You can cash a check at the issuer's bank, a check-cashing store, or certain retailers—no account required
If you don't have a bank account, you have several ways to turn a check into cash. The fastest and cheapest option is usually the bank that issued the check—they will cash it at the teller window even if you're not a customer. Check-cashing stores and some retailers like Walmart and grocery chains also cash checks, though they charge a fee. The tradeoff is straightforward: convenience costs money, but going to the issuing bank costs nothing.
The method you choose depends on which bank issued the check, whether you have an ID, and how much you're willing to pay in fees. Some options take minutes; others require you to wait for a hold to clear.
Key Takeaways
- The issuing bank will cash your check for free if you bring a valid ID, even if you don't have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount (typically 1 to 3 percent) but are open longer hours than banks.
- Walmart, grocery stores, and some pharmacies cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6 depending on the check amount.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) at any location that cashes checks.
- Postdated checks and checks with unclear payee information may be refused or delayed at any location.
Cashing at the issuing bank costs nothing
The bank that issued the check—the one printed in the bottom left corner—must cash it at any of their branches during business hours. You do not need an account. Bring the check and a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). The teller will verify the check is legitimate, confirm you are the payee, and hand you cash.
This is the cheapest option because there is no fee. The downside is that you can only use this method during the bank's business hours, which are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and limited hours on Saturday. If the check is from a small local bank or credit union, you may have to travel to a branch near you. If the check is from a major bank like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, you have many locations to choose from.
Some banks will refuse to cash a check if it is postdated (dated in the future), if the amount written in words does not match the numbers, or if the signature on the back does not match the ID you present. If any of these issues exist, ask the teller what information needs to be corrected before you can cash it.
Check-cashing stores charge a percentage fee
Check-cashing stores are businesses that specialize in cashing checks for people without bank accounts. They are usually open longer than banks—often until 7 or 8 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays—and some are open on Sundays. You bring the check and a valid ID, and they cash it on the spot.
The fee is typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that means $5 to $15. On a $1,000 check, it is $10 to $30. The exact percentage varies by store and by the type of check. Personal checks usually cost more than payroll checks because they are riskier. Some stores charge a flat fee instead of a percentage—for example, $5 per check regardless of amount.
Check-cashing stores are convenient if you need cash outside of bank hours, but the fee adds up if you cash checks frequently. Ask the store what their fee is before you hand over the check. Some stores also offer other services like money orders, bill payment, and payday loans, though those come with their own fees and terms.
Retailers like Walmart and grocery stores offer flat-fee cashing
Many large retailers will cash checks at the customer service desk or checkout. Walmart cashes checks for a flat fee of $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks between $1,000 and $5,000. Grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix also cash checks, usually for $2 to $5 depending on the check amount. Some pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens cash checks as well.
The advantage is that these stores are often open earlier and stay open later than banks—many are open until 10 or 11 p.m. and on Sundays. You do not need to be a customer or have a membership. Bring the check and a valid ID to the service desk and ask if they cash checks. They will tell you the fee upfront.
The downside is that not every location cashes checks, and policies vary by store and region. Call ahead or ask at the desk before you assume they offer this service. Some stores will only cash payroll checks or government checks, not personal checks. Others have a daily limit on how many checks they will cash or a maximum check amount.
What you need to bring and what can go wrong
At any location—bank, check-cashing store, or retailer—you will need a valid government-issued ID. This means a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. A student ID, work ID, or library card will not work. The ID must not be expired, and the name on the ID must match the name on the check.
The check itself must be made out to you (or to you and someone else). If the check is made out to "Cash" or to a business name, policies vary by location. Some will cash it; others will refuse. If the check is postdated—dated in the future—most places will refuse to cash it until that date arrives. If the check is damaged, torn, or has writing on the back other than your signature, the teller may refuse it or ask you to sign it in front of them.
If you are cashing a check on behalf of someone else, you will need a signed power of attorney or a note from the payee authorizing you to cash it, plus both IDs. This is less common and some locations will not do it at all. Ask first before you bring the check.
Holds and fraud checks can delay your cash
Most of the time, you get cash when ready. But some checks trigger a hold or a fraud check, which can take a few minutes to a few hours. This is more common at check-cashing stores than at banks, because the store is verifying the check is real and that the account has enough money to cover it.
If the check is very large (over $5,000), if it is from an unfamiliar bank, or if you are a new customer at the check-cashing store, they may put a hold on it while they verify it. During this time, you do not get the cash. The store will call you when the check clears, usually within 24 hours. Some stores will give you a portion of the cash upfront and hold the rest until verification is complete.
If the check bounces—meaning the account does not have enough money—the store or bank will contact you and ask you to return the cash or pay the difference. This is rare, but it can happen. If you are unsure whether a check is good, ask the issuing bank directly before you cash it.
Alternatives if you cannot cash the check in person
If you cannot get to a bank or check-cashing store, some options exist, though they are slower or more expensive. Some banks and check-cashing services offer mobile check deposit through a smartphone app, but you need to have an account with them or be registered with their service. This does not explore if you have no account at all.
Another option is to ask the person who wrote the check to cancel it and send you the money a different way—through a money transfer service, a wire transfer, or a payment app like Venmo or PayPal. This avoids the check entirely and gets you cash faster, though it depends on whether the other person is willing and able to do it.
If the check is from your employer and you do not have a bank account, ask your payroll department whether they offer a paycard—a prepaid card that your paycheck is loaded onto automatically. This eliminates the need to cash checks at all and is usually free or low-cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to endorse the check before I cash it?
Yes. Sign the back of the check in front of the teller or cashier. They will watch you do it to confirm your signature matches your ID. Do not sign it before you arrive—sign it at the location where you are cashing it.
What if the check is made out to two people?
If the check says "John and Jane Smith," both people usually need to be present with IDs to cash it. If it says "John or Jane Smith," either one can cash it alone. Ask the teller or cashier which applies to your check before you assume you can cash it by yourself.
Can I cash a check if my ID is expired?
Most locations will not cash a check with an expired ID because they cannot verify your identity. Renew your ID first at your state's DMV or equivalent office. This usually takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state.
What happens if I lose the check before I cash it?
Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to cancel it and issue a new one. They can do this through their bank. If the original check is cashed by someone else, the person who wrote it will see it on their bank statement and can dispute it as fraud.
Is it safe to cash checks at check-cashing stores?
Yes, but compare fees first. Check-cashing stores are regulated by state law and must be licensed. The main risk is paying more in fees than necessary. Call a few stores in your area and ask their fees before you decide where to go.