Your main options for cashing a check without a bank account
You can cash a personal check at the bank or credit union that issued it, at a check-cashing store, at some grocery stores and pharmacies, or by asking the person who wrote you the check to pay you another way instead. The fastest and cheapest route is usually the bank that issued the check — the one printed on the front. Many will cash it for free even if you don't have an account there, though some charge a small fee to non-customers. Check-cashing stores are open longer and don't require you to know which bank issued the check, but they charge a percentage of the amount — usually between 1 and 5 percent, depending on the check size and the store.
The person who wrote the check matters more than you might think. If they work for a large employer, that employer's credit union or bank might cash it for free. If they're a friend or family member, you could ask them to give you cash or transfer money directly instead, which costs nothing and takes seconds.
Key Takeaways
- The bank or credit union that issued the check will often cash it for free to non-customers, and this is usually the fastest option if you know which bank it is.
- Check-cashing stores charge a fee (typically 1 to 5 percent of the check amount) but are open longer hours and don't require you to identify the issuing bank.
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, and Walmart cash checks for customers, though policies and fees vary by location and check type.
- Asking the person who wrote the check to pay you another way — cash, transfer, or direct deposit — avoids fees entirely.
- You will need a valid photo ID at any location where you cash a check.
Cashing at the bank that issued the check
The bank or credit union name appears on the front of the check, usually at the top left. Call that bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person with your photo ID and the check. Many banks will cash checks for non-customers at no charge, though some charge $5 to $10 per check. Ask before you hand over the check so you know the cost upfront.
This is the cheapest option when it's free, and it's often the fastest — you walk out with cash the same day. The downside is that you need to know which bank issued the check, and you may need to travel to a branch if you don't live near one. Some banks also limit how much they'll cash for a non-customer in a single day.
Check-cashing stores and their fees
Check-cashing businesses exist specifically to turn checks into cash on the spot. You bring your photo ID and the check, they verify the check is real (by calling the bank or checking electronically), and they give you cash minus their fee. The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount — for a $500 check, you might pay $10 to $25. Some stores charge a flat fee instead, like $3 per check, which is better for large checks but worse for small ones.
Check-cashing stores are open longer than banks (often until 8 or 9 p.m. and on weekends) and don't require you to know which bank issued the check. The tradeoff is the fee. Before you go, call ahead or check their website to ask what they charge — fees vary widely even between stores in the same chain. Some stores also require you to be a regular customer or to have cashed checks there before, so it's worth asking.
Grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail locations
Walmart, Target, and many grocery store chains (including Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods) will cash personal checks for customers. Walmart typically charges $3 to $6 per check depending on the amount. Grocery stores often cash checks for free or for $1 to $3. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens usually don't cash checks, though some locations may make exceptions — call ahead.
The advantage is convenience: you may already be shopping there, and the fee is lower than a dedicated check-cashing store. The disadvantage is that you have to be a customer (which usually just means having a loyalty card or making a small purchase), and not every location participates. Call the specific store before you go, because policies vary by location and by the type of check.
What you need to bring and what will slow you down
You will need a valid photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Some places also ask for a second form of ID or a phone number. Bring the check itself, unsigned until you're at the location where you're cashing it (most places require you to sign it in front of them).
Checks that are post-dated (dated in the future), very old (more than 6 months), or written for an unusual amount may be refused or delayed. If the check is written to you and another person, both of you usually need to be present. If the check is written to a business or organization rather than to you personally, most places won't cash it — you'd need to contact the business or organization to deposit it into their account instead.
When asking the check writer to pay you another way makes sense
If the person who wrote the check is someone you know — a friend, family member, or employer — you can ask them to give you cash instead, transfer money to you through a bank transfer or app like Venmo or PayPal, or set up direct deposit if it's a paycheck. This costs nothing and is often faster than cashing the check.
For paychecks specifically, ask your employer about direct deposit. They deposit your pay straight into a bank account, which means you don't have to cash a check at all. If you don't have a bank account yet, many employers will work with you to set one up, or you can open one at a community bank or credit union — both are designed to work with people new to banking.
Comparing your options side by side
| Where to cash | Cost | Speed | Hours | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free or $5–$10 | Same day | Bank hours | Photo ID, know which bank |
| Check-cashing store | 1–5% of check amount | Same day | Often 8 p.m.–9 p.m., weekends | Photo ID |
| Walmart | $3–$6 | Same day | Usually 6 a.m.–11 p.m. | Photo ID, customer status |
| Grocery store | Free or $1–$3 | Same day | Store hours | Photo ID, loyalty card or purchase |
| Direct from check writer | Free | Minutes to hours | Whenever you contact them | Phone, app, or in person |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a bank account to cash a check?
No. You can cash a check at the bank that issued it, at a check-cashing store, or at many grocery stores and retailers without having a bank account. You will need a valid photo ID at any of these locations.
What if the check is written to two people?
If the check says "John and Jane," both people usually need to be present with photo ID to cash it. If it says "John or Jane," usually only one person needs to be there. Call ahead to confirm the specific location's policy.
Can I cash a check that's more than a few months old?
Most banks and check-cashing stores won't cash a check that's more than 6 months old. The date on the check matters — if it's older than that, contact the person who wrote it and ask them to write you a new one.
What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?
If the check bounces (meaning there wasn't enough money in the account), the location where you cashed it may ask you to return the cash or may deduct it from your account if you're a customer. This is rare, but it's why banks verify checks before cashing them.
Is it cheaper to use a check-cashing store or a bank?
The issuing bank is almost always cheaper — it's free or a flat fee. Check-cashing stores charge a percentage, which adds up on large checks. A grocery store or Walmart is usually cheaper than a dedicated check-cashing store but more expensive than the issuing bank.