Not every bank will cash a check from someone who isn't their customer

Most banks will cash a check for a non-customer, but they are not required to, and many now charge a fee or refuse outright. The rules vary by bank, by the amount, and by whether you have any relationship with them. Some banks have stopped cashing third-party checks entirely. Others will do it for free if the check is drawn on their own bank, but charge $5 to $10 if it's drawn on a different bank.

The safest assumption is that you cannot walk into a random bank and get cash for a check without either being a customer there or paying a fee. If you need to cash a check and don't have a bank account, or if your bank won't do it, you have other options — but they cost money and take time.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks are not required to cash checks for non-customers and many charge $5 to $15 per check or refuse entirely.
  • A check drawn on the same bank you walk into (called an "on-us" check) is more likely to be cashed for free or a lower fee than a check from another bank.
  • Check cashing services, grocery stores, and Walmart will cash checks for non-customers, but charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount or a flat fee.
  • Depositing the check into your own bank account, if you have one, is free and takes one to two business days to clear.
  • Some banks refuse to cash third-party checks (checks made out to you but signed over to someone else) regardless of whether you're a customer.

What banks charge to cash checks for non-customers

The fee structure depends on the bank and the type of check. If the check is drawn on the bank you're walking into — meaning the check was written by someone with an account at that bank — many banks will cash it for free or charge $2 to $5. If the check is drawn on a different bank, the fee is usually $5 to $15, or the bank will refuse.

Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase have different policies. Bank of America charges $6 for non-customers cashing a check drawn on another bank, but will cash checks drawn on Bank of America accounts for free. Wells Fargo charges $7.50 for non-customers. Chase's policy varies by branch and region. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are more likely to cash checks for free if you're a non-customer, but this is not may provide — call ahead.

The amount of the check can also matter. Some banks will cash small checks (under $100) for free but charge for larger amounts. Others have a maximum amount they will cash for non-customers, often $1,000 or $5,000.

When banks refuse to cash checks

A bank can refuse to cash a check for any reason, and some now refuse as a standard policy. Common reasons include: the check is more than six months old (called "stale-dated"), the check is damaged or illegible, you cannot provide a government-issued ID, or the bank does not cash third-party checks.

Third-party checks — checks made out to you but that you want to sign over to someone else — are increasingly difficult to cash. Many banks stopped accepting them after fraud became common. If you need to cash a third-party check, call the bank first and ask their policy. Some will do it only if both the original payee and the person cashing it are present with ID.

If a check is written for a very large amount, the bank may ask you to wait while they verify the funds in the account it's drawn on, or they may refuse if they cannot reach the other bank quickly.

Check cashing services and retail locations

If a bank won't cash your check, check cashing services will — but they charge more. A typical check cashing service charges 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, with a minimum fee of $2 to $5. On a $500 check, that's $5 to $15. On a $1,000 check, it's $10 to $30. Some charge a flat fee instead of a percentage.

Walmart and many grocery store chains (Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons) will cash checks for non-customers. Walmart charges $3 for checks up to $1,000 and $6 for checks over $1,000. Grocery stores typically charge $2 to $3. These are usually cheaper than dedicated check cashing services, and you may already be shopping there.

Check cashing services are often located in neighborhoods where bank branches are sparse, and they stay open longer than banks. The tradeoff is the fee and the fact that you get cash when ready, which means you lose the record-keeping that comes with a bank deposit.

Depositing the check into your own account

If you have a bank account, depositing the check is free and is the simplest route. You can deposit by mail, at an ATM (if your bank offers mobile deposit), or in person at a branch. The check will clear in one to two business days for most banks, sometimes longer if the check is large or drawn on a bank far away.

If you don't have a bank account, opening one is free at most banks. You'll need a government-issued ID and usually a small deposit (often $0 to $25). Some banks offer accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Once the account is open, you can deposit the check and withdraw the money the next day or later, depending on the bank's policy.

This route takes longer than walking into a bank or check cashing service and getting cash on the spot, but it costs nothing and gives you a record of the transaction.

What to bring when you try to cash a check

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some banks will not cash a check without it, and check cashing services always require one. If the check is made out to a business or organization rather than to you personally, bring documentation showing you're authorized to cash it (a letter from the business, a power of attorney, or similar).

If you're cashing a check at a bank where you're not a customer, call ahead. Ask whether they cash checks for non-customers, what the fee is, and what ID you need to bring. This saves you a trip if the answer is no.

If the check is old (more than six months), bring documentation explaining why you're cashing it now. Some banks will still refuse, but explaining can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at any branch of my bank if I don't have my account number?

Yes. Any branch of your bank can look up your account using your ID and the name on the account. You do not need to bring your debit card or account number. If you're at a different bank, they will not be able to look you up, so you'll be treated as a non-customer and charged accordingly.

What happens if the check bounces after I cash it?

If you cashed the check at a bank or check cashing service and the check bounces (the account it was drawn on has insufficient funds), the bank or service will try to recover the money from you. They may deduct it from your account if you're a customer, or they may pursue you for the amount. This is why some banks hold large checks for several days — to verify the funds exist.

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Only if that person signs the back of the check and you both present ID. This is a third-party check, and many banks refuse them. Call the bank first to ask their policy. Some will do it only if both people are present; others will not do it at all.

Do I need a bank account to cash a check?

No. You can cash a check at a check cashing service, Walmart, or a grocery store without an account. You will pay a fee, but you'll get cash when ready. If you cash checks regularly, opening a free bank account is usually cheaper than paying fees each time.

How long does it take for a check to clear if I deposit it?

Most checks clear in one to two business days. Checks drawn on banks far away or very large checks may take longer. Your bank will tell you the expected date when you deposit. You can usually withdraw the money before the check fully clears, but if it bounces, you're responsible for the amount.