You can cash a cashier's check at the bank that issued it, at a check-cashing store, or at some retailers—but each route has different costs and timing
A cashier's check is a check drawn on the bank's own account, not yours, which is why banks treat it as safer than a personal check. That safety means you do not need a bank account to turn it into cash. The issuing bank will cash it for you at any of their branches. If that bank is not convenient, a check-cashing store or some grocery and retail chains will also convert it to cash, though they will charge a fee—usually between $2 and $10 depending on the check amount.
The key difference between routes is cost, speed, and what you need to bring. The issuing bank cashes it free and when ready. A check-cashing store charges a fee but is open longer hours and does not require you to be a customer. A retailer like Walmart or Target cashes checks as a service to shoppers, with lower fees than dedicated check-cashing stores, but only during store hours and only if you meet their specific requirements.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the cashier's check will cash it for free at any of their branches, and you do not need an account there.
- Check-cashing stores charge $2 to $10 per check and are open outside normal banking hours, but verify the fee before you hand over the check.
- Walmart, Target, and some grocery chains cash checks for lower fees than dedicated check-cashing stores, but only during their operating hours.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID at any location, and some places also require a second form of ID or proof of address.
Cashing at the issuing bank costs nothing and takes minutes
The fastest and cheapest route is the bank that issued the check. Look at the check itself—the name of the bank appears in the top left corner and usually again at the bottom. Walk into any branch of that bank with the check and a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Tell the teller you want to cash the check. They will verify the check is legitimate, confirm the amount, and hand you cash on the spot. This takes five to ten minutes and costs you nothing.
You do not need to be a customer of that bank. The bank is cashing its own check, not processing a deposit into your account, so account status does not matter. If the bank has multiple branches, any branch will cash it. If you are not sure which bank issued the check, call the number on the back of the check or search the bank name online to find a nearby branch.
Check-cashing stores charge a fee but operate outside banking hours
A check-cashing store is a business that converts checks to cash for a fee. They are useful if the issuing bank is not near you, closed when you need the cash, or if you want to avoid going to a bank. The fee varies by store and by check amount. For a cashier's check under $500, expect to pay $3 to $5. For larger amounts, the fee may be higher—some stores charge a percentage of the check amount rather than a flat fee, which can run $8 to $15 on a $1,000 check. Always ask the fee before you hand over the check.
Check-cashing stores typically stay open longer than banks—often until 7 or 8 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturday mornings. Bring a government-issued photo ID and be prepared to provide a second form of ID or proof of address. Some stores also ask for a phone number or email. The process takes ten to fifteen minutes. Once the store cashes the check, you walk out with cash when ready.
To find a check-cashing store near you, search "check cashing near me" online or look for chains like ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, or Speedy Cash. Call ahead to confirm they cash cashier's checks and ask about their fee for your check amount.
Retailers like Walmart and Target offer lower fees during store hours
Walmart, Target, and some grocery chains offer check-cashing services as a convenience to shoppers. The fees are usually lower than dedicated check-cashing stores—typically $2 to $3 for a cashier's check under $1,000. The catch is that you can only cash checks during store hours, and the store must be open. You also typically need to be a customer making a purchase, though policies vary by location.
Bring a government-issued photo ID. Some retailers also require a second form of ID or a Walmart or Target loyalty card if you have one. The process is similar to check-cashing stores: you go to the customer service desk, hand over the check and ID, pay the fee, and receive cash. This usually takes five to ten minutes.
Not every location offers check-cashing, so call the store ahead of time or ask at the customer service desk when you arrive. Policies on what types of checks they accept and what ID they require can vary between stores and regions.
What ID and documents you need at each location
| Location | Photo ID Required | Second ID or Proof | Cost | Time to Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Yes (driver's license, passport, or state ID) | No | Free | 5–10 minutes |
| Check-cashing store | Yes (driver's license, passport, or state ID) | Often yes (second ID or proof of address) | $2–$10 | 10–15 minutes |
| Walmart or Target | Yes (driver's license, passport, or state ID) | Sometimes (varies by location) | $2–$3 | 5–10 minutes |
Why a bank might refuse to cash a cashier's check
A bank will refuse to cash a cashier's check if the check is damaged, illegible, or more than six months old. Banks treat checks older than six months as stale-dated and will not honor them. If your check is old, contact the person or business that issued it and ask for a replacement.
A bank may also refuse if the check amount does not match the written amount, if the signature is missing or forged, or if the check has been altered. If you notice any of these problems before you try to cash it, do not attempt to cash it—contact the issuer instead. If a bank refuses to cash a check you believe is legitimate, ask the teller why. They will explain the specific problem, and you can then contact the issuer to resolve it or request a replacement check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to endorse the back of a cashier's check?
Yes. Sign the back of the check in the space marked "Endorse here" before you present it. Use the same name that appears on your ID. Some locations may ask you to sign in front of the teller as well.
Can I cash a cashier's check at a bank where I do not have an account?
Yes. The issuing bank will cash it for free at any branch, and you do not need to be a customer. If you go to a different bank, they may refuse or charge a fee because it is not their check.
What if the cashier's check is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a check made out to another person unless they endorse it to you in writing on the back. Even then, some locations will refuse. The safest option is for the original payee to cash it themselves or deposit it into their own account.
How long does a cashier's check stay valid?
Most banks honor cashier's checks for six months from the date issued. After six months, the check is considered stale-dated and the bank will refuse to cash it. Contact the issuer for a replacement if your check is older than six months.
Can I cash a cashier's check if I lost my ID?
No. All locations require a government-issued photo ID to cash a check. If you lost your ID, you will need to get a replacement from your state's DMV or passport office before you can cash the check.