You can deposit a check at a check-cashing service, a retail store, or the bank that issued the check, even without your own account
The bank that issued the check — the one printed in the bottom left corner — will cash it for you at any of their branches, usually for free. A check-cashing service will do the same for a fee, typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. Some grocery stores and pharmacies also cash checks as a service to customers, sometimes free and sometimes for a small flat fee. The fastest option depends on where you are and what kind of check you're holding.
The key difference between these routes is speed, cost, and what documents you'll need to bring. A bank that issued the check knows it's legitimate because they're the ones who printed the account number on it. A check-cashing service has to verify you're not someone else trying to cash a stolen check, so they'll ask for ID. Retail stores have their own rules about which checks they'll take and how much they'll charge.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check will cash it for free at any branch, even if you don't have an account there — bring a photo ID.
- Check-cashing services charge a percentage of the check amount, usually 1 to 3 percent, and are open longer hours than banks.
- Some grocery stores and pharmacies cash checks for free or a flat fee, but they may refuse checks over a certain amount or from certain employers.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID at any location, and some places will ask for a second form of ID or a phone number.
- Mobile check deposit through a bank's app requires an account, so it is not an option if you have no bank account.
Cashing a check at the bank that issued it
Walk into any branch of the bank whose name is printed on the check and tell the teller you want to cash it. You do not need an account with that bank. Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will verify the check is real, check that the signature on the back matches the ID you're holding, and give you cash.
This is free and takes about five minutes. The bank has no reason to charge you because they're the ones who issued the check in the first place — they already know the money is there. Most banks do this during their regular hours, which are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and sometimes Saturday mornings. If the check is written to someone else, the bank will not cash it for you, even with that person's permission.
Using a check-cashing service
A check-cashing store will cash almost any check, including payroll checks, government checks, and personal checks from people you know. They charge a fee — usually between 1 and 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. The fee varies by the type of check and the store's location. Some stores charge a flat fee instead of a percentage, which can be cheaper for large checks.
Bring a government-issued photo ID and be prepared to provide your phone number or address. Some stores ask for a second form of ID, like a utility bill or a bank statement with your name on it. The process takes about 10 minutes. Check-cashing services are often open longer than banks — many stay open until 7 or 8 p.m. on weekdays and open on Sundays — so they're useful if you need cash outside normal banking hours.
The downside is the fee. If you're cashing a small check, the percentage can add up. A $100 check with a 3 percent fee costs you $3. If you plan to cash checks regularly, opening a bank account might save you money in the long run, though that depends on whether the account has monthly fees.
Cashing checks at grocery stores and pharmacies
Many grocery stores and pharmacies offer check-cashing as a service to shoppers. Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and CVS all cash checks at customer service desks. Some do it free; others charge a flat fee of $1 to $3. The catch is that they usually have limits on the amount — many will not cash checks over $1,000 or $2,000 — and they may refuse checks from certain employers or government agencies.
Bring a photo ID. The process is quick, usually under five minutes. The advantage is convenience: if you're already shopping there, you can cash your check at the same time. The disadvantage is the restrictions. If your check is from a small business or a government agency the store doesn't recognize, they may turn it down. Call ahead to ask what types of checks they accept and whether there's a fee.
What documents you need at each location
| Location | Required ID | Additional Documents | Fee | Time to Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Photo ID | None | Free | 5 minutes |
| Check-cashing service | Photo ID | Sometimes a second ID or address proof | 1–3% of check amount | 10 minutes |
| Grocery store or pharmacy | Photo ID | None | Free to $3 flat fee | 5 minutes |
Why you can't use mobile check deposit without an account
Mobile check deposit — taking a photo of the front and back of a check through a bank's app — requires you to have an account with that bank. The app deposits the check into your account, and the bank verifies it before releasing the funds. If you don't have a bank account, you can't use this method.
This is why the other options exist. If you need cash from a check and have no account, go to the bank that issued the check, a check-cashing service, or a retail store. Mobile deposit is only for people who already bank somewhere.
Endorsing the check correctly
Before you hand the check to anyone, sign the back of it. Write your signature on the line that says "Endorse here." Do not write anything else on the back — no account numbers, no instructions. Just your name. If the check is made out to two people with "and" between the names, both people need to sign it. If it says "or," only one person needs to sign.
Some places will ask you to write your ID number on the back as well. Ask before you do — not all locations require it, and some have specific rules about where it goes. If you make a mistake, ask for a new check rather than trying to fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
No. Banks and check-cashing services will not cash a check unless your name matches the name on the check or you have a signed power of attorney from the person it's made out to. If someone wants to give you money, ask them to write a new check with your name on it.
What if the check is post-dated?
A post-dated check has a date in the future. Most banks and check-cashing services will not cash it until that date arrives. Some will cash it anyway if you ask, but they're not required to. If you need the money now, ask the person who wrote the check to write a new one with today's date.
How long does it take to get the money after I cash a check?
If you cash a check at the issuing bank or a check-cashing service, you get cash when ready — you walk out with the money in your hand. If you deposit it into a bank account through mobile deposit or at a bank branch, the funds usually show up in one to two business days, though some banks hold checks longer.
What if the check bounces after I cash it?
If you cash a check at the issuing bank and it bounces, the bank will reverse the cash they gave you — they'll take it back from your account if you have one, or contact you to return it. If you cashed it at a check-cashing service or retail store, that business absorbs the loss, not you. You keep the cash.
Can I cash a check without a photo ID?
No. All banks, check-cashing services, and retail stores require a government-issued photo ID to cash a check. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud. If you don't have a photo ID, you cannot cash a check anywhere.