Key Takeaways
- Your own bank will cash checks drawn on your account for free, but other banks typically charge a fee or refuse entirely.
- The bank that issued the check (the one printed on the check) will usually cash it for free, even if you don't have an account there.
- Grocery stores, check-cashing services, and retailers like Walmart offer check cashing for a fee, typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.
- Mobile deposit through your bank's app lets you deposit checks without visiting a branch, though the funds may take one to three business days to appear.
- A check from a business, government agency, or payroll service that is not a bank may be harder to cash at a physical location.
Cashing a check at your own bank
If the check is drawn on your bank—meaning your name and account number are printed on the check—your bank will cash it for free. You walk in, hand over the check and your ID, and receive cash or a deposit to your account. This is the simplest path and costs nothing.
You do not need to visit the branch where you opened the account. Any branch of your bank will cash it. If your bank is a large national chain like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, you have many locations to choose from. If your bank is smaller or regional, you may have fewer options.
Some banks allow you to cash checks through their mobile app using mobile deposit, which means you photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through the app. The funds then appear in your account, usually within one to three business days. This works even if you cannot reach a branch.
Cashing a check at the issuing bank
If the check is drawn on a different bank—say, your employer banks at Chase but you bank at a credit union—you can go to that bank and ask them to cash it. The bank that issued the check is called the drawee bank, and most will cash checks for non-customers, though some charge a fee.
The fee varies. Some banks charge $5 to $10 per check. Others charge a percentage of the check amount, usually 1 to 3 percent. A few large banks, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, have policies that allow them to refuse to cash checks for non-customers entirely, though this is less common than it once was.
You will need a government-issued ID. The teller will verify the check is legitimate and that the account has sufficient funds. This can take a few minutes. If the check is very large or if there is any question about it, the bank may ask you to come back later or may refuse.
Check-cashing services and retail locations
Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and retailers like Walmart and Target will cash checks for a fee. The fee is usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, though it can be higher. A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash, depending on the location and the type of check.
These locations are useful when you do not have a bank account, when you cannot reach your bank, or when you need cash when ready and do not want to wait for a deposit to clear. They typically ask for one or two forms of ID and may run a verification check on the account the check is drawn from.
Grocery stores often cash checks only for customers who have a loyalty card or who make a purchase. Walmart and Target usually cash checks without requiring a purchase, but policies vary by location. Call ahead if you are unsure.
Checks from non-bank sources
If the check is from a business, government agency, or payroll service that is not a bank—such as a payroll card company or a government benefits check—cashing it at a physical location becomes harder. These checks are drawn on accounts at banks, but the issuing organization is not a bank itself.
Your best option is to deposit the check into your own bank account using mobile deposit or by visiting a branch. If you need cash when ready and do not have a bank account, a check-cashing service will usually accept it, though they may charge a higher fee or ask additional questions about the source.
Some government agencies and large employers have partnerships with specific check-cashing networks. For example, some payroll services allow you to cash checks at certain retailers without a fee. Check the back of your check or the issuer's website to see if this applies to you.
What happens if the check bounces
If you cash a check and the account it is drawn from does not have enough money, the check bounces. The bank or check-cashing service will reverse the transaction and may charge you a fee—typically $5 to $15. You are responsible for returning the money.
If you cashed the check at a retail location or check-cashing service, they may pursue you for the amount. If you deposited it into your bank account, your bank will deduct the amount from your account and may charge you an overdraft fee if your balance goes negative.
To protect yourself, ask the person or organization issuing the check whether the funds are available. If you are unsure about a check, deposit it rather than cashing it—this gives the bank time to verify the funds before you spend the money.
Mobile deposit as an alternative to cashing
If you have a bank account, mobile deposit is often faster and cheaper than cashing a check in person. You photograph the front and back of the check using your bank's app, submit it, and the funds appear in your account within one to three business days. There is no fee.
The main drawback is the wait. If you need cash today, mobile deposit does not help. Once the check clears, you can withdraw cash from an ATM or visit a branch. Some banks allow you to withdraw a portion of the deposit before the full amount clears, but this varies.
Mobile deposit also has limits. Most banks cap the amount you can deposit per day—often $2,500 to $10,000—and per month. If you are depositing a very large check, you may need to visit a branch or split the deposit across multiple days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at any branch of my bank?
Yes. Any branch of your bank will cash checks drawn on your account for free. You do not need to go to the branch where you opened the account. Bring your ID and the check.
Will a bank cash a check if I don't have an account there?
Most banks will cash checks drawn on their own accounts for non-customers, though some charge a fee of $5 to $10 or refuse entirely. Call the bank first to ask their policy. Check-cashing services and retailers are more reliable alternatives.
How much does it cost to cash a check at a check-cashing service?
Fees typically range from 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. A $500 check might cost $5 to $15. Fees vary by location and by the type of check, so ask before you hand over the check.
What if the check is post-dated?
A post-dated check is dated for a future date. Most banks and check-cashing services will not cash or deposit it until that date arrives. If you try to cash it early, they will refuse. Wait until the date on the check.
Can I deposit a check using my phone instead of going to the bank?
Yes, if your bank offers mobile deposit. You photograph the front and back of the check using the bank's app and submit it. The funds usually appear in your account within one to three business days. There is no fee, but there are daily and monthly limits on how much you can deposit.