Chase Bank Check Cashing Fees and Your Options

Chase's check cashing policy for customers and non-customers

Chase does not charge a fee to cash a check if you have a Chase checking or savings account and you cash it at a Chase branch or through their mobile app. If you do not have a Chase account, the bank charges a flat fee to cash a check at the teller window — this fee varies by location and account type, but typically ranges from $5 to $10 for a single check. Some Chase branches may refuse to cash checks for non-customers altogether, so calling ahead is worth the time.

The fee applies whether the check is drawn on a Chase account or another bank. Chase also does not cash checks through their ATMs — you must go to a teller or use mobile deposit if you have an account. If you are a Chase customer, mobile deposit (photographing the check through the app) is free and often the fastest way to get the money into your account, usually within one business day.

Key Takeaways

• Chase customers with a checking or savings account cash checks for free at any branch or through the mobile app.
• Non-customers pay a fee of roughly $5 to $10 per check at the teller window, though some branches may decline to cash checks for non-customers.
• Chase ATMs do not cash checks, even for account holders — you must visit a teller or use mobile deposit.
• Mobile deposit through the Chase app is free for account holders and typically clears within one business day.

How to cash a check as a Chase customer

If you have a Chase account, walk into any Chase branch during business hours with your check and a valid ID. Hand the check and your ID to the teller, and they will process it when ready. You can ask for cash, a transfer to your account, or a combination of both. There is no fee and no waiting period beyond the teller's processing time, which is usually a few minutes.

The faster option is mobile deposit through the Chase Mobile app. Open the app, go to "Mobile Check Deposit," photograph the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and select which account to deposit it into. Chase typically posts the funds within one business day, and you do not have to visit a branch. This works for checks of any amount, though Chase may place a hold on very large deposits while they verify the check.

Non-customer check cashing at Chase

If you do not have a Chase account, you can cash a check at a Chase branch by presenting the check and a valid ID to a teller. The teller will charge you a fee — typically $5 to $10, though the exact amount depends on your location and the check amount. Some branches set different fees for checks over or under a certain dollar amount.

Before making the trip, call the branch directly to confirm they will cash the check and ask what the fee is. Not all branches cash checks for non-customers, and policies can vary. If the branch declines, you have other options: deposit the check at your own bank, use a check-cashing service (which may charge more), or ask the check writer to cash it for you at their own bank.

When Chase places a hold on a check

Chase may hold a check before crediting the full amount to your account, even if you are a customer. This is called a hold, and it protects the bank in case the check bounces. For checks drawn on other banks, Chase typically holds the funds for one to two business days. For checks drawn on Chase accounts, the hold is usually shorter or nonexistent.

Large checks, checks from out-of-state banks, or checks from banks Chase does not recognize may face longer holds — sometimes up to five business days. You can ask the teller if a hold will be placed when you deposit the check. If you need the money when ready, some branches will give you a partial credit while the check clears, though this depends on your account history and the branch's policy.

Alternatives to cashing checks at Chase

If you want to avoid Chase's non-customer fee or do not have time to visit a branch, you have several options. Your own bank will cash any check for free if you have an account there, regardless of which bank the check is drawn on. If you do not have a bank account, check-cashing services and some retailers (like Walmart, grocery stores, and payday lenders) will cash checks for a fee, though these fees are often higher than Chase's.

If the check is written to you and you trust the person who wrote it, you can ask them to cash it at their own bank instead. Some employers also offer check cashing as a benefit to employees, so if the check is a paycheck, ask your HR department whether they can cash it for you.

What to bring when cashing a check at Chase

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will not cash a check without one. If you are a customer, bring your debit card or account number so the teller can confirm your account. If you are a non-customer, just bring the check and your ID; the teller will look up the check details and process the fee.

Make sure the check is made out to you or has your name on it. If the check is made out to someone else, Chase will not cash it, even if that person is present. If you need to deposit a check written to someone else, that person must endorse it (sign the back) and may need to be present with their ID, depending on Chase's policy at that branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chase charge to cash a check if I have a savings account?

No. Chase does not charge a fee to cash checks for any customer with a checking or savings account, regardless of which type of account you have. The fee applies only to non-customers.

Can I cash a check at a Chase ATM?

No. Chase ATMs do not have the ability to cash checks. You must visit a teller during branch hours or use mobile deposit if you have a Chase account.

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

Chase typically credits checks within one to two business days for checks drawn on other banks, and often when ready for checks drawn on Chase accounts. Holds can extend this to five business days for large or out-of-state checks. Ask the teller when you deposit the check.

What if the check is made out to two people?

Chase will cash a check made out to two people only if both people are present with valid IDs and both endorse (sign) the back of the check. Policies vary by branch, so call ahead to confirm.

Is there a limit to how many checks I can cash at Chase?

Chase does not publish a limit on the number of checks you can cash as a customer. However, if you cash an unusually large number of checks in a short time, the bank may ask questions for fraud prevention. Non-customers may face limits set by individual branches.