check and write you a new one. This usually costs them a small fee at their bank, so they may ask you to cover it. Without stopping payment, someone else could find the check and cash it if they forge your signature.
Can I cash a check without a photo ID?
It is very difficult. Banks and most retail stores require a photo ID by law. Some check-cashing stores may accept other forms of ID or work with you if you have a secondary ID, but this varies by location. Your best option is to get a state ID card from your local DMV if you do not have a driver's license.