How to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account

You can cash a check without a bank account, but you will pay a fee and have fewer options than someone with one

A check is a written instruction to a bank to pay money from someone else's account to you. To turn that check into cash you can spend, you need either a bank account or access to a check-cashing service. If you do not have a bank account, you have three main routes: the bank that issued the check, a check-cashing business, or a retailer that offers the service. Each one works differently, costs different amounts, and has different requirements.

The fastest and cheapest option is usually the bank that issued the check — the one whose name appears at the top. They will often cash it for free even if you are not their customer. Check-cashing businesses and retailers will cash it too, but they charge a percentage of the check amount, usually between 1 and 5 percent. A $100 check might cost you $1 to $5 to cash.

Key Takeaways

The bank that issued the check will often cash it for free if you bring a photo ID, even if you do not have an account there.
Check-cashing businesses charge a fee (usually 1 to 5 percent of the check amount) but are open longer hours than banks and do not require an account.
Some grocery stores, Walmart, and other retailers cash checks for a flat fee or percentage, often lower than dedicated check-cashing businesses.
You will need a valid photo ID to cash a check anywhere, and the person or business cashing it may call the issuing bank to verify the funds exist.
Post-dated checks (dated in the future) and two-party checks (made out to two people) are harder to cash and may be refused.

Cashing a check at the bank that issued it

The bank whose name is printed on the check is called the issuing bank. This bank holds the account the check is drawn from. Most issuing banks will cash checks for non-customers at no charge, as long as you have a valid photo ID and the check is signed and filled out correctly.

Walk into any branch of that bank during business hours with your ID and the check. Tell the teller you want to cash it. They will verify that the account has enough money to cover the check, then give you cash. This usually takes a few minutes. Some banks may ask questions about why you are cashing a check from that account, especially if the amount is large, but they cannot refuse to cash it if the funds are there and your ID is valid.

The catch: you need to know which bank issued the check. Look at the top left or top right of the check — the bank's name and routing number are printed there. If you do not recognize the name, search online or call the number on the check to find a branch near you. Some banks have few branches, so you may need to travel or use a different method.

Using a check-cashing business

A check-cashing business is a store that cashes checks for a fee. These businesses are designed for people without bank accounts. They are often open longer than banks (some are open on weekends and evenings) and do not require you to have an account. You walk in, show your ID, hand over the check, and they give you cash minus their fee.

The fee varies. Most charge between 1 and 5 percent of the check amount. A $200 check might cost $2 to $10 to cash. Some charge a flat fee instead (for example, $3 per check) rather than a percentage. Ask what the fee is before you hand over the check. The business will also verify the funds with the issuing bank, which takes a few minutes.

Check-cashing businesses are common in cities and towns but less common in rural areas. You can search online for "check cashing near me" or look in the phone book. Be aware that some check-cashing businesses also offer payday loans and other high-cost borrowing — you do not have to use those services just because you cash a check there.

Cashing a check at a retailer

Many grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and other large retailers will cash checks as a service to customers. The process is the same as a check-cashing business: you show your ID, hand over the check, and they give you cash minus a fee. The fee is often lower than a dedicated check-cashing business — sometimes $1 to $3 per check, or a small percentage.

Not all retailers offer this service, and the ones that do may have limits on the check amount (for example, they may not cash checks over $1,000). Call ahead or ask at the customer service desk to learn about they cash checks and what their fee is. This option is useful if you are already shopping there, because you can cash the check and spend the money in the same trip.

What you need to bring and what will happen

Wherever you cash a check, you will need a valid photo ID. This means a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID must not be expired. The bank, check-cashing business, or retailer will write down your ID number and may ask you to sign the back of the check if you have not already.

The person cashing the check will call or electronically verify with the issuing bank that the account has enough money to cover it. This is called verification. It usually takes a few minutes. If the account does not have enough money, the check will be refused and you will not get cash. If the check is fraudulent (fake or stolen), it will also be refused.

Once verification is complete and the fee is deducted, you will receive cash. Count it before you leave. If the amount is wrong, tell the person when ready. Keep your receipt in case there is a problem later.

Checks that are harder to cash

Some checks come with extra complications. A post-dated check is dated in the future — for example, dated next month. Banks and check-cashing businesses may refuse to cash it before that date, because the account might not have the money yet. If someone gives you a post-dated check, wait until the date on the check arrives before trying to cash it.

A two-party check is made out to two people — for example, "Pay to the order of John Smith and Jane Doe." Both people usually need to be present with ID to cash it, or one person needs written permission from the other. Some banks and check-cashing businesses refuse two-party checks altogether because of fraud risk. If you receive one, ask the person who wrote it to write a new check in only your name.

A check that is very old (more than six months) may be refused. Banks call this a stale check. If you have an old check, ask the person who wrote it to write a new one.

Why having a bank account matters

Cashing checks without a bank account works, but it costs you money every time. If you receive checks regularly — for work, benefits, or other reasons — the fees add up. Over a year, paying $2 to $5 per check can cost $100 or more. A basic bank account costs nothing and lets you deposit checks for free.

A bank account also gives you other options: you can set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight into your account without a check at all, you can pay bills online, and you can access your money from an ATM anytime. Many banks offer accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance, especially if you set up direct deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check if it is made out to someone else?

Not legally. A check made out to another person is their property. If they want you to have the money, they should write a new check in your name or sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" — this is called a third-party check. Many banks and check-cashing businesses refuse third-party checks because of fraud risk, so even with permission it may not work.

What if the check bounces after I cash it?

If the account does not have enough money when the check clears, the check is said to have "bounced." The bank or check-cashing business that gave you the cash may ask you to return it. You are not legally responsible, but you may lose the cash and the fee you paid. This is rare if you cashed it at the issuing bank, because they verified the funds first.

Do I need to endorse the check?

Yes. Endorsing means signing the back of the check. Most checks have a line on the back that says "Endorse here." Sign your name on that line before you hand the check to the teller or cashier. If you do not endorse it, they may refuse to cash it.

Can I cash a check if I do not have a photo ID?

No. A valid photo ID is required everywhere. If you do not have one, you can get a state ID card from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles — it costs a small fee and does not require a driver's license. Without an ID, you cannot cash a check anywhere.

Is it cheaper to use the issuing bank or a check-cashing business?

The issuing bank is almost always cheaper — usually free. Check-cashing businesses charge 1 to 5 percent. If you have a choice, go to the issuing bank first. If there is no branch near you or they refuse for some reason, then use a check-cashing business or retailer.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.