How to Cash a Check at a Bank or Check-Cashing Service

What happens when you cash a check

When you cash a check, you exchange the paper check for cash or deposit it into an account. The check is a written instruction to the bank or financial institution that issued the account to pay you the amount written on it. You can cash a check at the bank that issued it, at your own bank if you have an account there, at a check-cashing service, or at some retail stores. The person or business who wrote the check needs to have enough money in their account, and the check needs to be signed and filled out correctly.

Cashing a check is different from depositing it. When you deposit a check, the money goes into your account and you can use it after it clears — usually one to three business days. When you cash a check, you get the money when ready in your hand, though some places may hold the funds for a day or two depending on their policy.

Key Takeaways

You can cash a check at the bank that issued it, at your own bank if you have an account, at a check-cashing service, or at some retailers like grocery stores and Walmart.
You will need to show a government-issued photo ID, and the check must be signed by the person who wrote it and endorsed (signed on the back) by you.
Check-cashing services charge a fee that varies by location and the check amount, typically ranging from a few dollars to a percentage of the check.
The bank or service will verify the check is real and that the account has enough money before they hand over cash.
Some checks take longer to cash if they are large, from out of state, or from an account the cashing location does not recognize.

Cashing a check at the bank that issued it

The fastest and most straightforward way to cash a check is at the bank or credit union that issued the account the check was written from. That bank can verify the account and funds when ready. Walk into any branch of that bank with the check and your government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Tell the teller you want to cash the check.

The teller will ask you to sign the back of the check if you have not already. This is called endorsing the check. They will then verify the account has enough money and hand you the cash. This usually takes five to ten minutes. You do not need to have an account at that bank to cash a check there, though some banks may refuse to cash checks for non-customers or may charge a small fee.

Cashing a check at your own bank

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, you can cash checks there even if they were written from a different bank. The process is the same: bring the check and your ID to a teller, endorse the back of the check, and they will verify and hand you the cash. Your bank may place a hold on large checks — typically those over $5,000 or $10,000, though the threshold varies by bank — meaning you will not receive all the cash when ready.

Some banks also allow you to cash checks through their ATM or mobile app if you have a smartphone. You photograph the front and back of the check, and the funds appear in your account within one to three business days. This is technically a deposit rather than a cash withdrawal, but it is faster than going to a branch if you do not need the money right away.

Using a check-cashing service

Check-cashing services are businesses that cash checks for people who do not have a bank account or prefer not to use one. They are common in retail areas and strip malls. You bring the check and your photo ID, endorse the back of the check, and the service verifies it and gives you cash. The entire process usually takes ten to fifteen minutes.

Check-cashing services charge a fee for this service. The fee is typically a flat amount — anywhere from $2 to $10 depending on the check amount and location — or a percentage of the check, usually 1 to 3 percent. A $500 check might cost $5 to $15 to cash. Some services charge more for out-of-state checks or checks from accounts they do not recognize. Ask about the fee before you hand over the check.

Check-cashing services do not require you to have a bank account, which is why people without accounts use them. However, they are more expensive than cashing a check at a bank, and they may refuse to cash checks they believe are high-risk — such as very large checks, post-dated checks (checks dated in the future), or checks with alterations.

Cashing a check at a retail store

Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers like Walmart and Target offer check-cashing services at their customer service desk. The process is the same as at a check-cashing service: bring your photo ID, endorse the check, and they verify it. The fee is usually lower than a standalone check-cashing service — often $2 to $5 for a standard check — because the store is trying to keep you shopping there.

Retail check-cashing services typically have limits on the amount they will cash, often $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the store. They may also refuse to cash checks from accounts they do not recognize or checks that appear altered. Call the store ahead of time if you are cashing a large or unusual check to confirm they will do it.

What you need to bring and what can go wrong

To cash any check, you need the check itself and a government-issued photo ID. The ID must be current and show your name and photo. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. Some places may ask for a second form of ID if the check is very large or if something looks unusual.

The check must be signed by the person who wrote it. If it is not signed, the bank or service will refuse to cash it. The check must also be made out to you or to you and someone else. If it is made out to someone else, you cannot cash it unless that person signs it over to you — this is called a third-party check, and many banks and services refuse to cash them because the risk of fraud is higher.

You must endorse the check by signing the back. Write your name on the back, usually on the line that says "Endorse here." Some places ask you to write your ID number below your signature. If you do not endorse it, the teller will ask you to do so before they hand over the cash.

Checks can be refused if the account does not have enough money, if the check is post-dated (dated in the future), if the check is stale-dated (more than six months old), or if the check appears to be altered or forged. If a check is refused, the person who wrote it will need to contact their bank to resolve the problem.

Holds and timing

When you cash a check at a bank or service, you usually get the money when ready. However, some situations may cause a delay. If the check is very large — the threshold varies by bank but is often $5,000 or more — the bank may place a hold and give you only part of the cash that day, with the rest available the next business day or later. Out-of-state checks and checks from banks the cashing location does not recognize may also be held.

If you deposit a check instead of cashing it, the hold is longer. Federal law allows banks to hold checks for up to five business days, though most hold them for one to three days. During the hold, the money is in your account but you cannot use it. Once the check clears, the hold is removed and the money is yours to spend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check that is made out to someone else?

Not usually. Most banks and check-cashing services will not cash a check made out to someone else, even if that person signs it over to you. The risk of fraud is too high. If the check is made out to you and another person, both of you typically need to be present and sign it.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

You will not be able to cash a check without a government-issued photo ID. If you do not have one, you can get a state ID card from your state's DMV or equivalent agency. The process and cost vary by state, but it usually takes a few weeks. Until then, you can deposit checks into a bank account if you have one, or ask someone you trust to cash the check for you.

How long does it take for a check to clear?

If you cash a check, you get the money when ready in most cases. If you deposit a check, it usually clears in one to three business days, though large or out-of-state checks may take longer. Federal law allows banks up to five business days to clear a check, but most do it faster.

Is it cheaper to cash a check at a bank or a check-cashing service?

It is cheaper at a bank if you have an account there, because there is no fee. If you do not have a bank account, a check-cashing service or retail store is your option, and retail stores are usually cheaper than standalone check-cashing services. The fee at a retail store is often $2 to $5, while a check-cashing service may charge $5 to $15 or more.

Can I cash a post-dated check?

A post-dated check is one dated in the future. Most banks and check-cashing services will not cash it before that date, and some will refuse to cash it at all. If you have a post-dated check, wait until the date on the check arrives, or contact the person who wrote it and ask them to write a new check with today's date.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.