Your refund check can be cashed at a bank, credit union, check-cashing store, or sometimes at a retailer

The place you cash your check depends on whether you have a bank account, how quickly you need the money, and what fees you want to avoid. A bank or credit union will usually cash it for free if you're a customer, or for a small fee if you're not. Check-cashing stores and some retailers will cash it the same day but charge a percentage of the check amount. The fastest option is often a store you already use, while the cheapest is usually your own bank.

You'll need the physical check itself and a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Some places may ask for a second form of ID or your phone number. If the check is made out to someone else, that person must be present to sign it over to you, and not all places accept third-party checks anymore.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks and credit unions cash checks free or cheaply for account holders, but may charge $5 to $15 if you don't have an account there.
  • Check-cashing stores and payday loan shops typically charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, so a $100 check might cost $1 to $3 to cash.
  • Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores cash checks for a flat fee (usually $3 to $6) and don't require an account.
  • You need a government photo ID and the original check; some places won't cash checks made out to someone else.
  • Banks usually deposit checks into your account the same business day if you deposit before their cutoff time, often 2 or 3 p.m.

Cashing at your own bank or credit union

This is almost always the cheapest option. If you have a checking or savings account at a bank or credit union, they will cash your refund check for free. You walk in, hand over the check and your ID, and walk out with cash or have it deposited into your account on the spot. If you deposit it instead of cashing it, the money is usually available the next business day, though some banks make it available the same day.

If you don't have an account at that bank, they may still cash it for you, but they'll charge a fee — typically $5 to $15 depending on the bank. Call ahead or ask at the counter before you hand over the check. Some banks only cash checks for non-customers during certain hours or on certain days.

Credit unions are often more flexible than banks about cashing checks for non-members, especially if you're a member of a different credit union. Many credit unions belong to shared branching networks, which means you can walk into almost any credit union in the country and use their services.

Check-cashing stores and payday loan shops

These businesses exist specifically to cash checks on the spot, usually within minutes. They charge a percentage of the check amount — typically 1 to 3 percent. On a $500 refund check, that's $5 to $15. The fee is higher than a bank's non-customer fee, but you get the cash when ready without needing an account.

Check-cashing stores are open longer hours than banks, including evenings and weekends, which can matter if you need cash outside normal business hours. However, they are less common than they used to be, especially in cities where banks are plentiful. You can search online for "check cashing near me" to see what's available in your area.

Be aware that payday loan shops often advertise check cashing as a way to get you in the door to take out a loan. You are not required to borrow money to cash your check — ask for the cashing service only and decline any loan offers.

Retail stores that cash checks

Walmart, Target, and many grocery store chains will cash checks at their customer service desk for a flat fee, usually $3 to $6. You don't need an account with them, just a government photo ID. The process is quick — usually five to ten minutes — and you walk out with cash.

Not every location of these chains offers check cashing, so call ahead or ask at the customer service desk when you arrive. Some stores limit the amount they'll cash in a single day or require the check to be from a specific type of business. A few grocery chains have stopped offering this service altogether, so it's worth confirming before you make a trip.

The advantage here is convenience: if you're already shopping at Walmart or your grocery store, you can cash your check while you're there. The fee is usually lower than a check-cashing store but higher than a bank would charge a non-customer.

What happens if the check is made out to someone else

If your refund check has someone else's name on it, you can sometimes have them sign it over to you — this is called a third-party check. The person whose name is on the check signs the back, writes "Pay to the order of [your name]," and you sign below that. You then present both IDs to the cashing location.

Many banks and check-cashing stores no longer accept third-party checks because of fraud concerns. Before you ask the other person to sign it over, call the place where you plan to cash it and ask whether they accept third-party checks. If they don't, the person whose name is on the check will need to cash it themselves and give you the money, or deposit it into their own account and transfer it to you.

Depositing instead of cashing

If you have a bank or credit union account, depositing the check is often easier than cashing it. You can deposit by mail, at an ATM with mobile deposit (using your phone's camera), or in person at a branch. There's no fee, and you don't have to carry cash. The money is usually available within one to two business days, sometimes the same day.

Mobile deposit is the fastest option if your bank offers it: you photograph the front and back of the check using your phone, and the bank processes it within hours. This works for most refund checks, though some banks limit the amount you can deposit this way per day or per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check at a bank where I don't have an account?

Yes, but most banks charge a fee of $5 to $15 for non-customers. Some banks will do it free if you're a member of another credit union in their network. Call ahead to ask about the fee and whether they'll do it at all.

What if the check is damaged or has writing on the back?

If the check is torn, wet, or has marks that cover the routing numbers or signature line, some places won't accept it. If it's slightly damaged, try your bank first — they're more likely to work with you. If they refuse, you may need to contact the company that issued the check and request a replacement.

How long does it take to cash a check?

In person at a bank or store, it takes 5 to 15 minutes. If you deposit it by mail or mobile deposit, it takes 1 to 2 business days for the money to be available. Check-cashing stores are usually the fastest for getting cash in hand.

Do I need to endorse the check before I cash it?

Yes. Sign the back of the check in the area marked "Endorse here" before you hand it to the teller or cashier. Some places will ask you to sign it in front of them. If you sign it too early and then lose the check, someone else could cash it.

What if I lost the check or it was stolen?

Contact the company that issued the check right away. Tell them the check was lost or stolen and ask them to cancel it and issue a replacement. They may ask you to sign a declaration or wait a certain number of days before reissuing it. Keep the reference number they give you in case the original check shows up.