You can cash a check without an account at the bank that issued it, at a check-cashing service, or sometimes at a retailer
The bank that issued the check—the one whose name appears in the top left corner—must cash it for you even if you have no account there. This is a legal requirement. You will need to show a government-issued ID, and the bank may charge a fee to non-customers, typically between $5 and $15 depending on the check amount. Some banks waive the fee if the check is drawn on their own account.
If you cannot reach the issuing bank, a check-cashing service will convert the check to cash on the spot, though they take a percentage of the amount—usually 1 to 3 percent, sometimes higher. Grocery stores, Walmart, and other retailers also cash checks for customers, often at lower fees than dedicated check-cashing businesses. The trade-off is that retail check-cashing has lower limits per check, often $1,000 or less.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check must cash it for you without an account, though they may charge a fee of $5 to $15.
- Check-cashing services charge a percentage of the check amount, typically 1 to 3 percent, and cash it when ready.
- Retailers like Walmart and grocery stores often cash checks at lower fees than check-cashing businesses, but usually have per-check limits.
- You will need a government-issued ID at any location, and some places require a second form of ID or proof of address.
Cashing at the issuing bank with no account
Walk into any branch of the bank whose name is printed on the check. Tell the teller you want to cash the check and have no account with them. Bring your government-issued ID—a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The teller will verify the check is legitimate, confirm you are the payee (the person the check is made out to), and give you the cash.
The fee varies by bank. Some charge nothing. Others charge $5 to $15 depending on whether the check amount is large. A few banks charge a flat fee regardless of amount. Call the bank's customer service line before you go if you want to know the exact fee, or ask the teller when you arrive—they will tell you before they process it.
This route is fastest if you have a branch nearby and it is open during your hours. There is no waiting period. You get cash the same day.
Using a check-cashing service
Check-cashing businesses exist specifically to convert checks to cash for people without accounts. You walk in, hand over the check and your ID, and leave with cash minutes later. The fee is a percentage of the check amount—typically 1 to 3 percent, though some charge higher rates for larger checks or specialty checks like payroll or government checks.
A $500 check at 2 percent costs you $10. A $1,000 check at the same rate costs $20. The percentage can climb to 5 or 6 percent at some locations, particularly in areas with fewer competitors. Ask for the fee before you hand over the check. Many check-cashing services also offer money orders, bill payment, and wire transfers, so they may be a one-stop option if you need multiple services.
The downside is that check-cashing services are less common than they once were, and fees eat into the amount you receive. They are most useful when you need cash the same day and the issuing bank is not accessible to you.
Cashing checks at retailers
Walmart, Target, grocery store chains, and some pharmacies cash checks as a service to customers. The fees are usually lower than check-cashing businesses—often $3 to $5 per check, sometimes free if you are a regular customer or have a store loyalty card. The catch is that most retailers have a per-check limit, usually $1,000 or $2,000, and some will not cash checks larger than that.
Bring your ID and the check. The process is the same as at a bank: the cashier verifies the check and your identity, then gives you cash. Most retailers cash checks during their regular hours, and many are open early and late, making this option convenient if the bank is closed.
Retailer check-cashing is most practical for smaller checks and regular customers. If you cash checks frequently at the same store, ask if they offer a loyalty discount or waive fees for members.
What ID and documents you will need
Every location requires a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some places ask for a second form of ID or proof of address, particularly if the check is large or if you are unfamiliar to them.
The check itself must be made out to you by name. If the check is made out to a business or a name that does not match your ID, most places will refuse to cash it. If the check is made out to two people with "and" between the names, both people usually need to be present and sign it. If it says "or," either person can usually cash it alone.
Do not sign the back of the check until you are at the location where you will cash it. The signature on the back (called an endorsement) is what authorizes the payment, and signing it early can create problems if the check is lost or stolen.
Timing and what to expect on the day
At a bank or retailer, the process takes 5 to 15 minutes. The teller or cashier will examine the check, ask for your ID, verify your signature matches the endorsement, and hand you cash. There is no waiting period—you leave with money the same day.
Check-cashing services are similarly fast, usually 5 to 10 minutes. The main delay is if the check is large or unusual in some way, which may prompt the cashier to call the issuing bank to confirm it is real.
If you are cashing a check from an employer or government agency, some locations may hold it for a day or two to verify it clears, though this is less common now. Ask before you hand over the check if you need the money when ready.
When a check cannot be cashed without an account
A check made out to someone else cannot be cashed by you, even if they sign the back. Most banks and check-cashing services will not accept third-party checks anymore because of fraud risk. If someone wants to give you money via check, they should make it out to your name, not to themselves and then sign it over to you.
Checks with a date in the future (post-dated checks) can technically be cashed at some locations, but banks are not required to honor them before the date on the check. A check dated more than six months in the past may be refused as "stale." If either of these applies, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one with the correct date.
Damaged checks—torn, water-damaged, or with missing information—may be refused. If the check is torn, you can sometimes tape it and try again, but if key information is missing or illegible, the issuing bank may need to issue a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a fee to cash a check at the bank that issued it?
Not always. Some banks cash checks for non-customers free of charge. Others charge $5 to $15. Call the bank before you go, or ask the teller when you arrive—they will tell you the fee before processing the check, so you can decide whether to proceed.
What if the check is made out to my business, not my personal name?
Most banks and check-cashing services will not cash a business check without a business account. You will need to open a business account at a bank, or ask the person who wrote the check to reissue it in your personal name instead.
Can I cash a check if I do not have a government ID?
No. Every bank, check-cashing service, and retailer requires a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain a state ID card or passport before you can cash a check anywhere.
How long does it take for a cashed check to clear?
Once you receive cash, the check has cleared as far as you are concerned. The issuing bank and the location where you cashed it handle the clearing process behind the scenes, which can take one to three business days, but you have your money when ready.
What is the difference between cashing a check and depositing it?
Cashing converts the check to cash you can spend right away. Depositing puts the money into a bank account, where it may take one to three business days to clear, but you do not pay a fee. If you do not have an account, cashing is your only option.