Not every bank will cash a check from someone who isn't their customer
Banks are not required by law to cash checks for non-customers. Each bank sets its own policy. Some will cash checks for anyone; others will only cash checks drawn on their own bank; still others will cash checks only for their own account holders. A few will cash checks for a fee. The answer depends on which bank you walk into, which bank issued the check, and whether you have an account there.
The confusion happens because the rules changed over time and vary widely. There is no single federal rule that says "all banks must cash all checks." Instead, each bank decides. This means you cannot assume a bank will cash your check just because it is a legitimate check from a real bank.
Key Takeaways
- Banks have no legal obligation to cash checks for people without accounts at that bank.
- Your best option is to cash the check at the bank that issued it — the bank name printed on the check — because that bank almost always will.
- If you do not have an account anywhere, a check-cashing store or your employer may cash your paycheck without a fee.
- Asking the teller before handing over your check saves you time and prevents the awkward moment of being turned away.
- Fees for cashing checks at banks where you do not have an account typically range from $5 to $15, though some banks charge nothing.
The bank that issued the check almost always will cash it
The bank whose name appears on the check — the issuing bank — is your strongest option. If the check says "Chase Bank" at the top, go to a Chase branch. If it says "Bank of America," go to Bank of America. That bank is responsible for the account the check was drawn from, so they will cash it for you even if you have no account with them.
You will need a government-issued photo ID. Bring your driver's license, passport, or state ID. The teller will verify the check is legitimate, check the account balance, and hand you the cash. This usually takes five to ten minutes. There is typically no fee.
The only time this does not work is if the check is fraudulent, the account is closed, or the account does not have enough money. In those cases, the check will bounce and you will not get the cash.
Your own bank will cash checks from any bank
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, that bank will cash checks for you regardless of which bank issued them. You can deposit the check into your account, or ask the teller to cash it directly. Some banks require you to have the check made out to you personally; others will cash third-party checks (checks made out to someone else) if that person signs the back and you sign below them.
Cashing at your own bank is free and fast. You do not need to wait for the check to clear — you get the money when ready. This is one of the main reasons people keep bank accounts.
Other banks may cash your check for a fee or refuse entirely
Banks where you do not have an account and that did not issue the check have no obligation to cash it. Some do anyway, usually for a fee. The fee typically ranges from $5 to $15, though a few banks charge more. Some banks will only cash checks drawn on their own bank. Others will cash any check but only for customers.
Before you hand over your check, ask the teller: "Will you cash this check, and is there a fee?" This takes thirty seconds and tells you exactly where you stand. If they say no, you have not wasted time or had your check rejected at the counter.
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have different policies at different branches, so the answer may vary even within the same bank. Call ahead or ask when you arrive.
Check-cashing stores and employers are alternatives if banks turn you down
If you do not have a bank account and the issuing bank is not convenient, a check-cashing store will cash your check for a fee. These fees are usually higher than bank fees — often $10 to $30 depending on the check amount — but they are open longer hours and do not require an account. You will need a photo ID.
If the check is a paycheck, your employer may cash it for you at no cost. Ask your payroll or HR department. Many employers will do this as a courtesy, especially if you are new and have not set up direct deposit yet.
Credit unions sometimes offer check-cashing to non-members for a small fee or free, depending on the union's policy. If you belong to a credit union, it is worth asking.
What to do if a check is drawn on a bank with no local branches
If the check is from a small regional bank or an online bank with no physical locations, you cannot walk into a branch. Your options are to deposit it into your own bank account (which takes three to five business days to clear) or contact the issuing bank directly to ask how to cash it. Some online banks will mail you a check or transfer the funds to your account if you call and verify your identity.
If you need the cash when ready and the issuing bank has no branches near you, depositing into your own account is usually faster than trying to arrange an alternative. Most banks now make the first $200 or $300 of a deposited check available within one business day, even if the full check takes longer to clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bank refuse to cash a check if I have an account there?
No. If you have an account at a bank, that bank must cash checks for you. They may ask for ID and may put a hold on the funds if the check is large or from an unfamiliar source, but they cannot refuse.
Do I need an ID to cash a check?
Yes. Every bank requires a government-issued photo ID — driver's license, passport, or state ID — to cash a check. This is a federal requirement to prevent fraud and money laundering.
What happens if I try to cash a check at a bank where I do not have an account and they refuse?
Nothing bad happens. The teller will straightforward say they cannot cash it and hand the check back to you. You can then take it to the issuing bank, your own bank, or a check-cashing store. There is no penalty for asking.
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
Only if that person signs the back of the check and you sign below their signature. This is called a third-party check. Many banks refuse to cash third-party checks because the risk of fraud is higher. Your best option is to have the person who the check is made out to deposit it into their own account and then give you the cash.
How long does it take for a cashed check to clear?
If you cash the check in person at a bank, you get the money when ready. If you deposit it, it typically clears within one to three business days, though banks often make at least part of the money available within one business day.