Places that will cash your check right now

You can cash a check at your bank or credit union even without an account — most will do it for a small fee, usually $5 to $10. If you don't have a relationship with a bank, a check-cashing store will cash it for you the same day, though the fee is typically higher, between 1% and 5% of the check amount. Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores also cash checks at their customer service desk, usually for a flat fee of $3 to $6.

The fastest option depends on what you have with you. If the check is from your employer or a government agency, you may have more places willing to cash it than if it's a personal check from someone else. A check from a known source is lower risk for the business cashing it, so they're more likely to accept it and charge less.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions will cash checks from non-customers for a fee, usually $5 to $10, and this is often the cheapest option.
  • Check-cashing stores are open longer hours and don't require you to have an account, but charge 1% to 5% of the check amount.
  • Retail stores like Walmart and Target cash checks at customer service for a flat fee of $3 to $6, but may have limits on check amounts.
  • Payroll checks and government checks are easier to cash than personal checks because the issuer is known and verifiable.
  • You will need a valid ID and the check itself; some places also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number.

Banks and credit unions — usually the cheapest route

If the check is drawn on a specific bank (you can see the bank name printed on the check), you can walk into any branch of that bank and ask them to cash it. You don't need an account with them. Most banks charge $5 to $10 for this service, though some waive the fee if the check is from an employer or government agency.

Credit unions work the same way. If the check is drawn on a credit union, you can go to any branch of that credit union and cash it without being a member. The fee is usually similar to a bank's fee, sometimes lower.

The main drawback is that banks have set hours — usually closing by 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and closed on weekends. If you need cash outside those hours, you'll need a different option.

Check-cashing stores — longer hours, higher fees

A check-cashing store will cash almost any check, regardless of which bank it's drawn on. They're designed for people without bank accounts, so they don't require you to have one. Most are open until 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and some are open on Saturdays, making them useful if you need cash outside normal banking hours.

The trade-off is cost. Check-cashing stores typically charge between 1% and 5% of the check amount. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $25. The exact fee depends on the type of check — payroll checks usually cost less than personal checks — and on the store's location. Stores in lower-income neighborhoods sometimes charge more because they see higher rates of bad checks.

To use a check-cashing store, bring your ID and the check. Some stores ask for a second form of ID or a phone number to verify. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Retail stores — flat fees for common check types

Walmart, Target, and many grocery store chains cash checks at their customer service desk. The fee is usually a flat $3 to $6, which is cheaper than a check-cashing store if the check is large. However, most retail stores have limits on the amount they'll cash — often $1,000 to $5,000 per check — and they may not cash personal checks at all, only payroll and government checks.

Retail stores are convenient because they're often open longer than banks and you may already be shopping there. The downside is that their check-cashing service is sometimes inconsistent — one location may cash a check while another refuses it, depending on the manager on duty that day.

Call ahead or ask at the customer service desk before you get in line. They can tell you whether they'll cash your specific check and what the fee will be.

What you need to bring and what will slow you down

Every place that cashes checks requires a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some also ask for a second form of ID, like a utility bill or a credit card. Have both ready to speed up the process.

The check itself must be signed by the person who issued it. If it's not signed, no one will cash it. The check must also be made out to you — if it's made out to someone else, you cannot cash it, even if they sign the back. Some places will cash a check made out to two people if both people are present with ID, but this varies.

Checks that are post-dated (dated in the future) or stale-dated (more than six months old) may be refused. If your check has either problem, contact whoever issued it and ask for a new one.

Payroll and government checks versus personal checks

A payroll check from your employer or a government check (like a tax refund or Social Security payment) is easier and cheaper to cash than a personal check from a friend or family member. Banks and retail stores often charge less for these, and check-cashing stores are more likely to accept them without extra verification.

Personal checks carry more risk because the person who wrote the check might not have the money in their account. If you deposit a bad personal check, you could be charged a fee. Because of this risk, some places won't cash personal checks at all, or will charge a higher fee and ask more questions.

If you're cashing a personal check, the check-cashing store is your most reliable option, though it will cost more. Banks may refuse personal checks from non-customers, and retail stores almost always do.

Avoiding fees by opening an account later

If you cash checks regularly, the fees add up quickly. A $500 check cashed at a check-cashing store costs $5 to $25 each time. Over a year, if you cash two checks a month, that's $120 to $600 in fees alone.

Opening a bank account eliminates these fees. Many banks offer accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Once you have an account, you can deposit checks for free and withdraw the money at an ATM anytime. Some banks even let you deposit checks using your phone camera, so you don't have to visit a branch.

If you're new to banking or have had problems with banks in the past, look for a community bank or credit union in your area. They often have simpler account requirements and staff who can explain how accounts work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

No. A check must be made out to you to cash it. If someone wants to give you money via check, they need to write a new check in your name. The only exception is if the check is made out to two people and both of you are present with ID, but this depends on the business cashing it.

What if the check is post-dated or very old?

A post-dated check (dated in the future) usually won't be cashed until that date arrives. A stale-dated check (more than six months old) may be refused. Contact whoever issued the check and ask for a new one with the correct date.

Do I need to be a customer of the bank the check is drawn on?

No. Any bank will cash a check drawn on that bank, even if you don't have an account there. You'll pay a small fee, but it's usually cheaper than a check-cashing store. Just bring your ID and the signed check.

What's the difference between cashing and depositing a check?

Cashing means you get the money in cash when ready. Depositing means the money goes into a bank account and you can withdraw it later. Depositing is free if you have an account; cashing costs a fee but gives you cash right away.

Can I cash a check online or by mail?

Not directly. You must present the check in person with ID. However, if you have a bank account, you can deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone or mailing the check to the bank, and the money will appear in your account within a few business days.