You can cash a check at your own bank for free, but cashing at a bank where you don't have an account usually costs money or isn't possible
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, you can walk in and cash a check drawn on any bank — yours or someone else's. The teller will verify the check and give you cash. There's no fee for this if it's your bank.
If you don't have an account at that bank, the situation changes. Some banks will cash checks for non-customers, but many charge a fee (usually $5 to $10), and some refuse entirely. A few banks have policies that let non-customers cash checks drawn on their own bank for free, but this is becoming less common.
The easiest path if you don't have a bank account is to use a check-cashing store, the store where you shop, or your employer's payroll service — each has different costs and rules.
Key Takeaways
- Your own bank will cash any check for free, whether it's drawn on your bank or another one.
- Banks that aren't yours may charge $5 to $10 to cash a check, or they may refuse to do it at all.
- Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and Walmart often cash checks for non-customers, but charge a percentage of the check amount.
- If the check is from your employer, you can ask payroll to deposit it directly to a prepaid card or mobile wallet instead of getting a paper check.
Cashing a check at your own bank
Bring the check and a form of ID — usually a driver's license or state ID card. The teller will look at the check to make sure it's signed, the amount is written clearly, and the date is current (not post-dated or very old). Then they'll ask how you want the cash — in what bills and coins.
This works the same way whether the check is drawn on your bank or a different one. Your bank handles the verification either way. There is no fee for account holders.
If you have a savings account but no checking account, you can still cash a check at your bank. The account type doesn't matter — what matters is that you have an account there.
Cashing a check at a bank where you don't have an account
Call the bank first. Ask whether they cash checks for non-customers and what the fee is. You'll need to know which bank the check is drawn on — that's printed at the bottom of the check.
Some banks will cash checks drawn on their own bank for free or a small fee, even if you don't have an account. Other banks refuse non-customers entirely. A few large banks (like Bank of America and Wells Fargo) have had policies allowing this, but these policies change, so calling ahead saves a wasted trip.
If you do go in, bring the check and a government-issued ID. The teller will verify the check the same way they would for an account holder, but they'll also charge you a fee before handing over the cash.
Check-cashing stores and retail locations
Check-cashing stores exist specifically to cash checks for people without bank accounts. They're usually located in neighborhoods with fewer bank branches. You bring the check and an ID, and they cash it on the spot — but they charge a percentage of the check amount, typically 1% to 3%. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15.
Walmart, grocery stores, and some pharmacies also cash checks. Walmart's fee is usually lower than dedicated check-cashing stores — often around $3 for checks under $1,000. You need to go to the customer service desk, not the regular checkout. Bring the check and an ID.
These places are faster than banks (no waiting for verification to clear) but more expensive. Use them when you need cash the same day and don't have a bank account or don't want to pay a bank's non-customer fee.
What happens if the check bounces
If you cash a check and it later bounces — meaning the account it was drawn on didn't have enough money — the bank or store that cashed it will take the money back from you. This is why they verify the check before handing over cash.
At your own bank, they'll reverse the deposit and may charge you a fee (usually $10 to $35) for the bounced check. At a check-cashing store, they'll demand the money back, and if you don't have it, they may send it to a collection agency.
To protect yourself: only cash checks from people or organizations you trust. If you're unsure whether the check is good, ask the person who gave it to you to wait a few days while you deposit it to your account instead of cashing it when ready.
Alternatives to cashing checks
If you have a bank account, deposit the check instead of cashing it. You can do this at an ATM (if your bank has mobile check deposit), through your bank's app, or by mailing it to the bank. This is free and safer than carrying large amounts of cash.
If you're paid by check from an employer, ask your payroll department about direct deposit. They can send your pay directly to a bank account, prepaid card, or mobile wallet like PayPal or Cash App. This eliminates the check entirely.
If you don't have a bank account and need one, many banks and credit unions offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee. Opening one takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs nothing. Once you have an account, you can deposit checks for free and avoid check-cashing fees forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a different bank branch of the same bank?
Yes. If you have an account at Bank X, you can go to any Bank X branch and cash a check. Bring your ID. There's no fee.
Do I need the person who wrote the check to be present when I cash it?
No. The check itself is the authorization. You just need the check, your ID, and an account at the bank (or you pay a non-customer fee). The person who wrote it doesn't need to be there.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
You can't cash it. The check must be made out to you or to you and someone else. If it's made out to someone else, they have to cash it or sign it over to you (called a third-party check), and most banks no longer accept third-party checks.
How long does it take to cash a check?
At your own bank or a check-cashing store, usually 5 to 10 minutes. At a bank where you don't have an account, it may take longer because they verify more carefully. Call ahead to ask.
Can I cash a check online?
No. You must cash a check in person at a bank, store, or check-cashing location. You can deposit a check online through your bank's app, but that's different — the money goes into your account, not into your hand as cash.