Banks will cash checks for non-customers, but the terms vary widely and you may pay a fee

Yes, most banks will cash a check even if you don't have an account with them. The check doesn't have to be drawn on that bank—you can walk into any branch with a check from any other bank and ask them to cash it. But "will" and "should" are different things. Many banks charge non-customers a fee ranging from $5 to $15 per check, and some branches refuse outright. A few banks have no fee at all. Your best move is to call ahead and ask the specific branch what they charge before you go in.

The bank that issued the check—the one whose name appears at the bottom left—is your strongest option. That bank holds the account the check is drawn from, so they can verify the funds when ready and are more likely to cash it for free or for a smaller fee than a bank that has to route the check through the clearing system.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks cash checks for non-customers, but many charge a fee between $5 and $15 that you won't pay if you have an account.
  • The bank the check is drawn on (the one printed at the bottom) is more likely to cash it for free than a random bank.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, and the teller may ask questions about the check or the person who gave it to you.
  • Credit unions often have lower or no fees for non-members, and some banks waive the fee if you open an account on the spot.
  • If a bank refuses to cash your check, a check-cashing store or your own bank (if you have one) are faster alternatives than waiting for a deposit to clear.

Which bank to go to and what they'll charge

The bank that issued the check—the one whose name appears at the bottom left—is your first choice. That bank holds the account the check is drawn from, so they can verify the funds when ready. Most will cash it for free or for a small fee, even if you're not a customer. Call the branch first to confirm they have the cash on hand and what their policy is.

Any other bank will also cash it, but they're more likely to charge a fee because they have to route the check through the clearing system to confirm the money exists. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all charge non-customers, though the amount varies by branch and region. Some branches charge nothing; others charge $10 or more. Credit unions are often cheaper—many charge $2 to $5 or nothing at all, even for non-members. Call before you go.

What you need to bring and what the teller will ask

Bring a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will write your ID number on the back of the check. If the check is made out to someone else, you'll need that person to endorse it (sign the back) and be present with their own ID. If it's a two-party check and one person isn't there, most banks won't cash it.

The teller may ask who gave you the check and what it's for. They're checking for fraud—a common scam involves stolen or counterfeit checks. Answer honestly. If the check is very large, the bank may put a hold on it even after cashing it, meaning they'll give you the money but take it back if the check bounces. If the check bounces, you're responsible for returning the money, not the bank.

When a bank will refuse to cash your check

A bank can refuse to cash a check for any reason. Common reasons include: the check is post-dated (dated in the future), the signature doesn't match the ID, the check looks altered or counterfeit, or the account it's drawn on has been closed. Some banks refuse all non-customer checks as a blanket policy. A few large branches in busy areas refuse because they don't want to handle the extra work.

If a bank refuses, ask why. If it's something you can fix—like a missing signature—you can ask the person who wrote the check to fix it. If the bank straightforward won't do it, move to your next option: the bank the check is drawn on, a check-cashing store, or your own bank if you have one.

Check-cashing stores as an alternative

Check-cashing stores will cash almost any check, including two-party checks and post-dated checks, without the questions a bank asks. The fee is usually higher—$5 to $15 depending on the check amount—but the process is faster and you don't need an account. They're open longer hours than banks, often including evenings and weekends. The tradeoff is that you're paying more for convenience.

Use a check-cashing store if a bank refuses, if you need the money when ready and don't want to wait for a bank to open, or if you don't have a photo ID (some will take other forms of identification, though this varies by location). Avoid them if you can, because the fees add up over time. If you're cashing checks regularly, opening a bank account is cheaper.

What happens if the check bounces

If the check bounces—meaning the account it was drawn on doesn't have enough money—the bank or check-cashing store will take the money back from you. You're responsible for returning it, not them. If you've already spent it, you'll owe the difference. The bank may also charge you a returned-check fee, usually $10 to $35.

You have no recourse against the bank. Your dispute is with the person who wrote the check. If they wrote it knowing there wasn't enough money, that's fraud, and you can report it to the police. If it was a mistake, you can ask them to write you a new check or pay you back in cash.

Opening an account to avoid fees

Some banks will waive the check-cashing fee if you open an account on the spot. This makes sense if you plan to cash checks regularly or if you need a bank account anyway. The account usually has no monthly fee if you keep a small balance or set up direct deposit. Once you have an account, you can cash checks for free at any branch of that bank, and you can deposit checks without going to a teller.

If you're cashing one or two checks a year, the fee is cheaper than opening an account. If you're cashing more than that, or if you need a place to store money, an account pays for itself quickly. Many banks offer basic checking accounts with low or no minimum balance requirements, making this a practical option if you find yourself cashing checks often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a bank that didn't issue it?

Yes. Any bank will cash a check drawn on any other bank, though they may charge a fee. The bank that issued the check is more likely to cash it for free. Call ahead to ask about their fee and whether they have enough cash on hand.

What if the check is made out to someone else?

That person must sign the back of the check and be present with a photo ID. Some banks won't cash two-party checks at all, so call first. If both people aren't available, the check can't be cashed—it has to be deposited into an account in one of their names.

Do I need an ID to cash a check?

Yes. You need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The teller will write your ID number on the check. Without an ID, no bank or check-cashing store will cash it.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At a bank, usually 5 to 10 minutes if you're not in a long line. At a check-cashing store, usually 5 to 15 minutes. If the check is very large or looks unusual, the teller may take longer to verify it. Some banks put a hold on the funds for 24 to 48 hours even after cashing it.

What if the check is post-dated?

Most banks won't cash a post-dated check (one dated in the future) because the account may not have the funds yet. A check-cashing store may cash it anyway, but they charge a higher fee. Ask the person who wrote the check to write you a new one with today's date instead.