Banks that cash checks for non-customers

Most banks will cash a check drawn on their own bank even if you don't have an account there. This is called third-party check cashing. The bank that issued the check — the one whose name appears at the top — is the one most likely to cash it for you, and they usually do this for free or for a small fee.

The bank where the check is drawn from is your best option because they can verify the account has funds when ready. They have no reason to refuse you if the check is legitimate and the account has money. Walk in with the check and a government-issued photo ID, and you should be able to cash it within minutes.

Banks that did not issue the check are less willing to cash it. Some will do it for a fee (often $5 to $10), and some will refuse entirely. This depends on the individual bank's policy and whether you have any relationship with them — even a savings account opened years ago may help.

Key Takeaways

  • The bank that issued the check is your first stop and will usually cash it for free with a photo ID.
  • Other banks may cash the check for a fee or refuse, depending on their policy and whether you have any account with them.
  • Credit unions often have more flexible policies than large banks and may cash checks for non-members at a lower cost.
  • Check-cashing stores and grocery stores offer alternatives but charge higher fees, usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID no matter where you go — every place that cashes checks requires one.

Where to go if the issuing bank is inconvenient

If the bank that issued the check is far away or closed when you need the money, your next option is a check-cashing store. These are independent businesses (not banks) that cash checks for anyone with a photo ID. They charge a percentage of the check amount — usually 1 to 3 percent — so a $100 check might cost you $1 to $3 to cash.

Grocery stores and pharmacies with customer service desks also cash checks, often at lower fees than dedicated check-cashing stores. Walmart, for example, cashes checks for a flat fee that varies by check type but is often $3 or less. Call ahead to confirm they cash the type of check you have.

Credit unions are another option if you belong to one or if a family member does. Many credit unions will cash checks for non-members at a lower fee than banks charge, and some do it free. If you don't have a credit union membership, you can sometimes use a member's account to cash a check there.

What you need to bring

Every place that cashes checks requires a government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. Some places may ask for a second form of ID or your phone number, but a photo ID is the minimum.

Bring the check itself, of course. Make sure it is signed by whoever wrote it — an unsigned check cannot be cashed. If the check is made out to you, your name on the ID must match the name on the check. If the names don't match exactly (for example, you go by a nickname but the check uses your legal name), bring both your ID and something that shows the connection, like a marriage certificate or court order.

If the check is made out to two people (you and someone else), both people usually need to be present with ID to cash it. Some places will cash it if only one person signs the back, but policies vary. Call ahead if you are unsure.

Why banks sometimes refuse

A bank may refuse to cash a check if the account it is drawn from does not have enough money to cover it. They can verify this when ready, and they will not cash a check they believe will bounce. If this happens, ask the person who wrote the check to deposit funds and try again later.

Banks also refuse checks that look altered or forged, checks with missing information (like a signature or date), or checks that are very old. A check is generally considered stale after six months, though banks may still cash it. If your check is older than that, contact whoever wrote it and ask for a new one.

Some banks refuse to cash checks for non-customers as a matter of policy, even if the account has funds. This is less common than it used to be, but it happens. If one bank refuses, try the check-cashing store or grocery store instead — they have fewer restrictions.

The difference between cashing and depositing

Cashing means you get the money in hand when ready, in cash. Depositing means the money goes into a bank account, and you can withdraw it later or use a debit card. If you don't have a bank account, cashing is your only option.

Cashing is faster but costs more if you use a check-cashing store. Depositing is cheaper (usually free) but requires an account and takes a day or two for the money to clear. Since you are reading this because you don't have an account, cashing is what you need.

Fees and what they cost you

The issuing bank cashes checks for free or for a small fee (usually $0 to $5). Other banks charge $5 to $15. Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. A $500 check costs $5 to $15 at a check-cashing store, compared to $0 to $5 at a bank.

Grocery stores and pharmacies usually charge a flat fee of $2 to $5 per check, which is cheaper than a percentage fee for large checks. If you are cashing a $100 check, a flat $3 fee is better than 3 percent ($3). If you are cashing a $1,000 check, a flat $3 fee is much better than 3 percent ($30).

Ask about the fee before you hand over the check. If the fee seems high, try another location. Fees vary widely, and it is worth calling a few places to compare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Not usually. A check made out to another person is not yours to cash, even if they give you permission. The person whose name is on the check must be present with ID to cash it. This is a fraud prevention rule that banks and check-cashing stores enforce.

What if the check is damaged or hard to read?

If the check is torn, water-damaged, or faded, the bank or check-cashing store may refuse it. If the damage is minor and all the key information is readable (the amount, the date, the signature, and the account number), they may still cash it. Ask first — do not assume they will refuse.

Do I need to endorse the check?

Yes. Sign the back of the check in the space marked "endorse here." Your signature tells the bank you are the person the check is made out to. Some places will ask you to sign in front of them so they can watch you do it.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At the issuing bank or a check-cashing store, it usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. At a grocery store, it may take longer if the line is busy. The bank verifies the funds and counts out your cash while you wait.

What if I lost the check or it was stolen?

Contact whoever wrote the check and ask them to stop payment on it and issue a new one. They can do this through their bank. Once a check is cashed, the money is gone, so stopping payment only works if it has not been cashed yet.