You can cash a cheque at the bank that issued it, at a cheque-cashing service, or sometimes at the store where you shop
If you don't have a bank account, you have three main routes to turn a cheque into cash. The fastest and cheapest is usually the bank that issued the cheque — the one printed on the front. The second is a dedicated cheque-cashing service, which charges a fee but works with any cheque. The third is a retail store, which some people use but which often costs more and has limits on the amount.
The method you choose depends on which bank issued the cheque, whether you have an ID, how much the cheque is for, and how quickly you need the money. Some routes are free; others charge between 1 and 5 percent of the cheque amount.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the cheque will cash it for free if you bring the cheque and a valid photo ID, even if you don't have an account there.
- Cheque-cashing services charge a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent) but accept cheques from any bank and have longer hours than banks.
- Some grocery stores and pharmacies will cash cheques for a fee, but usually only up to a certain amount and only if you have a store loyalty card.
- You will need a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or government-issued ID card — no matter which method you use.
- The cheque must be made out to you by name, and you must sign the back of it before cashing it.
Cashing a cheque at the issuing bank for free
The bank whose name is printed on the cheque will cash it for you at no charge, even if you have never done business with them. This is the cheapest option and usually the fastest if the bank has a branch near you.
Bring the cheque and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or government-issued ID card. Sign the back of the cheque in front of the teller. The teller will verify that the account has enough money, then give you cash. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
If the cheque is large — over $1,000 or $2,000, depending on the bank — they may ask where the money came from. Answer honestly. They are required by law to ask, not to refuse you. If the cheque is from your employer or a government program, say that. If it is a personal cheque from someone you know, say that too.
Using a cheque-cashing service
A cheque-cashing service is a business that cashes cheques for a fee. They accept cheques from any bank, stay open longer than banks (often until 9 p.m. or later, and on weekends), and usually have no minimum or maximum cheque amount.
The fee is typically 1 to 3 percent of the cheque amount. On a $500 cheque, that is $5 to $15. On a $100 cheque, it is $1 to $3. Some services charge a flat fee instead — for example, $3 per cheque no matter the size. Ask before you hand over the cheque.
Bring the cheque and a valid photo ID. Sign the back of the cheque. The teller will check that the account has funds, then give you cash. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. You can find cheque-cashing services in most neighbourhoods — search online for "cheque cashing near me" or look in strip malls and downtown areas.
Cashing a cheque at a retail store
Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers will cash cheques as a service to customers. Walmart, Costco, and many grocery chains offer this. The fee is usually lower than a cheque-cashing service — often $2 to $5 per cheque — but the limits are stricter.
Most stores will only cash cheques up to $1,000 or $1,500, and many require you to have a store loyalty card or membership. Some will only cash payroll cheques, not personal cheques. Call the store before you go to confirm they cash cheques and what their rules are.
Bring the cheque, a valid photo ID, and your store card if you have one. Sign the back of the cheque at the customer service desk. The process is usually quick — 5 to 10 minutes — because they do not verify funds the way a bank does. They rely on the store's relationship with the bank.
What you need before you cash any cheque
A valid photo ID is required everywhere. This means a driver's license, passport, provincial or territorial ID card, or other government-issued photo ID. A library card, student card, or work ID will not work. If you do not have a photo ID, you will need to get one before you can cash a cheque anywhere.
The cheque must be made out to you by name — the name that matches your ID. If your name on the cheque is spelled differently or is incomplete, the teller may refuse it or ask you to sign it in the way it appears on the cheque. If the cheque says "John Smith" and your ID says "John Michael Smith", most places will still cash it, but ask first.
You must sign the back of the cheque in front of the teller or service worker. This is called endorsing the cheque. Never sign the back before you arrive — sign it there, in their presence. If you sign it early and lose it, anyone can cash it.
When a cheque cannot be cashed
A cheque can be refused if the account does not have enough money, if it is post-dated (dated in the future), if it is stale-dated (more than six months old), or if it is damaged or illegible. If any of these is the case, contact the person or company that wrote the cheque and ask them to issue a new one.
If the cheque is made out to two people — "John Smith and Jane Doe" — both people usually need to be present with ID to cash it. If it says "or" instead of "and", usually only one person needs to be there. Ask the teller before you assume.
If the cheque is made out to a business or organization, not to you personally, you cannot cash it. The business owner or an authorized person from that organization must cash it.
Comparing your options
| Method | Cost | Speed | Hours | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | 5–10 minutes | Bank hours only | None, but large cheques may trigger questions |
| Cheque-cashing service | 1–3% of cheque amount | 10 minutes | Often 9 a.m.–9 p.m., weekends | None or very high |
| Retail store | $2–$5 flat fee | 5–10 minutes | Store hours | Usually $1,000–$1,500 maximum |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a customer of the bank to cash a cheque there?
No. Any bank will cash a cheque drawn on their account for anyone with a valid photo ID, whether you have an account there or not. This is a standard service banks provide.
What if the cheque is made out to "cash" instead of my name?
A cheque made out to "cash" can be cashed by anyone who has it, so it is risky to carry. If you have one, take it to the issuing bank or a cheque-cashing service right away. You will still need a photo ID to cash it.
Can I cash a cheque if I don't have a photo ID?
No. Every method requires a valid photo ID. If you don't have one, you will need to get a government-issued ID card from your province or territory before you can cash a cheque. You can also ask the person who wrote the cheque to deposit it into their account and send you the money another way.
How long does it take for a cheque to clear if I cash it?
When you cash a cheque, the money is yours when ready. The bank or service takes the risk that the account has enough funds. If it turns out the account was empty, that is between the bank and the person who wrote the cheque, not you.
What is the cheapest way to cash a cheque without a bank account?
The issuing bank is free. If that bank is not convenient, a retail store is usually cheaper than a cheque-cashing service — $2 to $5 flat fee versus 1 to 3 percent of the cheque amount. For a small cheque, the flat fee is better; for a large one, the percentage may be less.