Places that cash checks without requiring an account
You can cash a check at a bank or credit union where you don't have an account, though most charge a fee for non-members. Walmart, Target, and some grocery store chains also cash checks at their customer service desks. Check-cashing storefronts are designed specifically for this and operate in most cities, though their fees tend to be higher than retail stores. Pawn shops and some gas stations cash checks as well, depending on what the location offers.
The fastest way to find what's near you is to search "check cashing near me" on Google Maps or call ahead to confirm hours and current fees. Fees vary widely — from $2 to $5 at many retail locations to 1 to 3 percent of the check amount at dedicated check-cashing businesses. Some banks waive the fee if you're a customer at any branch of their network, even if you don't bank there personally.
Key Takeaways
- Retail stores like Walmart and Target typically charge $2 to $5 per check and are often open longer hours than banks.
- Check-cashing storefronts charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, which costs more on larger checks but may be your only option late at night or on weekends.
- Banks and credit unions cash checks for non-members but charge a fee unless you hold an account with them or their parent company.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID and the check must be made out to you or signed over to you by the person it was written to.
How retail stores handle check cashing
Walmart and Target cash checks at their customer service desks during store hours. Both typically charge a flat fee per check — usually $2 to $4 depending on the check amount and your location. You need a valid ID and the check must be made payable to you. Some grocery chains including Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons also offer check cashing at their service counters with similar fees.
The advantage of retail locations is that many are open until 10 or 11 p.m. and some have Sunday hours, whereas banks close by 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays. The disadvantage is that they may refuse checks over a certain amount — commonly $1,000 or $2,000 — and they may not cash post-dated checks or checks with alterations.
Check-cashing businesses and their fee structure
Dedicated check-cashing storefronts charge a percentage of the check amount rather than a flat fee. A typical rate is 1 to 3 percent, meaning a $500 check costs $5 to $15 to cash. On small checks this can be more expensive than a retail store's flat fee, but on large checks it may be less. Some check-cashing businesses also offer money orders, bill payment, and payday loans, though those services carry separate fees.
Check-cashing businesses often have more flexible hours than banks and may cash checks that retail stores won't touch — post-dated checks, checks with minor damage, or checks over $2,000. However, they typically require a valid ID and may ask for a second form of identification or a thumbprint. Fees and policies vary by location, so calling ahead is worth the time.
Banks and credit unions that serve non-members
Most banks will cash a check drawn on their own institution for non-members, though they charge a fee — typically $5 to $10. If the check is drawn on a different bank, the fee is usually higher or the bank may refuse altogether. Credit unions often have the same policy, though some credit unions belong to shared branching networks that allow members to conduct business at other credit unions nationwide.
If you have an account at any branch of a large bank's network — such as Bank of America, Chase, or Wells Fargo — you can usually cash checks at any branch of that bank without a fee, even if your account is at a different location. Some regional banks and credit unions extend this courtesy to customers of their parent company. Call the bank's customer service line or visit a branch to confirm their non-member check-cashing policy before you go.
What you need to bring and what can go wrong
You will need a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The check must be made out to you by name, or it must be signed over to you by the person it was written to (called a third-party check). Many retailers and check-cashing businesses no longer accept third-party checks due to fraud risk, so confirm this before you arrive.
Checks with alterations, stains, or damage may be refused. Post-dated checks — those dated in the future — are typically rejected by retail stores and banks but may be accepted by check-cashing businesses. If the check amount doesn't match the written amount, or if the signature looks forged or doesn't match your ID, the business can refuse to cash it. Bring the check and your ID and nothing else will usually be needed, but calling ahead to confirm their specific requirements saves a wasted trip.
Comparing costs across different locations
| Location Type | Typical Fee | Hours | Check Amount Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart / Target | $2–$5 flat | Until 10–11 p.m., some Sundays | Usually up to $1,000–$2,000 |
| Grocery stores | $2–$5 flat | Store hours, often 7 a.m.–10 p.m. | Usually up to $1,000–$2,000 |
| Check-cashing storefronts | 1–3% of amount | Often 8 a.m.–8 p.m., some weekends | Varies, often higher limits |
| Banks (non-member) | $5–$10 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays | Varies by bank |
| Pawn shops | $2–$5 or percentage | Often 10 a.m.–8 p.m., some Sundays | Varies |
The cheapest option for a small check is usually a retail store with a flat fee. For a large check, a check-cashing business charging a percentage may cost less. If you have a bank account anywhere in a large bank's network, cashing at your own bank is free. Geographic location matters — check-cashing fees and availability differ between cities and rural areas, so searching your specific area gives the most accurate picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check at a bank where I don't have an account?
Yes, but you will pay a fee unless the check is drawn on that bank and you are a customer of their parent company. Most banks charge $5 to $10 to cash a check for non-members. Call ahead to confirm the fee and whether they will cash checks drawn on other banks.
What happens if I don't have a government ID?
Most check-cashing locations require a valid photo ID and will not cash a check without one. If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you may be able to use a state ID card or tribal ID. Call ahead to ask what forms of ID the location accepts.
Can I cash a check made out to someone else?
Only if that person signs the back of the check and you also sign it. This is called a third-party check. Many retailers and banks no longer accept third-party checks because of fraud risk, so confirm the policy before you go. Some check-cashing businesses still accept them.
What's the difference between a check-cashing business and a payday loan store?
Check-cashing businesses cash checks for a fee. Payday loan stores also cash checks but primarily offer short-term loans against your next paycheck, which carry much higher fees and interest rates. You can use a check-cashing business without borrowing money.
Do I need an account to cash a check at Walmart or Target?
No. Walmart and Target cash checks at their customer service desks for anyone with a valid ID, regardless of whether you shop there or have an account. The fee is typically $2 to $5 per check.