Your main options for cashing a check
You can cash a check at the bank or credit union that issued it, at a check-cashing store, at some retail locations, or by signing it over to someone else who has an account. The bank that issued the check — the one printed on the front — will cash it for free if you go in person with a valid ID, even if you don't have an account there. Check-cashing stores and retailers charge a fee, usually between 1 and 5 percent of the check amount, but they're open longer hours and don't require membership.
The method you choose depends on which option is available to you, how quickly you need the money, and whether you want to avoid fees. A $100 check cashed at a check-cashing store might cost you $2 to $5. The same check cashed at the issuing bank costs nothing.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check will cash it for free if you bring a valid ID and go in person, regardless of whether you have an account.
- Check-cashing stores charge a percentage fee (typically 1 to 5 percent) but are often open evenings and weekends when banks are closed.
- Retail locations like Walmart, Target, and grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6, and may have shorter wait times than dedicated check-cashing stores.
- You can sign a check over to someone else with a bank account, but the person receiving it must endorse it and deposit it themselves — the bank won't give them cash.
- Mobile deposit through a bank's app lets you deposit a check without visiting a branch, but you need a bank account to use it.
Cashing at the issuing bank for free
Walk into any branch of the bank or credit union whose name appears on the check. Bring the check and a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Tell the teller you want to cash the check. They will verify the check is real, confirm you are the person named on it, and give you cash. This takes about five minutes and costs nothing.
You do not need to have an account at that bank. The issuing bank is responsible for honoring the check, so they will cash it for anyone who can prove their identity. If the check is damaged, post-dated (dated in the future), or older than six months, the bank may refuse it — but that's a check problem, not an account problem.
The main limitation is location and hours. If the bank that issued the check has no branch near you, or if you need cash outside business hours, this option won't work.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
A dedicated check-cashing store will cash your check for a fee. The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount — often 1 to 3 percent for a regular paycheck, sometimes higher for personal checks or two-party checks. On a $500 paycheck, you might pay $5 to $15. On a $100 personal check, you might pay $2 to $5.
You'll need a valid ID and sometimes a second form of ID. The process is faster than a bank visit — usually 10 to 15 minutes — and many check-cashing stores are open evenings and weekends. Some are open on Sundays when banks are closed.
The downside is the fee. If you cash checks regularly, those fees add up. A paycheck cashed twice a month at 2 percent costs you about $240 a year on a $500 biweekly paycheck. Check-cashing stores also vary widely in reputation and security, so use one in a location you trust.
Retail locations that cash checks
Walmart, Target, grocery store chains, and some pharmacies cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6 per check. This is often cheaper than a percentage-based fee if you're cashing a large check, but more expensive if the check is small. A $50 check costs $3 to $6 at a retailer but only $1 to $2 at a check-cashing store.
Bring your check and a valid ID to the customer service desk. The retailer will verify the check and give you cash. Hours are usually longer than a bank's — many are open until 10 or 11 p.m. and on weekends — and the wait is often shorter than at a dedicated check-cashing store.
Not all retailers cash all types of checks. Some will only cash payroll checks or government checks, not personal checks. Call ahead or ask at the desk before you wait in line.
Signing a check over to someone else
You can sign the back of a check and give it to someone else, and they can deposit it into their bank account. This is called a third-party check or two-party check. You sign the back, they sign below your signature, and they take it to their bank to deposit.
The person receiving the check must have a bank account — the bank will not give them cash for a check signed over to them. They can only deposit it. Some banks have stopped accepting third-party checks altogether because of fraud risk, so this method is less reliable than it once was. Call the other person's bank first to confirm they accept them.
This option works if you trust the person and they have a bank account, but it doesn't solve your when ready cash problem — they have to deposit it, and the deposit takes one to three business days to clear.
What to bring and what can go wrong
You will need a valid government-issued ID for any method: a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Some check-cashing stores ask for a second form of ID, like a utility bill or lease agreement with your name and address on it.
Checks that are post-dated (dated in the future), stale-dated (more than six months old), damaged, or missing a signature will be refused. If the check amount doesn't match the written-out amount on the check, it will be refused. If your ID name doesn't match the name on the check, it will be refused.
If the check bounces — meaning the account it was drawn on has insufficient funds — the bank will take the money back from whoever cashed it. If you cashed it at the issuing bank, they reverse the transaction. If you cashed it at a check-cashing store or retailer, they may charge you a fee on top of taking back the cash, and they may refuse to cash checks from you in the future.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Cost | Time to cash | Hours | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | 5 minutes | Business hours only | Valid ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–5% of check amount | 10–15 minutes | Evenings and weekends | Valid ID, sometimes second ID |
| Retail location | $3–$6 flat fee | 10–20 minutes | Extended hours, weekends | Valid ID |
| Sign over to someone else | Free | 1–3 business days | Depends on their bank | Valid ID, their bank account |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank I don't have an account with?
Yes, if it's the bank that issued the check. The bank printed on the front of the check is responsible for honoring it, so they will cash it for anyone with a valid ID. Banks that did not issue the check may refuse to cash it or charge you a fee.
What if the check is made out to two people?
Both people named on the check must be present with valid ID to cash it. Some check-cashing stores and retailers will not cash two-party checks at all. Call ahead to confirm before you go.
How long does a cashed check take to clear?
When you cash a check in person for cash, it clears when ready — you walk out with the money. The issuing bank processes it later, but you have the cash right away. If the check bounces, the bank will contact whoever cashed it.
Can I cash a check if my ID name doesn't match the check?
No. The name on your ID must match the name on the check. If you've recently married, divorced, or changed your name, you'll need an updated ID. Some banks may accept a court order or marriage certificate as proof of the name change, but this varies.
What happens if I cash a check that bounces?
The bank or check-cashing store will take the money back from you. If you cashed it at a check-cashing store or retailer, they may also charge you a returned-check fee, usually $10 to $25. They may refuse to cash checks from you in the future.