Yes, you can cash a check at your bank, but the process and what you need depends on whether you have an account there

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, you can walk in and cash a check drawn on that bank or any other bank. You'll need to show a photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The teller will verify the check is real, confirm you have funds available (if it's drawn on that bank), and give you cash or deposit it into your account.

If you don't have an account at the bank, most banks will still cash checks drawn on their own bank, but they may charge you a fee — usually $5 to $10. Some banks won't cash checks from non-customers at all, so it's worth calling ahead. If the check is drawn on a different bank, a bank where you don't have an account almost certainly won't cash it for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Account holders can cash checks at their bank for free, whether the check is from that bank or another one.
  • Non-account holders can usually cash checks drawn on that specific bank, but most banks charge a fee of $5 to $10.
  • You will need a photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID card to cash any check.
  • If you don't have an account and the check is drawn on a different bank, you'll need to go to the bank that issued the check or use an alternative like a check-cashing service.

What happens when you cash a check at your bank

When you hand a teller a check, they examine it for the date, the amount written in numbers and words, the signature, and the routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left). They confirm the check hasn't been altered and that the account it's drawn on has enough money to cover it.

The teller then asks how you want the cash — what denominations of bills. You can ask for twenties, tens, fives, or ones. They count it out, you sign the back of the check if you haven't already, and the transaction is complete. The check clears from the account it was drawn on within one to three business days, though the teller won't make you wait for that.

Cashing a check when you don't have an account

If you walk into a bank where you don't have an account and the check is drawn on that bank, ask the teller if they cash checks for non-customers. Many do, but the fee varies. Some banks charge a flat $5 or $10. Others charge a percentage of the check amount — usually 1 to 3 percent. A few don't cash checks for non-customers at all.

If the check is drawn on a different bank — for example, you have a check from your employer's bank, but you're at a different bank — the bank you're visiting won't cash it. Your best option is to go to the bank that issued the check, or use a check-cashing service, grocery store, or retailer that offers check cashing (though these often charge higher fees than banks do).

What you need to bring

You must bring a photo ID. A driver's license or state ID card is standard. A passport works too. Some banks accept other forms of ID like a military ID or tribal ID, but a driver's license is the safest choice.

Bring the check itself, unsigned or signed on the back — the teller will tell you if you need to sign it. If the check is made out to you and someone else, both of you may need to be present, or the other person may need to sign it over to you first. Ask the teller before you hand over the check.

How long it takes

Cashing a check at the teller window usually takes five to ten minutes, depending on how busy the bank is. You get the cash when ready — you don't have to wait for the check to clear. The bank takes on the risk that the check might bounce after you've left.

If you deposit the check into your account instead of cashing it, the funds may not be available right away. Banks typically hold checks for one to five business days before the money shows up in your account, depending on the bank and the type of check.

When a bank might refuse to cash your check

A bank can refuse to cash a check if the signature doesn't match the ID you show, if the check appears altered or forged, if the account it's drawn on doesn't have enough money, or if the check is very old (usually more than six months). Some banks also refuse checks with post-dated dates — dates in the future.

If a bank refuses your check, ask why. If it's a signature mismatch, you may be able to call the person who wrote the check and have them come in with you. If the account has insufficient funds, the check will bounce, and you won't get the cash. If the check is old or post-dated, you'll need to contact the person who wrote it and ask for a new one.

Alternatives if your bank won't cash the check

If the bank that issued the check won't cash it for you, or if you don't want to pay a fee, you have other options. Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and retailers like Walmart and Target offer check cashing. Fees vary widely — some charge $3, others charge $10 or more. Check-cashing businesses (sometimes called payday loan stores) also cash checks, but their fees are often the highest of all.

If you have a bank account at any bank, you can deposit the check there instead of cashing it. This avoids fees and gives you a record of the transaction. The money won't be available when ready, but it will be within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an account at the bank to cash a check there?

No. If the check is drawn on that bank, most banks will cash it for non-customers, though they may charge a fee. If the check is drawn on a different bank, you'll need to go to that bank or use another service like a grocery store or check-cashing business.

What if the check is made out to two people?

Both people usually need to be present and sign the back of the check, or one person can sign it over to the other. Ask the teller before you hand over the check — policies vary by bank.

Can I cash a check if I don't have a photo ID?

No. Banks require a photo ID to cash any check. If you don't have a driver's license or state ID, you can use a passport or military ID. Some banks accept other forms of photo ID — call ahead to ask.

What if the check bounces after I cash it?

If the account doesn't have enough money when the check clears, the bank may ask you to return the cash or deduct it from your account if you have one there. The person who wrote the check is responsible for the bounced check, but you may face inconvenience and fees.

Is it faster to cash a check or deposit it?

Cashing is faster — you get cash when ready. Depositing takes one to five business days for the funds to show up in your account, depending on the bank and the check type.