The basic steps for cashing a check at the bank

To cash a check at your bank, you sign the back of the check, bring it to a teller with a valid ID, and the teller gives 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 drawn on other banks, though some charge a fee if you are not a customer.

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. If it is made out to multiple people with "and" between the names, both people usually need to be present and sign it. If it says "or," either person can cash it alone.

The check must not be post-dated (dated in the future) or stale-dated (more than six months old). Banks are not required to cash checks outside those windows, though some will. If the check is damaged, torn, or the writing is unclear, the bank may refuse it or ask the person who wrote it to issue a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign the back of the check in the designated area, usually marked "Endorse here," before you hand it to the teller.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — to verify your identity.
  • If the check is made out to two people with "and" between the names, both people must be present and sign it.
  • Most banks charge a fee to cash a check if you do not have an account there, typically between $5 and $15.
  • Checks dated more than six months in the past or any date in the future may be refused by the bank.

What you need to bring to the bank

Bring the check itself and a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. Some banks may ask for a second form of ID if the check is large or if you are unfamiliar to them, but one ID is the standard requirement.

If you have an account at the bank, bring your debit card or account number. This speeds up the process because the teller can verify you when ready. If you do not have an account, the teller will look up your ID in the system to check for any fraud flags or previous issues.

Do not sign the back of the check before you arrive at the bank. Sign it in front of the teller. This is a security measure — if the check is lost or stolen before you sign it, someone else cannot cash it in your name.

How to endorse the check correctly

The back of the check has a space marked "Endorse here" or similar language, usually near the top. Sign your name in that space exactly as it appears on the front of the check. If your name on the check is "Sarah Johnson" but your ID says "Sarah M. Johnson," sign it as "Sarah Johnson" to match the front, then write your full legal name below it.

Do not write anything else in the endorsement area — no account numbers, no instructions, no extra marks. Some people write "For deposit only" if they are depositing rather than cashing, but for a cash transaction, your signature alone is sufficient.

If the check is made out to two people, both people must sign on the back. The order does not matter, but both signatures must be present before the bank will cash it.

Timing and when the cash is available

When you cash a check at your bank in person, you receive the cash when ready. There is no waiting period. The teller counts out the money, you verify the amount, and you leave with it.

If you are cashing a check at a bank where you do not have an account, the process is the same — when ready cash — but the bank may place a hold on the funds in their system for a day or two while they verify the check with the bank that issued it. This does not affect you as a non-customer; you still get the cash right away. The hold is internal to the bank's accounting.

Large checks — typically over $5,000 — may trigger additional verification. The teller may need to call the issuing bank to confirm the funds are available before handing over the cash. This can add 15 to 30 minutes to the transaction.

Fees for cashing checks as a non-customer

If you do not have an account at the bank, expect a fee. Most banks charge between $5 and $15 to cash a check for a non-customer. Some banks charge a percentage of the check amount instead — typically 1 to 2 percent — which means a larger check costs more to cash.

Banks that are part of the same network sometimes waive fees for each other's customers. For example, some credit unions participate in shared branching networks where you can cash a check at any participating credit union without a fee, even if you bank elsewhere in the network. Ask your bank whether it has such agreements.

If you have an account at the bank, cashing a check is free. This is one reason people open accounts even if they do not plan to use them regularly — the ability to cash checks without fees can save money over time.

What happens if the check bounces

If you cash a check and the account it was drawn on does not have enough money to cover it, the check bounces. The bank will attempt to recover the cash from you. If you have an account at that bank, they will deduct the amount from your account. If you do not have an account, the bank will contact you to demand repayment.

The person who wrote the check is responsible for the bounced check, not you. However, you are responsible for returning the money to the bank. If you do not, the bank may pursue collection or report it to a check verification system that other banks use to flag risky customers.

Bounced checks are rare in modern banking because most checks are verified before they are cashed, especially at larger banks. Still, it is possible, and you should be aware that cashing a check means you are accepting the risk that it might not clear.

Alternatives to cashing checks at the bank

You can also deposit a check into your account instead of cashing it. Depositing is free at your own bank and takes a few minutes. The funds may not be available when ready — banks typically hold deposited checks for one to two business days — but you avoid the fee for cashing.

Some retailers, including grocery stores and pharmacies, will cash checks for customers. The fees and limits vary by store. Walmart, for example, cashes checks up to a certain amount for a flat fee. These services are useful if you do not have a bank nearby, but the fees are often higher than a bank would charge.

Mobile check deposit, available through most banks' apps, lets you photograph a check and deposit it without visiting a branch. You still cannot cash a check this way — the funds go into your account — but it is faster and more convenient than a trip to the bank.

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, but they charge a fee, usually $5 to $15. Some banks refuse to cash checks for non-customers entirely, so call ahead if you are unsure. Credit unions are often more flexible and may cash checks for non-members at no charge.

What if the check is made out to my business, not my personal name?

You cannot cash a business check using your personal ID. The check must be deposited into a business account in the business's name. If you are the owner, you will need to open a business account and bring the check to that bank with your business documentation.

Can someone else cash a check that is made out to me?

Not without your signature. If you sign the back of the check and write "Pay to the order of [other person's name]," that person can cash it. This is called a third-party check, and many banks refuse to accept them due to fraud risk. It is safer to cash the check yourself and give the person cash.

What if I lost the check or it was damaged?

Contact the person or organization that issued the check and ask them to issue a replacement. They will need to void the original check in their system. This usually takes a few days. Do not attempt to tape a damaged check together — banks will not accept it.

Do I need to tell the bank why I am cashing a check?

No. The teller will not ask. If the check is very large — over $10,000 — the bank is required by law to file a report with the government, but this does not affect your ability to cash it or require any explanation from you.