You can cash a check at your own bank for free, but most other banks will charge you a fee—and some will refuse entirely.
Your own bank will always cash your check at no cost, whether you have an account there or not. Any other bank's teller window is optional for them. Most large banks charge non-customers $5 to $10 per check. Some regional and community banks will cash checks for free if the check is drawn on their bank. Credit unions often have reciprocal agreements with other credit unions, meaning you can cash a check at a partner location without a fee. A few banks—notably some online-only banks—have no physical branches and cannot cash checks in person at all.
The fastest way to avoid fees is to deposit the check into your own account instead of cashing it. If you need the money when ready and your bank is closed, you have other options: grocery stores, check-cashing services, and some retailers will cash checks for a fee, usually lower than a bank's fee.
Key Takeaways
- Your own bank cashes checks for free, regardless of whether you have an account there.
- Other banks typically charge $5 to $10 per check to cash a check drawn on a different bank.
- Credit unions may cash checks for free at partner locations if your credit union has a reciprocal agreement.
- Grocery stores and check-cashing services often charge less than banks but more than depositing into your account.
- Depositing the check instead of cashing it is always free and usually the fastest option if you can wait one business day.
How banks decide whether to cash a check from another bank
A bank's decision to cash a check depends on three things: whether the check is drawn on their bank, whether you are a customer, and their internal policy. If the check is drawn on that bank—meaning the routing number on the check belongs to them—most banks will cash it for free even if you have no account there. This is because they can verify the funds when ready and the transaction is low-risk.
If the check is drawn on a different bank, the teller must send it through the clearing system, which takes time and costs the bank money. That is why they charge a fee. Some banks waive the fee for their own customers. A few banks—usually smaller ones—will not cash checks drawn on other banks at all, regardless of who you are.
Online banks and some newer fintech banks have no physical branches, so they cannot cash checks in person. If you bank with them, you will need to deposit checks by mail or mobile app instead.
What to do if your bank is closed or you need cash when ready
If your bank is closed and you need the money today, a grocery store or pharmacy is often your fastest option. Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and Target all cash checks at their customer service desks for a flat fee—usually $3 to $5 per check, lower than most banks. You will need a valid ID. Some grocery stores limit the amount they will cash per check or per day.
Check-cashing services are another option, though their fees are higher—typically $5 to $15 depending on the check amount. They are more common in urban areas and near transit hubs. Pawn shops and some payday lenders also cash checks, but their fees can be steep and they may ask for additional ID or information.
If the check is large or you are unsure whether a retailer will accept it, call ahead. Most grocery stores will tell you their fee and any limits over the phone.
Credit union check-cashing networks and reciprocal agreements
If you belong to a credit union, you may be able to cash checks for free at other credit unions through a shared branching network. The largest network is CO-OP, which connects thousands of credit unions nationwide. Alliant Credit Union, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, and many regional credit unions participate. Check your credit union's website or call to confirm whether they are part of CO-OP or another network.
To use shared branching, you will need your credit union member card and a valid ID. The process is the same as visiting your own branch. Not all credit unions participate, and not all checks can be cashed through shared branching—some networks limit the service to members only or to checks drawn on participating institutions.
Fees and limits at major banks
| Bank | Fee for non-customers | Fee for customers | Checks drawn on other banks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of America | $6 | Free | Yes, for a fee |
| Chase | $6 | Free | Yes, for a fee |
| Wells Fargo | $6 | Free | Yes, for a fee |
| Citibank | $6 | Free | Yes, for a fee |
| US Bank | $5 | Free | Yes, for a fee |
| Ally Bank | N/A | N/A | No physical branches |
Fees vary by bank and can change. Call your bank or visit their website to confirm current rates before you go to the teller window. Some banks waive fees for certain account types—for example, premium checking accounts or accounts with high balances. Ask the teller whether you may have access to.
Why depositing is usually better than cashing
If you have a bank account and can wait one business day, depositing the check is always free and often faster than cashing it. You can deposit checks through a mobile app, ATM, or teller window. Mobile deposit—taking a photo of the front and back of the check with your phone—is available at most banks and takes seconds. The funds typically appear in your account within one business day.
Cashing a check means you walk out with physical cash, which you then have to manage. Depositing means the money is in your account, protected by your bank, and available for online transfers or debit card use. If you lose cash, it is gone. If you lose a deposited check, your bank can trace it.
What happens if the check bounces or is fraudulent
If you cash a check and it bounces—meaning the account it was drawn on has insufficient funds—the bank that cashed it will deduct the amount from your account if you are a customer. If you are not a customer, the bank that cashed it absorbs the loss, which is why they charge a fee upfront. You are not responsible for a bounced check you cashed at a non-customer location, but you will not get the money back either.
If you deposit a check and it bounces, your bank will reverse the deposit and may charge you a returned-check fee, usually $10 to $25. This is why banks hold large checks for several business days—to verify the funds are actually there before releasing them to you.
If a check is fraudulent, the bank that issued it will investigate and may reverse the payment. If you have already spent the money, you may be responsible for repaying it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank where I don't have an account?
Yes, but most banks will charge you $5 to $10. If the check is drawn on that bank, they may cash it for free. Call ahead to confirm their policy and fee.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a check made out to someone else unless they sign the back and you sign below their signature. This is called a third-party check, and many banks no longer accept them due to fraud risk. Ask the bank first.
Can I cash a check without a bank account?
Yes. Grocery stores, check-cashing services, and some retailers will cash checks if you show a valid ID. Fees are usually $3 to $10 depending on the amount. Your own bank will also cash checks for non-customers at no charge.
How long does it take to cash a check?
At a teller window, cashing takes five to ten minutes. If you deposit by mobile app, the check is submitted when ready, but the funds may not appear for one business day. Checks cashed at grocery stores usually process when ready.
What if I lost the check?
Contact the person who wrote it and ask them to stop payment on the original check and issue a replacement. They will need to contact their bank. This usually takes a few business days.