Banks that cash checks for non-customers
Most banks will cash a check drawn on their own institution even if you don't have an account there. This is called third-party check cashing. The bank that issued the check (the one printed on the front) will almost always cash it for you, whether or not you're a customer.
The catch: you'll need a government-issued photo ID, and the bank may charge a fee. Fees range from $5 to $15 depending on the bank and the check amount. Some banks waive the fee if the check is drawn on their own bank. Call ahead to confirm the fee before you go in.
Banks that commonly cash checks for non-customers include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks. Credit unions are often stricter and may refuse to cash checks for non-members, so ask first.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check will cash it for you without an account, but you'll need a photo ID and may pay a $5 to $15 fee.
- Walmart, Target, and other retailers offer check cashing at lower fees than banks, usually $3 or less for payroll and government checks.
- Check cashing stores charge higher fees (5 to 10 percent of the check amount) but are open longer hours and require minimal documentation.
- Prepaid card companies and mobile payment apps like PayPal and Cash App let you deposit checks by photo, though the funds may take one to three business days to clear.
Retail check cashing at grocery stores and big-box retailers
Walmart, Target, Kroger, and other major retailers offer check cashing at their customer service desk. Fees are typically $3 for payroll checks and government checks (like Social Security or tax refunds), and $6 to $8 for personal checks. Some stores cap the check amount at $5,000.
You'll need a photo ID and, at some locations, a Walmart or Target loyalty card (free to sign up). Hours are usually longer than banks, so this works well if you need cash outside normal banking hours. Call your local store to confirm they offer check cashing and what their current fees are.
Check cashing stores and payday lenders
Check cashing stores are designed for people without bank accounts and will cash almost any check. They're open late and on weekends, and the process is fast—usually 10 to 15 minutes. The downside is cost: fees typically run 1 to 10 percent of the check amount, depending on the type of check and the store's location.
A $500 payroll check might cost $10 to $25 to cash at a check cashing store, compared to $3 at Walmart or $0 at the issuing bank. Payday lenders (which often offer check cashing as a side service) tend to charge on the higher end. Look for independent check cashing stores in your area, which sometimes charge less than national chains.
Mobile apps and prepaid cards that accept check deposits
PayPal, Cash App, Chime, and other mobile payment services let you deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back. You don't need a bank account—just a smartphone and the app. Funds usually appear in one to three business days.
Once the check clears, you can transfer the money to a prepaid card, use it to pay bills through the app, or withdraw it at an ATM. Some apps charge a small fee ($1 to $3) for check deposits, while others don't charge at all. The trade-off is the wait time: if you need cash when ready, this won't work.
What you'll need to bring
| Where you're cashing | ID required | Other documents | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your bank (issuing bank) | Photo ID | None | $0–$15 |
| Walmart or Target | Photo ID | Loyalty card (optional) | $3–$8 |
| Check cashing store | Photo ID | None | 1–10% of check |
| Mobile app (PayPal, Cash App) | None | Smartphone | $0–$3 |
Photo ID means a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some places accept tribal IDs. Check cashing stores may ask for a second form of ID (like a utility bill or lease) if they're suspicious of fraud, but this is rare for routine payroll checks.
Checks that are harder to cash
Personal checks from individuals are riskier for cashing services because they can bounce. Banks and retailers will usually cash them, but may charge a higher fee or require additional ID. Check cashing stores will cash them too, but at the top end of their fee range.
Checks with a date in the future (post-dated checks) cannot be cashed until that date arrives. Checks older than 180 days are considered stale and most banks will refuse them. If you have an old check, contact the person or company who wrote it and ask for a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank where I don't have an account?
Yes, if the check is drawn on that bank. You'll need a photo ID and may pay a fee of $5 to $15. If the check is drawn on a different bank, that bank will cash it for you instead.
What's the cheapest way to cash a check?
The issuing bank cashes it free or for a small fee. Walmart and Target charge $3 for payroll and government checks. Check cashing stores charge 1 to 10 percent of the check amount, making them the most expensive option.
Can I cash a check with just a photo ID and no other documents?
Yes, for most payroll and government checks. Personal checks may require a second form of ID or additional verification. Check cashing stores sometimes ask for a utility bill or lease to confirm your address.
How long does it take to cash a check at a bank?
Usually 5 to 10 minutes if you're cashing it at the issuing bank. Retail stores take about the same time. Mobile apps take one to three business days because the check has to clear electronically.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a check made out to another person unless they sign the back and you sign below their signature (called a third-party endorsement). Many banks and retailers refuse third-party checks because of fraud risk. Your best option is to ask the person who received the check to cash it themselves.