You can cash a cashier's check at the bank that issued it, at a check-cashing store, or sometimes at a grocery store — you do not need your own account
A cashier's check is a check the bank itself writes and guarantees, using money that has already been taken from someone else's account. Because the bank has already set the money aside, cashing one does not require you to have an account there. The bank that issued the check will cash it for you in person, and several other places will too — though each option has different costs and requirements.
The fastest and cheapest way is usually to go to the bank branch that issued the check during business hours with the check and a photo ID. If that bank is not convenient or you cannot get there during their hours, a check-cashing store or grocery store can do it, but you will pay a fee.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the cashier's check will cash it for free if you bring the check and a photo ID to any of their branches during business hours.
- Check-cashing stores and some grocery stores will cash cashier's checks without an account, but charge a fee that typically ranges from a few dollars to a percentage of the check amount.
- You will need to show a photo ID at any location — a driver's license, state ID, or passport all work.
- The issuing bank may ask you to sign the back of the check and verify some details about who wrote it, even though the bank itself guarantees the funds.
Cashing at the bank that issued the check
This is your best option if you can reach the bank during their hours. Walk into any branch of the bank whose name appears at the top of the check, bring the check and a photo ID, and ask to cash it. You do not need an account with them. The teller will verify the check is real, ask you to sign the back if you have not already, and give you the cash — usually the same day, with no fee.
If the check is made out to you by name, the teller will ask for your ID to confirm you are that person. If the check says "Pay to the order of [Your Name]" and you have not signed the back yet, sign it in front of the teller. If someone else wrote the check to you, the bank may ask a few questions about who they are and why they gave it to you, but they will still cash it because the bank's own may provide backs the funds.
The main catch is timing: banks close in the evening and on weekends. If you need cash outside their hours, you will have to use another method.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
Check-cashing businesses are open longer hours than banks — often until 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and some weekend hours — and will cash a cashier's check without an account. Bring the check, a photo ID, and be ready to pay a fee. The fee varies by location and by the check amount. Some stores charge a flat fee of $5 to $10; others charge a percentage of the check, usually 1 to 3 percent. On a $1,000 check, a 2 percent fee is $20.
Before you hand over the check, ask what the fee will be. Different stores in the same area may charge different amounts, so it is worth calling a few. Some check-cashing stores also require you to provide a second form of ID or answer questions about where the check came from.
Check-cashing stores are convenient when the bank is closed, but the fee adds up if you cash checks regularly. If you plan to cash checks often, opening a bank account — even a basic one — will save you money over time.
Grocery stores and retail chains
Many grocery stores and large retailers like Walmart and Target will cash cashier's checks at their customer service desk, usually with a smaller fee than a dedicated check-cashing store. Fees typically range from $3 to $8 per check. Hours are often longer than banks, especially at large retailers that stay open late or 24 hours.
Bring the check and a photo ID. The process is the same as at a check-cashing store: the employee will verify the check, you will sign the back if needed, and you will pay the fee. Some retailers limit the amount they will cash in a single check or require you to have made a recent purchase there, so call ahead if you are cashing a large check.
What to bring and what to expect
You will need a photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Some places ask for a second form of ID as well, such as a utility bill or recent bank statement showing your name and address. Ask when you call or arrive.
The check should have your name on it. If it says "Pay to the order of [Your Name]" and you have not signed the back, sign it in front of whoever is cashing it. If the check is made out to someone else and they want you to cash it for them, that is called a third-party check, and most banks and check-cashing stores will not cash it. The person whose name is on the check should be the one to cash it.
Have the check number and the amount ready if asked. The teller or cashier may ask who gave you the check or what it is for — this is routine fraud prevention, and you can straightforward explain that it is payment for something you sold or a service you provided.
Comparing your options by cost and speed
| Location | Cost | Hours | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | Standard business hours (usually 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays) | Same day, usually when ready |
| Check-cashing store | $5–$10 flat or 1–3% of check amount | Often 9 a.m.–8 or 9 p.m., some weekend hours | Same day, usually when ready |
| Grocery store or retailer | $3–$8 flat fee | Extended hours, often 7 a.m.–11 p.m. or later | Same day, usually when ready |
If the issuing bank is open and convenient, that is always the cheapest choice. If you need cash outside bank hours, a grocery store or large retailer usually costs less than a dedicated check-cashing store.
Why a bank account might save you money
If you cash checks regularly — even just a few times a year — the fees at check-cashing stores and retailers add up quickly. A basic savings account or checking account at a bank costs nothing to open and nothing to maintain if you keep a small balance. Once you have an account, you can deposit checks for free and withdraw the cash whenever you need it.
Many banks also offer mobile check deposit, which means you can photograph a check with your phone and deposit it without visiting a branch. This is faster than going to a check-cashing store and costs nothing. If you receive cashier's checks regularly, opening an account is worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a cashier's check at a bank other than the one that issued it?
Some banks will cash a cashier's check from another bank if you have an account with them, but most will not cash it for someone without an account. Your best bet is the bank whose name is on the check. If that is not possible, use a check-cashing store or grocery store instead.
What if I lost the cashier's check or it was damaged?
Contact the bank that issued it right away. They can issue a replacement, but you will need to provide the original check number, the amount, and the date it was issued. The bank may charge a small fee for a replacement, usually $15 to $30. Keep the receipt from the original check if you have it.
Do I have to sign the back of the check before I cash it?
You should sign the back before you hand it over, but if you forget, the teller or cashier will ask you to sign it in front of them. Sign on the back in the space marked "Endorse here" or at the very bottom. Use the name that appears on the front of the check.
Can someone else cash a cashier's check that is made out to me?
No. The person whose name is on the check is the only one who can cash it. If you want someone else to cash it on your behalf, you would need to sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [their name]," but most banks and check-cashing stores will not accept this. It is safer and simpler to cash it yourself.
What if the check amount is very large?
Banks and check-cashing stores can cash large checks, but they may ask more questions or require additional ID. Some retailers have a limit on how much they will cash in a single transaction — often $1,000 or $2,000. Call ahead if your check is over $1,000 to confirm they can handle it.