Your main options for cashing checks without a bank account
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 check deposit service if you have a smartphone. The issuing bank is usually your cheapest option and often free. Check-cashing stores charge a fee — typically 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, sometimes higher — but they're open longer hours and don't require membership. Retail locations like Walmart, Target, and grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6. Mobile deposit lets you photograph the check and deposit it to a prepaid card or savings account without visiting a physical location.
The method you choose depends on which bank issued the check, how much the check is for, how quickly you need the money, and whether you want to avoid fees. A $100 check cashed at a store charging 3 percent costs you $3; the same check at the issuing bank costs nothing.
Key Takeaways
- The bank or credit union that issued the check will cash it for free if you bring a valid ID, even if you don't have an account there.
- Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount and are open evenings and weekends, but fees add up on regular deposits.
- Walmart, Target, and many grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee of $3 to $6, which is cheaper than a percentage fee on larger checks.
- Mobile check deposit through a prepaid card or savings account avoids fees and lines, but requires a smartphone and takes one to two business days to clear.
- Some checks cannot be cashed at all without a bank account — payroll checks sometimes require the employee to have an account at the issuing bank.
Cashing at the issuing bank for free
The bank or credit union that issued the check must cash it at no charge if you present a valid government-issued ID. This is true even if you don't have an account at that bank. Bring your ID and the check to any branch during business hours. If the check is from a small local bank or credit union, you may need to go to a specific branch, so call ahead to confirm they can cash it.
This route is free and straightforward, but it requires you to know which bank issued the check — look at the routing number and bank name printed on the check itself. If the check is from an out-of-state bank or a bank with no local branches, you may have to mail it in or use another method. Some banks will cash checks for non-customers only at the branch where the account is held, so if you're far from that location, the travel time and cost may make another option more practical.
Check-cashing stores and their fee structure
Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount, usually 1 to 3 percent, though some charge as much as 5 percent for certain types of checks. A $500 check at 2 percent costs $10. These stores are open longer than banks — often until 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturdays — and some are open Sundays. You need a valid ID and sometimes a second form of ID.
The fee varies by the type of check. Payroll checks usually cost less to cash than personal checks or government checks. Some stores charge a flat fee instead of a percentage, so call ahead if you want to compare. Check-cashing stores are most useful when you need cash outside banking hours or when the issuing bank is far away, but the fees make them expensive if you cash checks regularly. If you cash a $1,000 paycheck every two weeks at 2 percent, you'll pay $20 per check, or about $520 per year.
Retail locations that cash checks
Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, and many other grocery and big-box stores cash checks for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6 per check. This is cheaper than a percentage fee on checks over $150 or so. You need a valid ID, and the store's customer service desk handles check cashing during regular store hours. Some stores limit the number of checks you can cash per day or per visit.
Call the specific store location before you go, because check-cashing policies vary by location and some stores have stopped offering the service. Walmart, for example, cashes checks at most locations but not all. The advantage here is that you may already be shopping there, so you can cash your check while you're in the store. Retail check cashing is often faster than a dedicated check-cashing store because there's less paperwork involved.
Mobile check deposit without visiting a location
If you have a smartphone, you can photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it through a prepaid card app, a mobile wallet, or a savings account app. Services like Square Cash, PayPal, Chime, and many prepaid card providers offer mobile check deposit. You take two photos of the check, submit them through the app, and the money appears in your account within one to two business days. There is no fee.
The catch is that you need a prepaid card or savings account to deposit into, and the check must be made out to you. Some services have daily or monthly limits on how much you can deposit this way — often $1,000 to $5,000 per month for new users. Mobile deposit is the fastest and cheapest option if you have the right account, but it requires a smartphone and internet connection. The money may show as pending for several days even though it appears in your account right away.
What to do if the check won't cash anywhere
Some checks cannot be cashed without a bank account. Payroll checks from large employers sometimes require the employee to have an account at the issuing bank. Government checks like tax refunds or Social Security may have restrictions. Personal checks from individuals are usually cashable anywhere, but a check written on a closed account or with a stop payment order will be rejected.
If a check is refused, ask the person or organization that issued it why. If it's a payroll check, your employer may require direct deposit or may issue a replacement check. If it's a government check, contact the issuing agency — they can reissue it or deposit it to a prepaid card. If it's a personal check, contact the person who wrote it and ask them to verify the account is open. In some cases, the issuing bank will tell you the reason for the refusal, which can help you figure out your next step.
Comparing fees and timing across methods
| Method | Fee | Timing | Hours | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Free | Same day | Bank hours only | Valid ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–5% of check | Same day | Evening and weekend hours | Valid ID, sometimes second ID |
| Retail location | $3–$6 flat fee | Same day | Store hours | Valid ID |
| Mobile check deposit | Free | 1–2 business days | 24/7 (app-based) | Smartphone, prepaid card or savings account |
The issuing bank is free but limited to bank hours. Check-cashing stores are convenient but expensive. Retail stores offer a middle ground — low flat fees and longer hours. Mobile deposit is free and available anytime, but requires a smartphone and takes longer to clear.
For a one-time check, the issuing bank is your best choice if you can get there during business hours. For regular checks or checks you need outside bank hours, mobile deposit saves the most money over time. Retail locations work well if you're already shopping and want to avoid percentage-based fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash someone else's check?
No. A check must be made out to you or have your name on it. If someone wants to give you money via check, they need to write it in your name. If a check is made out to two people, both names usually need to be present to cash it, though some banks allow either person to cash it alone.
What if I don't have a valid ID?
You cannot cash a check without a government-issued ID like a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you don't have one, you'll need to get one before you can cash checks. Contact your state's DMV or equivalent agency to learn how to obtain an ID.
Do I need to endorse the check?
Yes. Sign the back of the check in the space marked "endorse here" before you present it. Some places may ask you to sign it in front of them. If you don't endorse it, the check cannot be cashed.
How long does a check take to clear if I use mobile deposit?
Mobile deposit usually takes one to two business days. The money may appear in your account when ready, but it's often held as pending until the check clears the issuing bank. Weekends and holidays extend the timeline.
What's the difference between cashing and depositing a check?
Cashing means you receive the money in cash when ready. Depositing means the money goes into an account and you can withdraw it later. Mobile deposit is a form of depositing, not cashing, so you get the money in your account, not in your hand.