You can cash a cheque at the bank that issued it, at a cheque-cashing service, or sometimes at the store where you shop
The bank printed on the cheque will cash it for you even if you don't have an account there. This is the fastest and cheapest option. You'll need to show a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or provincial ID card — and endorse the back of the cheque by signing your name. The bank will verify the funds and hand you cash on the spot, usually within minutes.
If you can't reach the issuing bank, a cheque-cashing service (sometimes called a currency exchange or money mart) will cash it for a fee. The fee varies widely — typically between 1% and 5% of the cheque amount, depending on the service and the cheque size. A $500 cheque might cost $5 to $25 to cash. These services are faster than banks in some cases and often have longer hours, but you pay for the convenience.
Some grocery stores and retailers will cash cheques for customers, though policies vary by location and cheque type. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service and what ID they require.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the cheque will cash it for free if you show a government photo ID and sign the back.
- Cheque-cashing services charge a fee (usually 1% to 5% of the amount) but may be faster or have longer hours than banks.
- Some grocery stores and retailers cash cheques, but you need to confirm their policy and ID requirements first.
- You must endorse the cheque by signing the back before any service will cash it.
- Bring only the cheque and ID — you do not need a bank account or any other documents.
Cashing a cheque at the issuing bank (the free option)
Look at the front of the cheque. The bank name appears in the top left corner and again at the bottom left. Go to any branch of that bank with your photo ID and the cheque. You do not need to be a customer.
At the teller window, sign the back of the cheque on the line marked "Endorse here" or similar. Write your signature only — do not add instructions or conditions. Hand the cheque and your ID to the teller. They will check that the account has funds and give you cash. This takes a few minutes.
If the cheque is post-dated (dated in the future), the bank will not cash it until that date arrives. If the cheque is stale-dated (more than six months old), the bank may refuse it. Ask the person who gave you the cheque for a new one if either of these applies.
Using a cheque-cashing service and what it costs
Cheque-cashing services are independent businesses — not banks — that convert cheques to cash for a fee. You'll find them in most cities under names like "Money Mart," "Cheque Smart," "Cash City," or "Currency Exchange." Search online for "cheque cashing near me" to find locations and hours.
Bring the unsigned cheque and a government photo ID. The service will ask you to endorse the cheque, verify the funds with the issuing bank (by phone or computer), and charge you a fee. The fee is usually a percentage of the cheque amount — 1% to 5% is typical, though some services charge a flat fee instead. A $200 cheque might cost $2 to $10 to cash; a $1,000 cheque might cost $10 to $50.
The advantage is speed and convenience. Many cheque-cashing services are open evenings and weekends when banks are closed. The disadvantage is cost — you lose money on every cheque. If you cash cheques regularly, this adds up quickly.
Cashing a cheque at a retail store
Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers offer cheque-cashing as a service to customers. Policies vary widely. Some will cash any cheque; others will only cash cheques written by the store itself (like payroll cheques). Some have limits on the amount they'll cash.
Call the store's customer service desk or visit in person and ask whether they cash personal cheques. If they do, ask what ID you need and whether there are any fees. Most stores that offer this service do it for free or a small fee, but confirm first. You'll endorse the cheque the same way — sign the back and show your photo ID.
What to do if the cheque has problems
If the cheque is post-dated, wait until the date on the cheque arrives before trying to cash it. Banks and cheque-cashing services will refuse it before that date.
If the cheque is stale-dated (older than six months), the bank that issued it may refuse to honour it. Ask the person who wrote the cheque to issue a replacement. Do not try to alter the date — that is fraud and illegal.
If the cheque is damaged, torn, or the writing is unclear, the bank may refuse it. Ask for a replacement cheque.
If the cheque bounces (the account has no funds), the bank will return it unpaid. You will not receive the cash. The person who wrote the cheque is responsible for making it good. Contact them and ask for cash or a new cheque from a funded account.
Comparing your options: bank, cheque-cashing service, or store
| Option | Cost | Speed | Hours | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | A few minutes | Bank hours only | Photo ID, unsigned cheque |
| Cheque-cashing service | 1–5% of amount | A few minutes | Often evenings and weekends | Photo ID, unsigned cheque |
| Retail store | Free or small fee | A few minutes | Store hours | Photo ID, unsigned cheque |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign the cheque before I go to the bank?
No. Sign it at the teller window after you arrive. The bank or service will watch you endorse it. Signing it at home and then losing it creates a risk — anyone could cash it.
What if I don't have a photo ID?
Most banks and cheque-cashing services will not cash a cheque without government-issued photo ID. If you don't have one, get a provincial ID card from your provincial government office. This is different from a driver's license and is issued specifically for ID purposes.
Can someone else cash my cheque for me?
Only if the cheque is made out to both of you, or if you sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [their name]" and they also sign it. This is called a third-party cheque and many banks and services refuse them. It's simpler to cash it yourself.
What happens if the cheque bounces after I cash it?
If the account has no funds, the bank will return the cheque unpaid. You keep the cash, but the person who wrote the cheque is liable. Contact them and ask them to make it good with cash or a new cheque. If they refuse, you may have a small claims court option, but that takes time and money.
Is there a limit to how much I can cash?
Banks have no legal limit, but cheque-cashing services often cap the amount per cheque — sometimes $1,000, sometimes $5,000. Call ahead if your cheque is large. Retail stores usually have lower limits, often $500 or less.