The basic steps to cash a check
To cash a check at your bank, you sign the back of the check, bring it and a photo ID to a teller, and they give you cash. The whole process takes a few minutes. You do not need to have an account at that bank — most banks will cash checks for non-customers, though some charge a fee for this service.
The check must be made out to you (or to you and someone else). If it is made out to someone else entirely, you cannot cash it, even if they sign it over to you. The check also needs to be from a real bank and not post-dated — meaning it should not have a future date written on it.
If you do have an account at the bank, cashing a check is free and you can deposit it into your account instead of taking cash, which is often safer and leaves a record of the money.
Key Takeaways
- Sign the back of the check, bring it with a photo ID to a bank teller, and you will receive cash within minutes.
- Most banks cash checks for non-customers but may charge a fee, usually between $5 and $15 depending on the bank.
- The check must be made out to you by name — you cannot cash a check made out to someone else, even if they sign it.
- If you have an account at the bank, cashing or depositing a check is free and creates a record of the transaction.
- Post-dated checks (with a future date) cannot be cashed until that date arrives.
What you need to bring
Bring the check itself and a photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The teller will look at your ID to confirm your name matches the name on the check.
If you are cashing a check made out to two people (for example, "John Smith and Jane Doe"), both people usually need to be present with their IDs. Some banks allow one person to cash it if the other person has already signed it, but this varies by bank, so call ahead if you are in this situation.
Where to cash a check
You can cash a check at the bank that issued it — the bank name is printed on the check itself. You can also cash it at most other banks, though they may charge you a fee if you do not have an account there.
Some credit unions also cash checks for non-members, and some grocery stores and check-cashing businesses offer this service as well. Credit unions are often cheaper than check-cashing stores. If you are looking for the lowest cost, call a few places in your area and ask their fee before you go.
Cashing a check at the bank that issued it is usually free, even if you do not have an account there. This is because the issuing bank can verify the check when ready and knows the account has the money.
Fees for non-customers
If you do not have an account at the bank, they may charge you a fee to cash the check. This fee is not required by law — it is the bank's choice. Fees range widely depending on the bank and the size of the check, but typically fall between $5 and $15.
The bank that issued the check (the one printed on the front) usually does not charge a fee to non-customers. Banks that did not issue the check sometimes do. Before you go, you can call the bank and ask whether they charge non-customers to cash checks.
What happens if the check bounces
A check bounces when the person who wrote it does not have enough money in their account to cover it. If you cash a check and it bounces a few days later, the bank will take the money back out of your account (if you deposited it) or may ask you to return the cash.
This is why banks sometimes hold checks for a few days before giving you the money — they are waiting to confirm the check will not bounce. If you cash a check in person at the teller window, you usually get the money right away, but the bank can still take it back later if the check bounces.
If a check bounces and you already spent the money, you may owe the bank the amount of the check plus a fee. To avoid this, only cash checks from people you trust, and ask the person who wrote it if you are unsure whether the money is there.
Cashing a check without a bank account
You do not need a bank account to cash a check. You can walk into any bank with the check and your ID, and they will cash it (though they may charge a fee). You can also use a check-cashing business, though these usually charge higher fees than banks do.
If you cash checks regularly and do not have a bank account, opening one might save you money in the long run. Many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance, which means you could deposit checks for free instead of paying a fee each time.
Signing the back of the check
The back of the check has a blank line or box labeled "Endorse here" or something similar. Sign your name on that line, exactly as it appears on the front of the check. If your name on the check is "John Michael Smith" but you usually go by "John Smith," sign it as "John Michael Smith" to match.
Do not sign the back of a check until you are at the bank, ready to cash or deposit it. Once you sign it, anyone who has the check can cash it. If you lose a signed check, someone else could take it to a bank and cash it in your name.
Some banks also ask you to write your phone number or driver's license number on the back of the check. The teller will tell you if they need this information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank where I do not have an account?
Yes. Most banks will cash checks for non-customers, though they may charge a fee. The bank that issued the check (printed on the front) usually cashes it for free. Other banks may charge $5 to $15 or more, depending on the bank and check amount.
What if the check is made out to my business, not my personal name?
You will need to bring a business ID or business license along with your personal ID. Some banks require the person whose name is on the business account to be present. Call the bank ahead of time to ask what documents they need.
How long does it take to cash a check?
At the teller window, cashing a check usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The teller checks your ID, verifies the check, and counts out the cash. If you deposit it into an account instead, it is even faster — usually just a few minutes.
Can I cash a check that is dated in the future?
No. A post-dated check (one with a future date) cannot be cashed until that date arrives. If you try to cash it early, the bank will refuse. You can deposit it early in most cases, but the bank will not give you the money until the date on the check.
What if I lost the check or it got damaged?
Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write you a new one. You can also ask them to put a stop payment on the original check so it cannot be cashed by someone else. There is no way to cash a lost or damaged check without a replacement from the person who issued it.