Places that will cash your check right now

You can cash a check at a bank that is not yours, at a check-cashing store, at some grocery stores and pharmacies, at your employer's payroll office, or at certain government agencies. The fastest option depends on what kind of check you have and which places are near you. A check from your own employer often cashes fastest at their payroll or HR office. A personal check from someone else takes longer and costs more at a check-cashing store than at a bank.

The main trade-off is speed versus cost. Banks usually charge nothing or a small fee if you have an account there, and they may charge $5 to $15 if you do not. Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount—often 1 to 3 percent—which adds up quickly on larger checks. Grocery stores and pharmacies usually charge less than dedicated check-cashing stores, but not all of them cash checks, and many have limits on the amount.

Key Takeaways

  • Your employer's payroll office will cash your paycheck on the spot with no fee, and this is the fastest option for employment income.
  • Banks that are not yours will cash checks for a fee of $5 to $15, and many do this same-day if you bring ID and the original check.
  • Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount and are open longer hours than banks, but cost the most overall.
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies with check-cashing services usually charge $3 to $5 per check and have lower limits than other options.
  • Government checks like tax refunds or unemployment benefits can sometimes be cashed at the issuing agency's local office without a fee.

Cashing a paycheck at your employer

If the check is from your employer, go to the payroll or HR office and ask them to cash it. Most employers will do this on the same day you receive the check, with no fee. You will need to show a photo ID. This is the cheapest and fastest option for employment income.

Some large employers issue paychecks through a third-party payroll processor rather than directly. If that is the case, the processor's website or the back of your check will list a phone number or website where you can find out where to cash it. Some processors have their own check-cashing windows in certain cities.

Cashing a check at a bank that is not yours

Walk into any bank branch with your check and a photo ID. Tell the teller you want to cash the check. Banks that are not yours will usually cash checks for a fee of $5 to $15, depending on the bank and the check amount. Some banks charge a flat fee; others charge a percentage. The fee is often lower if the check is drawn on that same bank.

Most banks will cash the check the same day if you arrive during business hours. Bring the original check—they will not cash a photo or a mobile deposit image. The teller will ask you to sign the back of the check if you have not already. If the check is very large or if you are not a customer, the bank may put a hold on the funds for one to three business days, or they may refuse to cash it at all.

Check-cashing stores and their costs

Check-cashing stores are designed for people without bank accounts and are open longer than banks—often until 8 or 9 p.m. and on Saturdays. They will cash almost any check, including personal checks, payroll checks, and government checks. The fee is usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that is $5 to $15. On a $1,000 check, it is $10 to $30.

You will need to bring a photo ID and the original check. The store may ask you to fill out a form with your name, address, and phone number. Some stores will also ask for a thumbprint or a second form of ID. The cash is usually ready in minutes. If you use the same store regularly, some will lower their fee or offer a loyalty discount.

Check-cashing stores are common in urban areas and less common in rural areas. You can search online for "check cashing near me" to find locations. Be aware that some check-cashing stores also offer payday loans and other high-cost financial products—you are not required to use those services just because you cash a check there.

Grocery stores and pharmacies with check-cashing services

Many grocery store chains and pharmacy chains offer check-cashing at the customer service desk. Fees are usually $3 to $5 per check, which is less than a dedicated check-cashing store. However, most grocery stores and pharmacies have limits on the check amount—often $500 to $2,000—and some will only cash checks from their own store or checks issued by certain employers.

You will need a photo ID and the original check. The process is usually fast, taking just a few minutes. Not all locations offer this service, so call ahead or ask at the customer service desk before you go. If you have a rewards card or loyalty account at that store, some chains will waive the fee or offer a discount.

Government checks and agency offices

If your check is from a government agency—such as a tax refund, unemployment benefit, or Social Security payment—you may be able to cash it at a local office of that agency. The IRS, for example, has field offices in many cities where you can cash a federal tax refund check. Unemployment offices will often cash unemployment benefit checks. These agencies usually charge no fee.

Call the agency's main number or visit their website to learn about your local office offers this service and what hours they are open. You will need to bring the original check and a photo ID. Processing times vary, but many agencies will cash the check the same day or within one business day.

What to do if you cannot cash your check

If you have tried multiple places and no one will cash your check, the issue is usually one of these: the check is stale (more than six months old), the check is damaged or illegible, the check amount is very large, or the check is written in a way that raises fraud concerns.

If the check is stale, contact the person or business that issued it and ask for a replacement. If the check is damaged, ask the issuer for a new one. If the amount is very large, some check-cashing stores have daily limits—ask what their maximum is before you go. If the check looks suspicious or is written incorrectly, the issuer may need to reissue it with the correct information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check written to someone else?

No. A check must be cashed by the person whose name is on it, or by someone with a power of attorney for that person. If you need to cash a check written to someone else, that person must sign the back and write "pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. Even then, many banks and check-cashing stores will refuse to do this because it increases fraud risk.

What if the check is post-dated?

A post-dated check is one with a future date on it. Most banks and check-cashing stores will not cash it until that date arrives. If you try to cash it early, they will refuse. If you need the money now, contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to write a new one with today's date.

Do I need to endorse the check?

Yes. You must sign the back of the check in the space marked "endorse here." Most banks and check-cashing stores will ask you to do this at the counter if you have not already. Some will refuse to cash a check that is not signed on the back.

How much does it cost to cash a check at a bank?

If you have an account at that bank, cashing your own check is free. If you do not have an account, the fee is usually $5 to $15. Some banks charge a percentage of the check amount instead of a flat fee. Call ahead to ask what the fee is before you go.

Can I cash a check on a weekend?

Banks are usually closed on weekends, so you cannot cash a check at a bank on Saturday or Sunday. Check-cashing stores are often open on Saturdays and sometimes on Sundays. Grocery stores and pharmacies with check-cashing services are also usually open on weekends. Call ahead to confirm hours at your nearest location.