Where you can cash a check if you don't have a bank
You can cash a check at the bank or credit union that issued it, at a check-cashing store, at some retail locations, or through a mobile app. The issuing bank will cash it for free if you have ID, even if you don't have an account there. Check-cashing stores charge a fee—usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, though it varies by location and check type. Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee, typically $3 to $6. Some employers and payroll services also cash paychecks for free or low cost.
The fastest option is usually the issuing bank, because they verify the funds when ready and can spot a bad check before they hand over money. Retail locations and check-cashing stores are more convenient if the bank is far away, but they may decline checks they can't verify quickly, and they always charge a fee.
Key Takeaways
- The bank or credit union that issued the check will cash it for free with a valid ID, regardless of whether you have an account.
- Check-cashing stores charge a percentage fee (usually 1 to 3 percent) and are open longer hours than banks, but verify funds more slowly.
- Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee of $3 to $6, with no account required.
- Payroll services and some employers cash paychecks directly, often for free or at a lower cost than retail check-cashing.
- Mobile payment apps like Ingo Money and Check21 let you deposit checks remotely, though you'll need a bank account or prepaid card to receive the funds.
Cashing a check at the issuing bank
The issuing bank is the one printed on the check—usually in the top left corner or bottom. Walk in with the check and a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, state ID card). Tell the teller you want to cash it. They will verify that the account has funds, confirm the check hasn't been reported lost or stolen, and hand you cash. This takes 5 to 15 minutes and costs nothing.
You do not need an account at that bank. The bank is obligated to cash checks drawn on its own accounts because it's the one holding the money. If the check is from a small credit union or a bank with few branches, you may need to go to a branch location—not all branches cash checks for non-members, and some require you to call ahead.
If the check is post-dated (dated in the future), the bank will refuse to cash it until that date arrives. If the check is stale-dated (more than six months old), the bank may refuse it, though they can choose to cash it anyway. Bring the check and ID only—you don't need anything else.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
Check-cashing stores are retail businesses that cash checks for a fee. They're open longer than banks (often until 8 or 9 p.m. and on weekends) and don't require an account. The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount—typically 1 to 3 percent, though some charge a flat fee of $5 to $10. A $500 check at 2 percent costs $10 to cash.
Check-cashing stores verify funds by calling the bank or checking electronically, which takes a few minutes. If the account doesn't have enough money or the check is reported stolen, they will refuse to cash it. Some stores hold the check for 24 hours before giving you cash, as an extra verification step. This is legal and common.
Fees vary widely by location and by the type of check. Payroll checks usually have lower fees than personal checks. Government checks (tax refunds, Social Security) sometimes have lower fees or no fee at all. Ask the store for their fee schedule before you hand over the check—it's usually posted near the counter or available on request.
Retail stores that cash checks
Walmart and Target both cash checks at customer service desks. Walmart charges $3 for checks under $1,000 and $6 for checks $1,000 and over. Target charges $3 for most checks. Some grocery store chains (Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons) also cash checks, usually for $2 to $4. These fees are lower than check-cashing stores and you may already be shopping there.
Bring the check and a valid ID. The store will verify the check electronically, which takes a few minutes. If verification fails, they will refuse to cash it. Retail stores are stricter about which checks they'll accept—they often decline personal checks from accounts they can't verify quickly, and some will only cash payroll checks or government checks.
Hours are longer than banks, and you can cash a check while you shop. The downside is that not every location cashes checks—call ahead or ask at customer service to confirm. Some stores have daily limits on check amounts or the number of checks you can cash.
Payroll services and employer options
If the check is a paycheck, ask your employer whether they offer check-cashing or direct deposit. Some employers partner with payroll services like ADP or Paychex that cash paychecks for free or for a small fee ($1 to $2). Some employers cash paychecks directly at the HR or payroll office, also for free.
This is the cheapest option if it's available to you. You'll need to ask your employer or payroll department what the process is—some require you to request it in advance, and some only offer it on payday. If you're paid by direct deposit, you can also ask your employer to split your deposit between a bank account and a prepaid card, which gives you access to cash at ATMs without a traditional bank account.
Mobile check deposit and prepaid cards
Apps like Ingo Money, Check21, and some prepaid card providers let you photograph a check and deposit it remotely. You take a photo of the front and back of the check, submit it through the app, and the funds go into a bank account or prepaid card. This takes 1 to 3 business days.
The catch is that you need a bank account or prepaid card to receive the money. If you don't have either, this option doesn't help you cash the check—it just moves the problem. Some prepaid card companies (NetSpend, Chime, GoBank) offer free or low-cost cards and accept mobile check deposits, so this can be a path forward if you're willing to open a card account.
Fees vary. Some apps charge a percentage (1 to 5 percent) and some charge a flat fee ($1 to $3). Read the terms before you submit the check. The app will tell you the fee upfront.
What to do if a check won't cash
A check can be refused for several reasons: the account doesn't have enough funds, the check is post-dated or stale-dated, the signature doesn't match the ID, the check is reported lost or stolen, or the amount is written differently on the numbers line and the words line. If one place refuses to cash it, try the issuing bank directly—they have more authority to override certain issues and may be able to verify the funds even if a retail location can't.
If the account legitimately doesn't have funds, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to deposit money or write you a new check. If the check is damaged, torn, or the writing is unclear, the issuing bank can sometimes issue a replacement. If you suspect fraud or theft, report it to the bank that issued the check and to local police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash someone else's check?
No. The person whose name is on the check must be present with ID to cash it. Some checks say "pay to the order of" a specific person, which means only that person can cash it. If someone wants to give you money via check, they need to write a new check in your name.
What if the check is torn or damaged?
Most places will refuse a damaged check. Contact the person who wrote it and ask for a replacement, or contact the issuing bank and ask if they can issue a new check. The bank can verify the original check in their system and may be able to reissue it.
Do I need to endorse the check?
Yes. Sign the back of the check in the space marked "endorse here." This is your signature authorizing the check to be cashed. Some places will refuse to cash a check without an endorsement, and some will ask you to sign it in front of them.
How long does it take to cash a check?
At the issuing bank, 5 to 15 minutes. At a check-cashing store or retail location, 5 to 10 minutes, though some hold the check for 24 hours before releasing cash. Mobile apps take 1 to 3 business days.
What's the cheapest way to cash a check?
The issuing bank is free. After that, payroll services (if your employer offers them) are usually $1 to $2. Retail stores charge $3 to $6. Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent, which is more expensive for large checks but sometimes cheaper for small ones.