You can cash a personal check at the issuing bank, a check-cashing store, or a retailer—each route has different costs and speed
If you don't have a bank account, you have three main ways to turn a check into cash: go to the bank that issued the check, use a dedicated check-cashing business, or cash it at a retail store that offers the service. The issuing bank is usually free but requires you to go in person during business hours. Check-cashing stores and retailers charge a fee—typically 1 to 5 percent of the check amount—but are often open longer and may not require ID in some cases. Which route makes sense depends on the check amount, how quickly you need the money, and what's near you.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check will cash it for free if you bring the check and a valid ID, even if you don't have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores charge a percentage fee (usually 1 to 5 percent) but operate longer hours than banks and process checks faster.
- Walmart, grocery stores, and other retailers cash checks for a flat fee or percentage, often $3 to $10 depending on the check amount.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID at most places; some check-cashing stores may accept alternative forms of ID.
- The issuing bank's routing number appears on the bottom left of the check—call ahead to confirm they cash checks for non-customers.
Cashing a check at the issuing bank
The issuing bank—the one printed at the top of the check—must cash the check for you at no charge, even if you don't have an account there. Bring the check and a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Go to any branch of that bank during business hours. The teller will verify the check and the signature, then hand you cash.
Call the bank's main number or check their website first to confirm they cash checks for non-customers and to find a branch near you. Some banks have reduced branch hours or closed locations, so you may need to travel. This route is free and the money is when ready, but it only works during bank hours—typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with limited Saturday hours at some branches.
Using a check-cashing store
Check-cashing businesses are designed for people without bank accounts. They cash personal checks, payroll checks, tax refund checks, and other documents. Bring the check and a valid ID. The store will verify the check details, confirm funds are available (by calling the bank or checking electronically), and charge you a fee. Most charge between 1 and 5 percent of the check amount—so a $500 check might cost $5 to $25 to cash.
Check-cashing stores are usually open longer than banks, including evenings and weekends. The process takes 10 to 30 minutes. The downside is the fee, which adds up if you cash checks regularly. To find one near you, search "check cashing near me" or look for chains like ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, or Advance America. Call ahead to confirm they accept personal checks and what ID they require, since rules vary by location and state.
Cashing a check at a retailer
Many large retailers offer check-cashing services at the customer service desk. Walmart cashes personal checks for a flat fee of $3 to $6 depending on the check amount (usually $3 for checks under $1,000 and $6 for checks $1,000 to $5,000). Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix often cash checks for free or a small fee if you're a regular customer or have their loyalty card. Target, Best Buy, and other retailers may also offer the service, though policies vary by location.
Bring the check and a valid ID. The process is quick—usually 5 to 10 minutes—and you get cash when ready. Call the store's customer service desk first to confirm they cash personal checks and what their fee is, since policies differ by location and change over time. This is often the cheapest option if a retailer near you offers it.
What ID you need and what to watch for
Nearly all check-cashing locations require a valid government-issued ID: a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Some check-cashing stores may accept a secondary form of ID (like a utility bill or lease) if your primary ID is expired, but this varies. Call ahead if your ID is expired or you're unsure whether yours will be accepted.
Be cautious of checks that seem unusual: a check from someone you don't know, a check for much more than the agreed amount, or a check with mismatched details (the name on the check doesn't match the payee line). These are common fraud tactics. If something feels off, ask the issuing bank directly whether the check is legitimate before you cash it. Also confirm the check is not post-dated (dated in the future)—most places won't cash post-dated checks.
Comparing costs and speed across your options
| Option | Cost | Speed | Hours | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | when ready | Bank hours (typically 9–5 weekdays) | Valid ID, check |
| Check-cashing store | 1–5% of check amount | 10–30 minutes | Often 8 a.m.–8 p.m., some 24-hour | Valid ID, check |
| Retailer (Walmart, grocery) | $3–$6 flat fee or free | 5–10 minutes | Store hours (often 7 a.m.–11 p.m.) | Valid ID, check |
For a $500 check, the issuing bank costs nothing but requires a trip during business hours. A check-cashing store costs $5 to $25 but is open evenings and weekends. Walmart costs $3 to $6 and is usually open late. If you cash checks regularly, the issuing bank is cheapest over time; if you need cash outside business hours, a check-cashing store or retailer is more practical.
What happens if the check bounces
If you cash a check and the account it's drawn on doesn't have enough funds, the check bounces. The bank will reverse the transaction and the money comes back out of your pocket. If you cashed it at a check-cashing store or retailer, they may also charge you a returned-check fee (typically $10 to $25). You're responsible for that fee, not the person who wrote the check.
This is why check-cashing businesses verify funds before handing over cash—they call the bank or check electronically to confirm the account has money. The issuing bank also verifies before cashing. But verification is not a may provide; a check can still bounce if funds are withdrawn between verification and clearing. If this happens to you, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to cover the fee or provide a new check with sufficient funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank I don't have an account with?
Yes. The bank that issued the check (the one printed at the top) must cash it for you at no charge if you bring a valid ID. Other banks may refuse. Call the issuing bank first to confirm they cash checks for non-customers and find a nearby branch.
What if I don't have a government-issued ID?
Most places require a government ID and won't cash a check without one. Some check-cashing stores may accept a secondary form of ID (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) along with an expired government ID, but this varies by location. Call ahead to ask what they accept.
How long does it take to cash a check?
At the issuing bank or a retailer, it's usually 5 to 15 minutes. At a check-cashing store, it's typically 10 to 30 minutes because they verify funds. The money is in your hand when ready in all cases—there's no waiting period like there would be if you deposited it in a bank account.
Can I cash a check written to someone else?
No. A check must be cashed by the person whose name is on the payee line. If someone else wrote the check to you, the name on the check must match your ID. If the check is written to a business or organization, you typically can't cash it personally.
What's the cheapest way to cash a check?
The issuing bank is free. If that's not practical, check whether a nearby grocery store or retailer cashes checks for free or a flat fee—this is often cheaper than a check-cashing store's percentage fee, especially for larger checks.