You can cash a check at the issuing bank, a check-cashing store, or a retailer—each route has different costs and speed
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 a retailer that offers the service. The issuing bank is usually free but requires you to go in person during business hours. Check-cashing stores and retailers charge a fee—typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount—but are often open longer and may not require ID in all cases. Which route works best depends on the check amount, how quickly you need the money, and what's near you.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check will cash it for free if you bring the check and a valid ID, though you must go in person during their hours.
- Check-cashing stores charge a percentage fee (usually 1 to 3 percent) but operate longer hours and may have fewer ID requirements than banks.
- Retailers like Walmart, Target, and grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee, often lower than dedicated check-cashing businesses.
- You will need to sign the back of the check (endorse it) and bring a valid ID to any location that cashes checks.
- Large checks, payroll checks, and government checks may have different limits or requirements depending on where you cash them.
Cashing a check at the issuing bank
The issuing bank is the one printed on the check—look at the top left corner. Walk in with the unsigned check and a valid ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). You do not need an account there. Tell the teller you want to cash the check, sign the back of it in front of them, and they will give you cash. This is free and takes about five minutes.
The catch is timing: you can only do this during the bank's business hours, which are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and sometimes Saturday mornings. If the check is from a small local bank or credit union, you may have to go to a specific branch. If you're cashing a check from a large national bank like Chase or Bank of America, any branch will do it.
Some banks will refuse to cash a check if the amount is very large (over $5,000 or $10,000, depending on the bank) or if they suspect fraud. If the check is damaged, post-dated (dated in the future), or more than six months old, most banks will not cash it.
Using a check-cashing store
Check-cashing businesses are storefronts that cash checks for a fee. They typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. They are usually open longer than banks—often until 7 or 8 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays—and some are open on Sundays.
Bring the unsigned check and a valid ID. Sign the check in front of the cashier. They will verify the check (by calling the bank or using an electronic system) and hand you cash. The whole process takes 10 to 20 minutes. Some check-cashing stores will hold a check for a few days if they need extra time to verify it, especially if the amount is large.
Check-cashing stores are most common in urban and suburban areas. If you live in a rural area, you may not have one nearby. Also, fees vary widely—call ahead or ask before you hand over the check, because some stores charge flat fees ($5 to $10) while others charge a percentage. A percentage fee is usually cheaper on small checks, but a flat fee is cheaper on large ones.
Cashing a check at a retailer
Many large retailers cash checks as a service to customers. Walmart, Target, grocery store chains like Kroger and Safeway, and some pharmacies all offer this. Fees are usually lower than check-cashing stores—often $2 to $5 flat, or 1 to 2 percent of the check amount. Hours are longer than banks, sometimes until 10 or 11 p.m.
Bring the unsigned check and a valid ID. Go to the customer service desk or the checkout. Sign the check there, and they will process it. Some retailers use the same verification system as check-cashing stores; others call the bank directly. The process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.
Retailers often have limits on the amount they will cash—typically $500 to $2,000 depending on the store. Payroll checks and government checks (like tax refunds or Social Security) may have higher limits or lower fees. Call the store ahead of time if your check is large or unusual.
What you need to bring and how to endorse the check
You will need a valid government-issued ID: a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Some places accept a military ID or tribal ID. Expired IDs are sometimes accepted, but it depends on the location—call ahead if your ID is expired.
Before you hand the check to anyone, sign the back of it. Write your signature on the line that says "Endorse here" or similar. Do not sign it before you arrive—sign it in front of the person cashing it. If the check is made out to two people (like "John and Jane Smith"), both people usually need to sign it and be present. If it says "John or Jane Smith," either one can cash it alone.
Some places will ask you to write your phone number or ID number on the back of the check as well. This is normal and helps them verify your identity.
Fees and limits across different locations
| Location | Fee | Hours | Typical Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays, some Saturdays | Varies; may refuse over $5,000–$10,000 |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% or $5–$10 flat | Until 7–8 p.m., some Sundays | Usually $5,000+ |
| Walmart | $2–$5 flat | Until 10–11 p.m. | $500–$2,000 |
| Grocery store | $2–$5 flat | Until 10–11 p.m. | $500–$2,000 |
What happens if the check bounces
If you cash a check and the issuing bank later discovers there are not enough funds in the account, the check bounces. The location that cashed it will try to recover the money from you. If you already spent the cash, you will owe them the full amount plus a fee (usually $10 to $25). Banks and retailers pursue bounced checks more aggressively than check-cashing stores, but all of them will try to collect.
To protect yourself, only cash checks from people or organizations you trust. Payroll checks and government checks almost never bounce. Personal checks from people you don't know are higher risk. If you are unsure, ask the person who gave you the check whether the funds are in the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check if it's made out to someone else?
No. A check is a legal document made out to a specific person. If it has someone else's name on it, you cannot cash it, even if they give you permission. The person whose name is on the check must cash it themselves or sign it over to you in writing (called a third-party endorsement), though most banks and retailers no longer accept third-party checks because of fraud risk.
What if I don't have a valid ID?
Most places will not cash a check without ID. Some check-cashing stores may accept alternative forms of ID like a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID. A few may accept a utility bill or lease as proof of address, but this is rare. Your best option is to get a state ID card from your local DMV, which is usually inexpensive and valid for several years.
How long does it take for a cashed check to clear?
Once you receive cash, the check is yours—the timing of when the bank actually processes it does not affect you. However, if the check bounces, you may not find out for several days. The issuing bank typically notifies the location that cashed it within one to three business days if there are insufficient funds.
Can I cash a check online without a bank account?
No. You must cash a check in person at a physical location. Some banks and check-cashing apps allow you to deposit a check by taking a photo, but you need a bank account or a prepaid card account to do this. Without an account, you must go in person to a bank, check-cashing store, or retailer.
What if the check is post-dated?
A post-dated check is one dated in the future. Most banks and retailers will not cash it until that date arrives. If you try to cash it early, they will refuse. If the check is already past its date, it may be too old—checks are generally valid for six months from the date written on them.