Your main options for cashing a check without a bank account
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 check deposit service if you have a smartphone. The bank that issued the check (the one printed on the front) will cash it for free if you bring your 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—but they're open longer hours and don't require an account. Retail locations like Walmart, Target, and grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee, typically $3 to $6.
The fastest route depends on what you have available right now: if the check is from a major bank and you're near one of their branches, that's free and takes minutes. If you have a smartphone, mobile deposit through a prepaid card or money transfer app may be the cheapest option. If you need cash today and can't reach the issuing bank, a check-cashing store is your most reliable choice, though it costs more.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check will cash it for free if you show a valid ID, regardless of whether you have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount but operate longer hours and have more locations than banks.
- Retail chains like Walmart and grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee of $3 to $6, making them cheaper for larger checks.
- Mobile check deposit through a prepaid card or money transfer app costs nothing if you already have the app, but requires a smartphone and takes one to two business days.
- Always bring a valid government-issued ID; some places also require a second form of ID or a thumbprint.
Cashing at the bank that issued the check
The issuing bank—the one whose name and routing number appear on the check—must cash it for you at no charge. This is true even if you have no account with them. Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Some banks also ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint, so call ahead if you want to confirm their specific requirements.
The catch is location and hours. You need to visit a physical branch during business hours, which for most banks means weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and limited Saturday hours. If the check is from a small local bank or credit union, you may have to travel to find a branch. If the check is from a major national bank like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, you'll have many branches to choose from. Bring the unsigned check and your ID; you'll sign it in front of the teller.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
Check-cashing stores are designed for people without bank accounts and operate in most neighborhoods. They cash checks on the spot, usually within minutes. The fee is typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount—so on a $500 check, you'd pay $5 to $15. Some stores charge a flat fee instead, usually $3 to $10 regardless of check size. A few stores offer the first check free per month or discounted rates if you cash checks regularly.
Hours are longer than banks: many open at 8 a.m. and stay open until 7 or 8 p.m., and some operate on Saturdays and Sundays. You'll need a valid ID. Some stores also require a second form of ID, proof of address (a utility bill or lease), or a thumbprint. Call ahead to confirm what they need. The downside is the fee—on a small check, it can eat a meaningful chunk of your money. On a large check, the percentage is lower, so the store is more cost-effective.
Retail locations that cash checks
Walmart, Target, grocery store chains, and some pharmacies cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6. This makes them cheaper than check-cashing stores if your check is large enough. A $500 check costs $3 to $6 at a retailer versus $5 to $15 at a check-cashing store. On a $100 check, the retailer is more expensive ($3 to $6 versus $1 to $3), so the math depends on your amount.
Retailers are convenient because you may already be shopping there, and their hours are longer than banks. You'll need a valid ID. Some stores limit the check amount—Walmart, for example, typically caps personal checks at $5,000 and payroll checks at $7,500. Call the store ahead of time to confirm they cash checks and what their fee and limits are, because policies vary by location.
Mobile check deposit through apps and prepaid cards
If you have a smartphone, you can deposit a check into a prepaid card account, money transfer app, or online banking service without visiting a physical location. Apps like PayPal, Square Cash, Chime, and others let you photograph the front and back of the check and deposit it directly. There's no fee, and the money usually arrives in one to two business days. Some apps deposit it faster—within hours—if you pay a small fee, typically $1 to $3.
The requirement is that you have an account with the app or service, which usually takes minutes to set up on your phone. You'll need a valid ID to verify your identity. Once the money is in your account, you can transfer it to another bank account, withdraw it at an ATM, or use it to pay bills. This is the cheapest option if you already have the app, but it requires a smartphone and patience for the deposit to clear.
What to bring and what to expect
At any location, bring a valid government-issued ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Some places ask for a second form of ID, such as a credit card, utility bill, or lease agreement. You'll sign the check in front of the teller or cashier. Never sign it beforehand—they need to watch you sign it to confirm it's really you.
The check must be made out to you by name. If it's made out to someone else, you cannot cash it, even if they sign the back. If it's made out to you and another person (like "John Smith and Jane Doe"), both people must be present with ID to cash it. Postdated checks (dated in the future) cannot be cashed until that date arrives. Stale checks (more than six months old) may be refused, though some banks will still honor them—call ahead if you have an old check.
Comparing cost and speed across your options
| Option | Cost | Speed | Hours | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank branch | Free | Minutes | Weekdays 9–5, limited Saturday | Valid ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check amount | Minutes | 8 a.m.–8 p.m., weekends often open | Valid ID, sometimes proof of address |
| Retail location (Walmart, grocery store) | $3–$6 flat fee | Minutes | Store hours (often 7 a.m.–11 p.m.) | Valid ID |
| Mobile check deposit app | Free (or $1–$3 for faster deposit) | 1–2 business days (or hours with fee) | Anytime | Smartphone, app account, valid ID to set up |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank where I don't have an account?
Yes. The bank that issued the check must cash it for free if you show a valid ID. You do not need an account there. However, some banks may refuse to cash checks for non-customers if they're very busy or if the check is unusually large. Call ahead if you're concerned.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a check made out to another person, even if they sign the back. The person whose name is on the check must be the one to cash it. If it's made out to two people, both must be present with ID.
How long does mobile check deposit take?
Usually one to two business days. Some apps offer faster deposit for a fee of $1 to $3, which can get the money to you within hours. The exact timeline depends on the app and the bank that issued the check.
What if I don't have a government-issued ID?
Most places will not cash a check without one. If you don't have a driver's license or passport, explore for a state ID card at your local DMV or equivalent office. Some check-cashing stores may accept other forms of ID in rare cases—call ahead to ask.
Is there a limit to how much I can cash?
Retail stores often have limits: Walmart caps personal checks at $5,000 and payroll checks at $7,500. Check-cashing stores and banks typically have higher limits or no limit. For very large checks, the issuing bank is your safest bet.