Where You Can Cash a Check

You can cash a check at your own bank, at another bank if you have an account there, at a check cashing service, or at many grocery stores and retail chains. The fastest and cheapest option is almost always your own bank — you walk in, hand over the check, and walk out with cash or a deposit to your account. If you don't have a bank account, a check cashing service or grocery store will do it for a fee, usually between $1 and $5 depending on the check amount.

Some banks will cash a check from another bank if you're a customer there, but they may charge you a fee or refuse entirely. Grocery stores like Walmart, Target, and Kroger cash checks during their regular hours, and the fee is often lower than a dedicated check cashing service. Check cashing storefronts are everywhere in cities and towns, open longer hours than banks, and don't require an account — but they take the largest cut.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank cashes checks for free if you have an account there, and you can deposit instead of taking cash.
  • Grocery stores and retailers charge $1 to $5 per check and don't require an account, making them faster than check cashing services for small amounts.
  • Check cashing services charge 2 to 5 percent of the check amount and stay open later than banks, but cost more overall.
  • You'll need to bring the check and a photo ID to any location, and the check must be signed by the person who wrote it.
  • Some checks take longer to clear — two-party checks, post-dated checks, and checks from out-of-state banks may be refused or held.

Cashing a Check at Your Bank

Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours with the check and your debit card or ID. Hand the check to a teller and tell them you want to cash it. They'll ask how you want the money — all cash, all deposited to your account, or split between the two. If you choose cash, they'll count it out to you. If you choose deposit, it goes into your account when ready or within one business day depending on the time you deposit.

You don't need to endorse the check (sign the back) if you're depositing it, but you do if you're taking cash. The teller will show you where to sign. There's no fee for this at your own bank. If the check is from another bank, your bank will still cash it for free if you're a customer, though some banks have started charging $5 to $10 for out-of-state checks or checks over a certain amount — call ahead if you're unsure.

Cashing a Check at a Grocery Store or Retailer

Walmart, Target, Kroger, and many other grocery and discount chains have check cashing at the customer service desk. Bring the check and a photo ID. The fee is usually $1 to $3 for personal checks under $1,000 and slightly more for larger amounts. You'll get cash back, not a deposit option. The process takes a few minutes — they'll scan your ID, verify the check details, and hand you cash.

These stores are open longer than banks and don't require an account. The downside is they may refuse certain checks: post-dated checks (dated in the future), two-party checks (made out to two people), or checks that look altered or suspicious. Call the store's customer service desk first if you're unsure whether they'll take your specific check.

Using a Check Cashing Service

Check cashing storefronts are independent businesses that cash checks for a percentage of the amount, typically 2 to 5 percent. On a $500 check, you'd pay $10 to $25. Bring the check and a photo ID. They verify the check, scan your ID, and hand you cash — the whole thing takes 10 to 15 minutes. Many stay open evenings and weekends when banks are closed.

Check cashing services will cash checks that banks and stores refuse: post-dated checks, two-party checks, and checks from people without bank accounts. They also don't require you to have an account anywhere. The trade-off is the fee, which adds up if you cash checks regularly. If you're cashing one check in an emergency, a check cashing service is reasonable. If you're cashing checks every week, opening a bank account will save you money.

What You Need to Bring

Every location requires a photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The check must be signed by the person who wrote it (the payer). If it's not signed, no one will cash it. You'll need to endorse the check yourself by signing the back if you're taking cash; if you're depositing it at your bank, the teller may not require your signature, but it's safer to sign anyway.

Some places ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint for security. If you're cashing a check made out to someone else, most places will refuse — the check must be made out to you or to you and someone else. If it's made out to "Cash," any location will take it as long as you have ID.

Checks That May Be Refused or Delayed

A post-dated check is dated in the future — for example, a check dated next Friday when today is Monday. Banks and stores usually refuse these because the money isn't in the account yet. Check cashing services will often take them, but they may hold the check until the date passes before giving you cash.

A two-party check is made out to two people, like "John Smith and Jane Doe." Banks will usually cash these if both people are present with ID, or if one person signs it over to the other. Stores and check cashing services often refuse them because it's unclear who owns the money. If you receive a two-party check, ask the person who wrote it to write two separate checks instead.

Out-of-state checks from banks far away may be held for 5 to 10 business days while the bank verifies the funds, even if you deposit them at your own bank. This is called a hold. If you need the cash when ready, a check cashing service may cash it the same day but will charge a higher fee.

Endorsing a Check

When you cash a check, you're signing the back to say you received the money. Turn the check over — the back is blank except for a line that says "Endorse here." Sign your name on that line, exactly as it appears on the front of the check. If your name is misspelled on the check, sign it the way it's misspelled, then sign it correctly below. This protects you if there's a dispute.

You only need to endorse a check if you're taking cash. If you're depositing it at your bank, the teller may ask you to endorse it, or they may do it for you. It's always safe to endorse it yourself. Never sign the back of a check you're giving to someone else to deposit — that's called a third-party check, and most banks won't take it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check if I don't have a bank account?

Yes. Grocery stores, retailers, and check cashing services will cash checks without an account. You'll pay a fee of $1 to $5 at a store or $10 to $25 at a check cashing service, depending on the check amount. You'll need a photo ID.

What if the check is made out to my business, not my personal name?

Most banks and stores will not cash a business check made out to a business name unless you bring business documents proving you own or manage the business. Your best option is to deposit it into a business account. If you don't have one, ask the person who wrote the check to write a personal check to you instead.

How long does it take for a check to clear?

If you deposit a check at your bank, the funds are usually available within one business day for checks from the same bank, and 2 to 5 business days for out-of-state checks. If you cash a check for cash, you get the money when ready — there's no clearing period. The bank has already verified the funds before handing you cash.

Can I cash a check if it's torn or damaged?

It depends on the damage. A small tear or crease usually isn't a problem. If the check number, routing number, or account number is damaged, or if the signature is unclear, banks and stores may refuse it. Ask the person who wrote the check to write you a new one.

What if I lose a check before I cash it?

Contact the person who wrote the check and ask them to stop payment on it, then write you a new check. They can call their bank and request a stop payment, which usually costs $25 to $35. Once the stop payment is in place, if someone else tries to cash the original check, the bank will refuse it.