Your main options for cashing a check
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 app. The bank that issued the check—the one printed in the bottom left corner—will cash it for free if you go in person with a valid ID, even if you have no account there. Check-cashing stores charge a fee (usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount) but are open longer hours and require less documentation. Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee, typically $3 to $6. Mobile check deposit through an app works if you have a smartphone but requires at least a basic account somewhere.
The choice depends on what you have available, how much the check is for, and how quickly you need the money. A $100 check cashed at a check-cashing store might cost $2 to $3. The same check at the issuing bank costs nothing but requires you to go during business hours with ID.
Key Takeaways
- The bank that issued the check will cash it free with a valid ID, even without an account, during their business hours.
- Check-cashing stores charge a percentage fee (usually 1 to 3 percent) and are open evenings and weekends, but verify they accept your type of check first.
- Retail locations like Walmart and Target cash checks for a flat fee of $3 to $6 and have longer hours than banks.
- The issuing bank is the cheapest option; check-cashing stores are the most convenient for off-hours access.
- You will need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) at any location that cashes checks.
Cashing at the bank that issued the check
The issuing bank is printed on the bottom left of the check, usually in small type. Walk into any branch of that bank with your check and a valid government ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You do not need an account. Tell the teller you want to cash the check. They will verify the check is legitimate, confirm the account has funds, and give you cash.
This is free and takes about five minutes. The downside is that bank hours are typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with limited Saturday hours and no Sunday service at most branches. If the check is drawn on a small local bank or credit union, you may have to travel to a branch location.
Some banks will not cash checks for non-customers if the check amount is very large (over $5,000) or if they suspect fraud. If the teller refuses, ask why. If it is a size issue, you can ask to deposit it to a temporary account instead, though that requires opening an account.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
A check-cashing store will cash almost any check for a fee. The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount—typically 1 to 3 percent—though some charge a flat fee. On a $500 check, expect to pay $5 to $15. On a $100 check, $1 to $3. The exact fee varies by location and by the type of check (payroll checks are often cheaper than personal checks).
Check-cashing stores are open longer than banks—many operate until 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and open on Saturdays. You need a valid ID and sometimes a second form of ID (a utility bill or lease). Call ahead or check their website to confirm they accept the type of check you have. Some will not cash personal checks, only payroll or government checks.
The main risk is that check-cashing stores vary widely in reputation and practice. Some hold checks for a day or two before giving you cash, claiming they need to verify funds. Others may ask intrusive questions about where the check came from. If a store seems unwilling to explain their fee or process, go elsewhere.
Retail locations that cash checks
Walmart, Target, and many grocery store chains (Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons) cash checks at the customer service desk. The fee is usually a flat $3 to $6, regardless of check size. You need a valid ID. Hours are the store's regular hours, which are often 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or later.
Retail check cashing is convenient if you are already shopping or if the store is near you. The downside is that not all locations offer it—call the store first or check their website. They typically cash payroll checks, government checks, and tax refunds, but may refuse personal checks. Some stores limit the check amount (for example, no checks over $2,000).
The process is fast: hand your check and ID to the customer service desk, and they will verify it and give you cash. No account is needed.
Mobile check deposit if you have a basic account
If you have access to any bank or credit union account—even a basic savings account or a prepaid card account—you can deposit a check by taking a photo with your phone. Most banks and credit unions offer this through their mobile app. You photograph the front and back of the check, submit it through the app, and the money appears in your account within one to three business days.
This is free and works at any time of day. The catch is that you need an account somewhere first, and you cannot get cash when ready—the money sits in the account until you withdraw it. If you need cash right now, this does not help. If you can wait a few days, it is the cheapest option.
Some prepaid card companies (like NetSpend or Chime) offer mobile check deposit even if you do not have a traditional bank account. If you have a prepaid card, check whether your provider supports it.
What to bring and what to expect
At any location, bring the check and a valid government-issued ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work. Some check-cashing stores ask for a second form of ID—a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement with your name and address. Call ahead if you are unsure.
The teller or cashier will examine the check for signs of tampering or forgery. They will verify that the account has funds (this is when ready for most checks). They will ask you to sign the back of the check if you have not already. Then they will count out your cash. The whole process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the location and how busy they are.
If the check is postdated (dated in the future), most places will refuse to cash it until that date arrives. If the check is damaged, torn, or has alterations, they may refuse it. If the check is very old (more than six months), banks may refuse it, though check-cashing stores sometimes accept older checks.
Comparing cost and convenience
| Location | Cost | Hours | Speed | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays, limited Saturday | 5–10 minutes | Valid ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check amount | Until 8–9 p.m., open Saturday | 10–15 minutes | Valid ID, sometimes second ID |
| Retail (Walmart, Target) | $3–$6 flat fee | Store hours (often 7 a.m.–10 p.m.) | 5–10 minutes | Valid ID |
| Mobile deposit (app) | Free | Anytime | 1–3 business days | Bank or prepaid card account |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank that did not issue it?
Most banks will not cash a check unless you have an account with them. Your best option is the bank that issued the check (printed on the bottom left). If that bank is not accessible, use a check-cashing store or retail location instead.
What if the check is made out to someone else?
You cannot cash a check made out to another person. The check must have your name on it. If someone wants to give you money via check, they need to write a new check in your name. Third-party checks (signed over to you by someone else) are no longer accepted by most banks and check-cashing stores.
Do I need to sign the back of the check before I go?
You can sign it before or at the location—either way works. Some people sign it at home for convenience. The teller will verify your signature matches your ID. Do not sign it until you are ready to cash it, because a signed blank check can be cashed by anyone.
What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?
If the account does not have funds, the check-cashing location or bank may ask you to return the money. This is rare at banks (they verify funds before cashing), but check-cashing stores sometimes cash checks that later bounce. Read their policy before you leave.
Can I cash a check if I do not have a government ID?
No. Every location that cashes checks requires a valid government-issued ID. If you do not have one, you will need to get a state ID card from your local DMV or equivalent office. This typically costs $10 to $30 and takes a few days to a few weeks.