You can cash a check at the issuing bank, a check-cashing store, or a retailer, even without your own account
If you don't have a bank account, you still have several ways to turn a check into cash. The fastest and cheapest option is usually to go to the bank that issued the check — the one printed on the front. That bank will cash it for you at the teller window, often for free or for a small fee if you're not a customer. Other options include check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and some retailers, though these typically charge a percentage of the check amount.
The method you choose depends on which option is near you, how much the check is for, and how quickly you need the cash. Some places have restrictions on check size or require identification. Understanding your choices helps you pick the one that costs you the least and takes the least time.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check will usually cash it for free or a small fee, even if you don't have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount, typically 1 to 3 percent, and are open longer hours than banks.
- Grocery stores, Walmart, and some pharmacies cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6, which may be cheaper than a percentage-based fee for larger checks.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID at any location, and some places may ask additional questions about the check.
- Mobile check deposit through a bank app or mailing a check to a bank are options if you want to deposit rather than cash it when ready.
Cashing a check at the issuing bank
The bank whose name appears on the check — printed in the top left corner — is legally required to cash it for you. This is the most straightforward route and usually costs nothing. Walk into any branch of that bank during business hours, bring the check and a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), and ask a teller to cash it.
The teller will verify the check is real, confirm your identity, and hand you cash. The whole process takes 5 to 10 minutes. If the check is very large — typically over $5,000 — the bank may ask you to wait while they verify funds, which can add time. Some banks also ask questions about why you're cashing the check or who gave it to you, especially for checks over a certain amount. This is normal and required by federal law.
The main drawback is that you need to go during bank hours, which are usually Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited Saturday hours at some branches. If you need cash outside those hours, you'll need a different option.
Check-cashing stores and their costs
Check-cashing stores are businesses that specialize in cashing checks for people without bank accounts. They're open longer than banks — often until 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays — and some are open Sundays. You bring the check and your ID, and they give you cash minus their fee.
The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount, ranging from 1 to 3 percent. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. On a $1,000 check, it's $10 to $30. Some stores charge a flat fee instead, like $5 per check, which is better for small checks but worse for large ones. The fee varies by store and by state — some states cap how much check-cashing stores can charge, while others don't.
Check-cashing stores are convenient for timing, but the cost adds up if you cash checks regularly. Before you go, call ahead or check their website to ask what they charge. You'll need a valid ID, and some stores may refuse checks that are post-dated (dated in the future) or that are very old (more than 6 months old).
Retail stores and grocery stores
Many grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and some pharmacies will cash checks at the customer service desk. The fee is usually a flat amount — $3 to $6 per check — rather than a percentage. This makes them cheaper than check-cashing stores for larger checks. A $500 check costs you $5 at Walmart instead of $5 to $15 at a check-cashing store.
The catch is that most retailers have a limit on how large a check they'll cash, often $1,000 or $2,000. They also usually only cash payroll checks, government checks, and checks from other businesses — not personal checks from individuals. Call the store first to confirm they cash checks and what their limits and rules are.
Hours are longer than banks, and you can cash a check while you're shopping. You'll need your ID, and the process is quick — usually under 5 minutes.
What you need to bring and what can go wrong
At any location, bring a valid government-issued ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. Some places may ask for a second form of ID or a phone number, especially for large checks. Without ID, no one will cash the check.
The check itself must be made out to you — your name must match the name on your ID. If the check is made out to someone else, you cannot cash it. If your name on the check is slightly different from your ID (like "Robert" on the check and "Bob" on your license), some places will still cash it, but others won't. Ask first.
The check must not be post-dated (dated in the future). If it is, most places will refuse it. The check also should not be more than 6 months old — banks and stores may refuse older checks. If the check is damaged, torn, or hard to read, some places may refuse it.
Alternatives if you can't cash it when ready
If you don't have time to go to a bank or store, or if you prefer not to carry large amounts of cash, you have other options. Many banks offer mobile check deposit through their app — you photograph the front and back of the check and submit it through your phone. The funds appear in an account within 1 to 3 business days. You don't need to be a customer of that bank; some banks accept mobile deposits from anyone.
You can also mail a check to a bank. Write your account number on the back (if you have an account) or include a note with your contact information. Mail it to the bank's address, and they'll deposit it. This takes 5 to 10 business days.
If you have a trusted friend or family member with a bank account, they can deposit the check into their account and give you the cash, though this requires trust and may have tax or legal implications depending on the amount and your relationship.
Comparing your options by cost and time
| Option | Cost | Time to get cash | Hours available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free or small fee | 5–10 minutes | Bank hours (usually 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays) |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check amount | 5–10 minutes | Extended hours (often until 8–9 p.m., some Sundays) |
| Retail store or grocery | $3–$6 flat fee | 5–10 minutes | Store hours (often 7 a.m.–10 p.m.) |
| Mobile check deposit | Free | 1–3 business days | Anytime (submit via app) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
No. The check must be made out to you, and your name must match your ID. If someone else's name is on the check, they are the only person who can cash it. They can endorse it to you by signing the back, but most banks and stores won't accept that.
What if the check is post-dated?
A post-dated check is dated in the future. Banks and check-cashing stores will not cash it before that date. You must wait until the date on the check arrives, then return to cash it. Some places may refuse it even after the date passes if it's very old.
Do I need a bank account to use mobile check deposit?
Most banks require you to have an account with them to use mobile deposit. However, some banks and fintech companies offer mobile deposit to non-customers for a small fee. Check with banks in your area to see if any offer this service.
What's the cheapest way to cash a large check?
For a check over $500, the issuing bank is cheapest because it's usually free. If that's not an option, a retail store with a flat fee is typically cheaper than a check-cashing store's percentage fee. For example, a $1,000 check costs $5 at Walmart but $10–$30 at a check-cashing store.
Can I cash a check if it's torn or damaged?
It depends. If the damage makes the check hard to read or verify, most places will refuse it. If it's only slightly damaged and all the information is clear, some places will cash it. Your best option is to contact the person or business who issued the check and ask for a replacement.