Bring your check and ID to the teller window

To cash a check at a bank, walk in during business hours with the check and a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Hand both to the teller and say you want to cash the check. The teller will verify that the check is signed on the back (by you, the person receiving the money), that the amount written in numbers matches the amount written in words, and that today's date is not before the date on the check. If everything matches, they will count out the cash and you leave with the money.

You do not need to have an account at that bank to cash a check there. Most banks will cash checks drawn on their own bank for free. Some banks will cash checks drawn on other banks, but may charge a fee — usually $5 to $10 — or may refuse if you are not a customer. Call ahead if you are unsure whether the bank will do it.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring the unsigned check and a government photo ID to any bank teller window during business hours.
  • Sign the back of the check before handing it to the teller — this is called endorsing the check.
  • Banks typically cash checks drawn on their own bank for free, but may charge a fee to cash checks from other banks.
  • If the check is made out to two people, both people usually need to be present with ID to cash it.
  • If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), the bank will not cash it until that date arrives.

What the teller checks before handing over cash

The teller looks at five things. First, the check must have a signature from the person who wrote it — the person whose name and account number appear at the bottom left. Second, the back of the check must be signed by you, the person cashing it. This signature on the back is called an endorsement. Third, the amount written in numbers (on the right side) must match the amount written in words (in the middle). If one says $150 and the other says $105, the teller will ask which is correct before cashing it.

Fourth, today's date must be the same as or later than the date printed on the check. A check dated in the future — called a post-dated check — cannot be cashed until that date arrives. Fifth, the check must not be older than six months. Banks can refuse to cash very old checks because the account holder may have already paid the money out or closed the account.

If any of these five things is wrong, the teller will hand the check back and explain what needs to be fixed. You can fix most problems on the spot — signing the back if you forgot, or asking the person who wrote the check to initial a correction if the amounts do not match.

When a check is made out to two people

If the check says "Pay to the order of John Smith and Jane Doe," both people must go to the bank together, both must sign the back, and both must show ID. The bank requires both signatures because either person could cash the check alone if only one signature were needed, and the other person would have no way to know.

If the check says "Pay to the order of John Smith or Jane Doe," only one person needs to sign and show up. The word "or" means either person can cash it without the other.

Cashing a check at a bank where you do not have an account

Most banks will cash a check drawn on their own bank for free, even if you have never been there before. A check drawn on their own bank means the routing number at the bottom left matches the bank's routing number — the teller can look this up when ready.

If you want to cash a check drawn on a different bank, policies vary widely. Some banks will do it for a fee of $5 to $10. Some will only do it if you are a customer. Some will refuse entirely. The fastest way to find out is to call the bank's main number and ask: "I have a check drawn on [other bank name]. Will you cash it, and is there a fee?" If they say no, you have other options — see the section below.

What to do if the bank will not cash your check

If a bank refuses to cash your check or charges a fee you do not want to pay, you have three other routes. First, go to the bank that the check is drawn on — the bank whose name appears at the top of the check. That bank will almost always cash it for free if you have ID, even if you do not have an account there.

Second, if you have a bank account somewhere, deposit the check into your account instead of cashing it. You can do this at an ATM, through a mobile app, or at a teller window. The money will be in your account within one to three business days, and you can withdraw it as cash then. This route takes longer but costs nothing.

Third, some check-cashing stores and grocery stores with customer service desks will cash checks for a fee, usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. This is more expensive than a bank but faster than depositing and waiting.

What happens if the check bounces

A bounced check means the person who wrote it did not have enough money in their account when the bank tried to process it. If you cash a check and it bounces days or weeks later, the bank will take the money back out of your account — or, if you do not have an account there, they will contact you and ask you to return the cash.

This is rare when you cash a check in person at a teller window, because the teller checks the account balance before handing over the money. It is more common when you deposit a check, because deposits take time to process. If you are worried about a check bouncing, ask the teller to verify the funds before you leave — most banks will do this for free.

Cashing a check without a physical bank visit

If you cannot get to a bank in person, you can deposit the check into your account using your phone. Most banks have a mobile app that lets you photograph the front and back of the check and deposit it without going to a branch. The money will be in your account within one to three business days, and you can withdraw it as cash at an ATM or teller window.

Some banks also offer remote check cashing through the mail — you mail the check to the bank, they deposit it, and the money appears in your account. This takes longer (usually five to ten business days) but works if you have an account and cannot visit in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have an account at the bank to cash a check there?

No. Most banks will cash checks drawn on their own bank for free, even if you are not a customer. If the check is drawn on a different bank, policies vary — some banks will cash it for a fee, some only for customers, and some will refuse. Call ahead to ask.

What if I forgot to sign the back of the check?

The teller will ask you to sign it before handing over the cash. You can do this right there at the counter. If you sign it in front of the teller, they know the signature is genuine.

Can I cash a check that is dated next month?

No. A post-dated check cannot be cashed until the date on it arrives. If you try to cash it early, the teller will hand it back and tell you to return on that date or later.

What if the check is made out to my business, not to me personally?

Most banks will not cash a business check made out to a company name unless you have a business account at that bank or can prove you are authorized to sign on the account. You will need to bring the check to the bank where the business account is held, or deposit it into the business account if you have access.

How long does it take to cash a check at the bank?

If you go to a teller window during normal hours and everything on the check is correct, it usually takes five to ten minutes. If the bank needs to verify funds or if there is a line, it may take longer. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.