You can cash a refund check at your bank, a check-cashing store, or the issuer's office—each with different requirements and fees
A refund check is like any other check: you need to deposit or cash it somewhere that has access to the account it was drawn from. Your bank is almost always the cheapest option and the one most likely to clear it without delay. Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, and some retailers will also cash it, but they charge fees—usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount—and may impose limits on how large a check they will handle. The issuer's office (the company or agency that sent the check) can sometimes cash it directly, though this is rare and usually requires you to visit in person.
The method you choose depends on whether you have a bank account, how quickly you need the money, and whether you want to avoid fees. If you do not have a bank account, a check-cashing store is your main option, but compare fees first—they vary widely and can add up on larger amounts.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank will cash or deposit a refund check for free if you have an account there, and this is the fastest and cheapest route.
- Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount and may refuse checks over a certain dollar limit or from unfamiliar issuers.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID to cash a check anywhere, and some places require a second form of ID or proof of address.
- The check must be signed on the back (endorsed) before you hand it over, and it should be made out to you or to you and another person whose signature also appears.
- Cashing usually takes minutes to hours at a bank or store; depositing into an account may take one to three business days to clear.
Cashing at your bank or credit union
If you have a checking or savings account, your bank or credit union will cash the check for free as long as it is drawn on a U.S. bank. Walk in with your refund check, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), and your account number or debit card. Sign the back of the check in front of the teller, and they will verify the signature matches your ID. You will have the cash in your hand within minutes.
If you do not have an account at the bank that issued the check, your own bank may still cash it, but some charge a small fee (usually $5 to $10) for out-of-network checks. Call ahead to ask. If the check is very large—over $5,000—your bank may place a hold on part of the funds for a day or two while they verify it is legitimate, even if you deposit it into your own account.
Check-cashing stores and retail locations
Check-cashing stores exist specifically to cash checks for people without bank accounts or who need cash when ready. They charge a percentage of the check amount—typically 1 to 3 percent—so a $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash. Fees vary by store and by the type of check, so call or visit a few locations to compare before you commit.
Grocery stores, Walmart, and some pharmacies also cash checks, often at lower fees than dedicated check-cashing stores. Walmart, for example, charges a flat fee (usually $3 to $6 depending on the check amount) rather than a percentage. These retailers may refuse checks over a certain amount or checks from issuers they do not recognize. Bring your ID and ask about their limits before you hand over the check.
Check-cashing stores are more likely than banks to refuse a check if the issuer is unfamiliar, if the check is postdated (dated in the future), or if there is any visible damage or alteration. They may also run a background check on you or require a second form of ID. The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.
What you need to bring and how to prepare the check
You will need a valid government-issued photo ID no matter where you go. A driver's license or state ID card is standard. Some check-cashing stores also ask for a second form of ID—a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address—or they may require you to provide your Social Security number. Ask what they need before you arrive.
Before you hand the check to anyone, sign the back of it. Write your name on the line marked "Endorse here" or similar. Do not sign it until you are at the location where you will cash or deposit it; a signed check can be cashed by anyone who has it. If the check is made out to two people (you and someone else), both of you must sign the back, and both of you usually need to be present to cash it. If it is made out to your business, bring documentation showing you are authorized to cash checks on behalf of that business.
Depositing instead of cashing
If you do not need the cash when ready, depositing the check into your bank account is often simpler than cashing it. You can deposit by mail, mobile app, or in person. Mobile deposit—taking a photo of the front and back of the check with your phone—is the fastest and most convenient if your bank offers it. The check usually clears within one to three business days, and you avoid any cashing fees.
Depositing is also safer than carrying cash. Once the money is in your account, it is insured by the FDIC (up to $250,000 per account at most banks) and you can withdraw it gradually or use a debit card. If you need some of the money right away and the rest later, ask your bank whether they will give you a partial cash-out when you deposit—many will advance you a portion of the check amount when ready while the rest clears.
What to do if the check will not cash
A check may be refused if it is stale-dated (more than six months old), if the signature does not match your ID, if it is damaged or altered, or if the issuer's account does not have enough funds. If a check-cashing store refuses it, ask why. If the reason is that the issuer is unfamiliar, try your bank instead—banks are more likely to accept checks from less-known sources.
If the check is stale-dated, contact the issuer and ask for a replacement. If the signature does not match, you may need to bring additional ID or documentation showing you are the person named on the check. If the check bounces (the issuer's account has insufficient funds), you will be charged a fee by the bank or store, and you will need to contact the issuer to request a replacement or a wire transfer instead.
Comparing costs and speed
| Method | Cost | Speed | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank or credit union (your account) | Free | Minutes (cash) or 1–3 days (deposit) | Valid ID, account number or debit card |
| Bank or credit union (not your account) | $5–$10 per check | Minutes | Valid ID |
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check amount | 10–20 minutes | Valid ID, possibly second ID or proof of address |
| Grocery store or Walmart | $3–$6 flat fee | 10–15 minutes | Valid ID |
| Mobile deposit (your bank) | Free | 1–3 days | Smartphone, bank app, valid ID |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
No. A check must be made out to you or to you and another person. If it is made out to someone else entirely, they must cash it or sign it over to you (a process called a third-party endorsement), and many banks and stores no longer accept third-party checks because of fraud risk. Ask the issuer for a corrected check in your name.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
Most places will not cash a check without one. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, explore for a state ID card at your local DMV or equivalent office. Some check-cashing stores may accept a tribal ID or passport card, but call ahead to confirm. Banks almost never make exceptions.
How long does a check take to clear if I deposit it?
Most checks clear within one to three business days. Larger checks or checks from out-of-state banks may take longer. Your bank will tell you the expected date when you deposit. You can usually withdraw part of the money before it fully clears, but the bank may charge you a fee if the check bounces after you do.
Will I be charged a fee if I cash a check at a bank that did not issue it?
Maybe. If you have an account at that bank, cashing is free. If you do not, the bank may charge $5 to $10. Some banks waive the fee for small checks or for customers of partner banks. Call ahead to ask, or use a check-cashing store or retailer instead if the fee seems high.
What should I do if a check bounces after I cash it?
Contact the bank or store where you cashed it—they will charge you a returned-check fee (usually $15 to $35). Then contact the issuer and ask for a replacement check or a wire transfer. If the issuer refuses to make it good, you may have a claim against them in small claims court, but that takes time and money. Ask for a wire transfer or certified check if the issuer offers it, as those are safer.