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 that issued the cheque — the one printed on the front — will cash it for you even if you don't have an account there. You'll need to show a photo ID and sign the back of the cheque. This is free at most banks, though a few charge a small fee if you're not a customer. The process takes a few minutes.
If you don't want to visit a bank, a cheque-cashing service (also called a cheque-cashing outlet) will convert it to cash on the spot. These are storefront businesses, often found in strip malls or downtown areas. They charge a fee — usually 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.
Some grocery stores and pharmacies also cash cheques for their customers, usually for a flat fee or a small percentage. Ask at the customer service desk whether they offer this and what they charge.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the cheque will cash it for free or a small fee, even without an account, if you show photo ID.
- Cheque-cashing services charge a percentage of the cheque amount (usually 1% to 5%) but are faster than waiting in a bank line.
- Some grocery stores and pharmacies cash cheques for customers, often for a flat fee of $2 to $5.
- You must sign the back of the cheque and bring a photo ID to any location where you cash it.
- The issuing bank is the cheapest option; cheque-cashing outlets are the most convenient if you're in a hurry.
Cashing at the bank that issued the cheque
Look at the front of the cheque. The name of the bank appears in the top left or top right corner — that's the issuing bank. You can walk into any branch of that bank and ask to cash the cheque. You don't need an account with them.
Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or provincial ID card). Sign the back of the cheque in the space marked "Endorsement" — usually the back left side. Hand the cheque and your ID to the teller. They'll verify the signature matches your ID and count out the cash.
Most banks do this for free. A few banks charge non-customers a small fee — sometimes $5 to $10 — but this is uncommon. Call the bank's customer service line first if you want to confirm there's no fee before you go in.
This route takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how busy the branch is. If the cheque is large or unusual, the teller might need to verify it with the account holder's bank, which can add time.
Using a cheque-cashing service
A cheque-cashing service is a business that converts cheques to cash when ready for a fee. You'll find them in most cities and towns — search online for "cheque cashing near me" or look in strip malls and downtown areas. They're often located near payday loan offices or money transfer services.
Walk in with your cheque and photo ID. Sign the back of the cheque. The staff will examine it, verify your ID, and tell you the fee. The fee is usually a percentage of the cheque amount: 1% to 3% for cheques under $1,000, and sometimes lower for larger cheques. Some services charge a flat fee instead — for example, $3 per cheque regardless of size.
Once you agree to the fee, they'll count out your cash minus the fee amount. The whole process takes 5 to 10 minutes. Unlike banks, cheque-cashing services often stay open evenings and weekends, which makes them useful if you need cash outside normal banking hours.
The downside is cost. On a $300 cheque, a 3% fee means you lose $9. Over time, if you cash many cheques this way, the fees add up. Compare the fee to how much time you'd save by not going to a bank.
Cashing cheques at grocery stores and pharmacies
Many grocery store chains and pharmacy chains offer cheque-cashing at their customer service desk. Stores like Walmart, Costco, and some Loblaws locations cash cheques for customers. Pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart sometimes do as well, though policies vary by location.
The fee is usually lower than a cheque-cashing service — often a flat $2 to $5 per cheque, or sometimes free if you're a loyalty program member. Bring your photo ID and sign the back of the cheque. The process is quick, usually 5 minutes or less.
The catch is that not every location offers this service, and policies change. Call ahead or ask at the customer service desk before you go. Some stores only cash cheques for customers who've made a recent purchase, or who have a store loyalty card.
What you need to bring and how to prepare
You'll need two things: the cheque itself and a photo ID. The ID must be current and show your name and photo. A driver's license, passport, or provincial ID card all work. A health card alone is not enough.
Before you go, sign the back of the cheque in the endorsement area. This is usually a blank space on the back left side, sometimes marked with a line or the words "Endorse here." Your signature must match the name on your ID as closely as possible. If your name on the cheque is spelled differently than on your ID, mention this to the teller — they may still cash it, but they'll want to know.
Check that the cheque is not post-dated (dated in the future). Banks and cheque-cashing services won't cash a cheque before the date on it. If it's post-dated, you'll have to wait until that date arrives.
When a cheque can't be cashed
Some cheques can't be cashed, even at the issuing bank. A cheque is stale-dated if it's more than six months old — most banks won't cash it. If your cheque is older than that, contact the person or business that issued it and ask for a replacement.
If the cheque is damaged (torn, water-damaged, or illegible), the bank may refuse it. If the amount written in numbers doesn't match the amount written in words, the bank will ask you to contact the issuer for a corrected cheque.
If the cheque is marked "Not Negotiable" or "Account Payee Only," it can only be deposited into a bank account in the name of the person it's made out to — it cannot be cashed for cash. In this case, you'll need to open a bank account to deposit it.
Comparing your options by cost and speed
| Option | Cost | Speed | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free or $5–$10 | 5–15 minutes | Regular banking hours |
| Cheque-cashing service | 1–5% of cheque amount | 5–10 minutes | Often evenings and weekends |
| Grocery store or pharmacy | $2–$5 flat fee | 5 minutes | Store hours (often extended) |
If cost is your main concern, the issuing bank is almost always cheapest. If speed or convenience matters more — for example, you need cash on a Sunday evening — a cheque-cashing service or grocery store is worth the fee.
The choice also depends on where you are and what's nearby. If you live in a rural area, the issuing bank may be your only option. If you're in a city with multiple cheque-cashing services and a grocery store nearby, you have more flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have an account at the bank to cash a cheque there?
No. Any bank will cash a cheque drawn on that bank, even if you don't have an account. You just need a photo ID and your signature on the back of the cheque.
What if the cheque is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a cheque made out to another person. The cheque must be in your name or made out to "Cash." If someone wants to give you money by cheque, ask them to write a new one in your name.
Can I cash a cheque if I don't have a photo ID?
No. Banks and cheque-cashing services require photo ID to prevent fraud. If you don't have one, you'll need to get a provincial ID card or passport first. This takes time, so plan ahead.
How long does a cheque take to clear if I cash it?
When you cash a cheque, you get the money when ready. There's no "clearing" period like there would be if you deposited it into a bank account. The risk is on the business cashing it — if the cheque bounces, they lose the money, not you.
What's the difference between cashing and depositing a cheque?
Cashing means you get cash in your hand right away. Depositing means the money goes into a bank account, and you can withdraw it later. Depositing usually takes 1 to 3 business days for the cheque to clear, but there's no fee.