How to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account

Where you can cash a check right now

You can cash a check at the bank or credit union that issued it, at a check-cashing store, at some grocery stores and pharmacies, or at Walmart and similar retailers. The bank that issued the check — the one printed in the bottom left corner — will cash it for free if you have a government ID, even if you have no account there. Check-cashing stores and retailers charge a fee, usually between $2 and $10 depending on the check amount.

The fastest option is usually the issuing bank, because they can verify the check when ready and hand you cash on the spot. If you do not have an ID or the check is from a small business, a check-cashing store may be your only choice, though they will charge more.

Key Takeaways

The bank that issued the check will cash it for free with a government ID, even without an account at that bank.
Check-cashing stores charge a fee (usually $2 to $10) but do not require an account or sometimes even an ID, depending on the amount.
Walmart, grocery stores, and pharmacies offer check cashing for a fee, typically lower than dedicated check-cashing stores.
Bring your government ID and the original check; some places will not cash checks older than 180 days.

Cashing at the issuing bank for free

The bank printed on the check is required to cash it for you at no charge. Walk into any branch of that bank with your government ID and the check. You do not need an account there. Tell the teller you want to cash the check, and they will verify the funds and hand you cash.

This works for checks from employers, government agencies, insurance companies, and other businesses. It does not work if the check is damaged, post-dated (dated in the future), or more than 180 days old. If the check is from a very small business or a personal account, the bank may put a hold on the funds while they verify it, which can take a few days.

Check-cashing stores and their fees

A check-cashing store will cash almost any check for a fee. These stores exist specifically to serve people without bank accounts. The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount — for example, 2% to 3% of the total — or a flat fee, whichever is higher. On a $500 check, you might pay $5 to $15.

Check-cashing stores are useful when the issuing bank is far away, when you need cash outside banking hours, or when the check is from a personal account that a bank might question. They typically require a government ID and may ask for a second form of ID or a phone number. Some will cash checks without an ID if the amount is small enough, though this varies by location and store policy.

Retail locations that cash checks

Walmart, Target, grocery store chains, and pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens cash checks for a fee, usually lower than dedicated check-cashing stores. Walmart charges around $3 for checks under $1,000 and $6 for checks $1,000 and above. Grocery stores and pharmacies vary, but many charge $2 to $5.

The advantage is convenience — you may already be shopping there — and lower fees. The disadvantage is that these places have stricter limits on check amounts and types. Many will not cash personal checks, only payroll checks and government checks. Call ahead or ask at the customer service desk to confirm what they will cash and what the fee is.

What you need to bring

You will need the original check and a government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some check-cashing stores will accept other documents like a utility bill or lease if you do not have a photo ID, but this varies.

The check must be made out to you by name. If the check is made out to someone else, you cannot cash it. If it is made out to you and another person, both of you usually need to be present and sign the back. If the check is damaged, faded, or torn, some places will refuse it or ask you to contact the issuer for a replacement.

Checks that are hard or impossible to cash

Personal checks from individuals are the hardest to cash without a bank account. Check-cashing stores will usually take them, but banks often will not. If the check is from someone you know, ask them to write a new check or use a different payment method.

Checks older than 180 days (about six months) are considered stale and most places will refuse them. If you have an old check, contact the person or business that issued it and ask for a replacement. Checks with alterations, illegible signatures, or missing information will also be refused. If you receive a check with a problem, do not try to fix it yourself — contact the issuer and ask for a corrected check.

Building toward a bank account

If you are cashing checks regularly without an account, opening one might save you money over time. Even a basic checking account costs less in fees than check-cashing stores charge per check. Some banks and credit unions offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee.

Once you have an account, you can deposit checks by mail, at an ATM, or through a mobile app, and the money is available within one to two business days. You will also have a safer place to keep money and access to other banking tools. If you are interested in opening an account, return to the Bank Accounts section to learn about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash someone else's check if they sign the back?

Not usually. Most places require the check to be made out to you by name. If the check is made out to two people, both of you need to be present with ID. If you need to deposit a check made out to someone else, a bank account with a third-party deposit policy is your best option.

What if the check is post-dated?

A post-dated check (dated in the future) cannot be cashed until that date arrives. If you try to cash it early, the place will refuse it. Wait until the date on the check, then return to cash it. If you need the money before that date, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one with today's date.

Do I need an ID to cash a check?

Yes, almost everywhere. A government photo ID is standard. Check-cashing stores may accept other documents for very small checks, but banks and retailers will not. If you do not have an ID, you cannot cash a check at most places.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At the issuing bank, usually 5 to 10 minutes. At a check-cashing store or retailer, usually 10 to 15 minutes. If the check requires verification or if there is a line, it may take longer. Call ahead to ask about wait times during busy hours.

What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?

If the account the check was drawn from does not have enough money, the check bounces. The place that cashed it may ask you to return the cash or may pursue you for the amount. This is rare with payroll and government checks, but common with personal checks. This is one reason check-cashing stores charge fees — they are taking on the risk.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.