You can cash a check at the issuing bank, a check-cashing store, or a retailer—but each route has different costs and requirements
If you don't have a bank account, you have three main ways to turn a check into cash: go to the bank that issued the check, use a dedicated check-cashing business, or cash it at certain retailers. The issuing bank is usually free but requires you to show ID and may take longer if you're not a customer. Check-cashing stores and retailers charge a fee—typically 1 to 5 percent of the check amount—but are faster and don't require a bank account. The trade-off is always between speed, cost, and convenience.
Key Takeaways
- The issuing bank will cash your check for free if you have a valid ID, even without an account, though some banks may refuse non-customers.
- Check-cashing stores charge a percentage fee (usually 1 to 5 percent) but operate longer hours and faster than banks.
- Retailers like Walmart, grocery stores, and pharmacies cash checks for a flat fee, often $3 to $5, and are open on weekends and evenings.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID for any check-cashing method, and the check must be made out to you or be endorsed by the payee.
- Postdated checks, two-party checks, and checks with alterations are harder or impossible to cash at most locations.
Cashing a check at the issuing bank
The bank that issued the check—the one printed in the bottom left corner—will usually cash it for free if you show a valid ID. This is the cheapest option. You walk in, hand over the check and your ID, and walk out with cash. No account needed.
The catch is that some banks have tightened their policies and now refuse to cash checks for non-customers, or they impose a fee of $5 to $10. Call ahead or check the bank's website before you go. If the bank is far away or you're in a hurry, this option may not be practical. Also, banks close in the evening and on weekends, so timing matters.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
A dedicated check-cashing business will cash almost any check on the spot, no account required. These stores are designed for exactly this purpose. They typically charge between 1 and 5 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $25. The exact fee depends on the store, the type of check, and your state's regulations—some states cap the fee, others don't.
The advantage is speed and hours. Check-cashing stores often stay open until 7 or 8 p.m. and some are open on Saturdays. You'll need a valid ID and the check must be made out to you. If you're cashing a two-party check (made out to you and someone else), the other person usually has to be present and sign it. Bring your ID and the check, and you'll have cash in minutes.
Cashing checks at retailers
Many large retailers will cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $5, regardless of the check amount. Walmart, Target, grocery store chains, and some pharmacies offer this service. The fee is often lower than a check-cashing store's percentage, especially on larger checks. A $500 check costs $5 at Walmart instead of $25 at a check-cashing store.
Retailers are also convenient: they're open late, often on Sundays, and you may already be shopping there. You'll need a valid ID and the check must be made out to you. Some retailers have limits on the check amount—Walmart, for example, typically caps it at $5,000—so verify before you go. Two-party checks are usually not accepted at retailers.
What ID you need and what checks won't work
Any check-cashing location will ask for a valid government-issued ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you don't have one, you won't be able to cash the check anywhere. Getting a state ID takes time and costs money, so this is a real barrier if your ID has expired or been lost.
Some checks are impossible or very hard to cash without a bank account. A postdated check—one dated in the future—won't be cashed before that date by any legitimate business. A two-party check (made out to you and someone else) requires both payees to be present at a check-cashing store, and retailers usually won't touch them. A check with visible alterations, corrections, or damage may be refused. If the check is old (more than six months), banks may refuse it, though check-cashing stores are sometimes more flexible.
Comparing cost and speed across your options
| Method | Cost | Speed | Hours | ID Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free (usually) | 5–15 minutes | Business hours only | Valid government ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–5% of check | 5–10 minutes | Often until 7–8 p.m. | Valid government ID |
| Retailer (Walmart, grocery) | $3–$5 flat fee | 5–10 minutes | Often open late/weekends | Valid government ID |
For a small check under $100, a retailer's flat fee is usually the best deal. For a large check over $500, the issuing bank is free if they'll cash it, and a check-cashing store's percentage fee becomes expensive. If you need cash outside business hours, a retailer or check-cashing store is your only option.
Why opening a bank account might be worth considering
If you cash checks regularly, the fees add up. A $500 check cashed at a check-cashing store costs $25 each time. Over a year, if you cash four checks, that's $100 in fees. Many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance, so the cost is zero. You'd also have access to direct deposit, which is faster and cheaper than cashing checks.
Some people avoid bank accounts because of past problems—overdraft fees, debt collection, or distrust of banks. Those are real concerns. But if you're cashing checks regularly, the math often favors an account. Look for a bank or credit union that advertises no overdraft fees or offers an account designed for people rebuilding credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
Only if that person endorses it by signing the back. Even then, most retailers won't accept it. Check-cashing stores may cash a two-party check if both payees are present with ID, but they often charge extra. Banks rarely accept them. Your safest bet is to ask the original payee to cash it themselves or deposit it into their account and transfer you the money.
What if the bank that issued the check refuses to cash it?
Go to a check-cashing store or retailer instead. You'll pay a fee, but they're more flexible than banks about non-customer check cashing. If the check is legitimate and you have ID, one of these options will work.
How old can a check be and still be cashed?
Banks typically won't cash checks older than six months, though the check itself doesn't expire legally. Check-cashing stores are sometimes more lenient. If your check is old, call the issuer and ask them to issue a new one. The original check may still be valid, but you'll have better luck with a fresh one.
Do I need to endorse the back of the check?
Yes. Sign the back of the check where it says "Endorse here." Some places will ask you to sign in front of them so they can verify your signature matches your ID. Don't sign it until you're at the location where you're cashing it.
What if I don't have a valid ID?
You won't be able to cash a check anywhere without one. You'll need to get a state ID or passport first. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or your local passport office to start that process.