The most common places to cash a check are check-cashing stores, grocery stores, Walmart, and your bank or credit union
You do not need a bank account to cash a check. A check-cashing location is a business that converts your check into cash on the spot, usually for a fee. The places that offer this service vary by region, but the most reliable options are dedicated check-cashing stores, supermarkets with customer service desks, Walmart, and banks or credit unions (even if you don't have an account there). Each location has different fees, hours, and limits on check amounts.
The key difference between these locations is cost and convenience. A dedicated check-cashing store may charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount, while a grocery store or Walmart might charge a flat fee of $3 to $6. A bank or credit union often cashes checks for free if you have an account, and may cash them for a small fee if you don't. The trade-off is that check-cashing stores are open longer hours and don't require identification beyond what's on the check, while banks have stricter ID requirements and shorter hours.
Key Takeaways
- Check-cashing stores, grocery stores, Walmart, and banks all cash checks, but fees and hours differ significantly between them.
- You will need to bring the check, a valid photo ID, and sometimes a second form of ID depending on the location's policy.
- Check-cashing stores typically charge a percentage of the check amount (1 to 3 percent), while grocery stores and Walmart often charge a flat fee ($3 to $6).
- Banks and credit unions may cash checks for free if you have an account, or for a small fee if you don't.
- Some locations have limits on how much they will cash in a single check, so calling ahead is worth doing for large checks.
Check-Cashing Stores and Their Fees
A dedicated check-cashing store is a business whose main purpose is to convert checks into cash. These stores are common in urban and suburban areas and are often open longer than banks — many stay open until 7 or 8 p.m. and some operate on Saturdays. The fee is usually a percentage of the check amount, typically 1 to 3 percent, though this varies by location and the type of check.
To cash a check at a check-cashing store, bring your check and a valid photo ID. Some stores ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill or lease showing your current address. The process is fast — usually five to ten minutes. The main drawback is the fee: on a $500 check, a 2 percent fee costs you $10. On a $1,000 check, it costs $20. Over time, if you cash checks regularly, these fees add up.
Check-cashing stores also often have limits on the amount they will cash in a single transaction. Some will not cash checks over $5,000 or $10,000. If you have a large check, call ahead to confirm the store can handle it.
Grocery Stores and Walmart
Most large grocery store chains — including Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and others — cash checks at their customer service desk. Walmart also cashes checks at its money center or customer service desk. These locations charge a flat fee rather than a percentage, usually $3 to $6 per check, which makes them cheaper than check-cashing stores for larger checks.
The process is straightforward: bring your check and photo ID to the customer service desk, and they will cash it on the spot. Hours are typically the same as the store's regular hours, so you can often cash a check while shopping. The main limitation is that some grocery stores and Walmart locations have a maximum check amount they will cash — often $1,000 to $5,000 — so confirm this before you go if your check is large.
One advantage of grocery stores and Walmart is that they are widely available and often have convenient hours, including evenings and weekends. If you shop at these stores regularly, cashing a check there is often the fastest and cheapest option.
Banks and Credit Unions
If you have a bank account or credit union account, you can deposit a check into your account instead of cashing it. If you want cash when ready, you can withdraw it from an ATM or teller right away. Banks and credit unions do not charge a fee for this service if you are a member.
If you do not have an account at a particular bank or credit union, many will still cash a check for you for a small fee, usually $5 to $10. Some banks will cash checks only for customers, while others have a more open policy. Call ahead to ask. You will need a valid photo ID and, at some banks, proof of address.
Banks and credit unions have the advantage of security and legitimacy — there is no risk of a scam or counterfeit operation. The drawback is that they have limited hours, usually closing by 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and not open on Sundays. If you need cash outside these hours, a check-cashing store or grocery store is your only option.
What You Need to Bring
To cash a check at any location, you will need the check itself and a valid photo ID. Acceptable photo IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some locations ask for a second form of ID, such as a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement showing your name and current address.
The check must be made out to you by name. If the check is made out to someone else, you cannot cash it unless that person signs it over to you (called a third-party check), and many locations no longer accept third-party checks due to fraud risk. If you receive a check made out to the wrong name, contact the person who wrote it and ask them to write a new check.
Make sure the check is not post-dated (dated in the future). Most locations will not cash a post-dated check. Also check that the check has not been altered — if the amount or payee name looks like it has been changed, the location may refuse to cash it.
Comparing Fees and Hours
| Location Type | Typical Fee | Hours | ID Required | Typical Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check-cashing store | 1–3% of check amount | Until 7–8 p.m., some open Saturday | Photo ID, sometimes second ID | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Grocery store | $3–$6 flat fee | Store hours (often until 10 p.m.) | Photo ID | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Walmart | $3–$6 flat fee | Store hours (often 24 hours) | Photo ID | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Bank (with account) | Free | Until 5–6 p.m. weekdays, limited weekend hours | Account card or ID | Usually none |
| Bank (without account) | $5–$10 | Until 5–6 p.m. weekdays, limited weekend hours | Photo ID, sometimes second ID | Varies |
How to Find a Check-Cashing Location Near You
To find a check-cashing store in your area, search online for "check cashing near me" or look for stores like ACE Cash Express, Check Into Cash, or Speedy Cash. You can also call ahead to confirm they are open and ask about their fees and limits before you go.
If you prefer to use a grocery store or Walmart, check their websites or call the customer service desk to confirm they cash checks and what their fees are. Many grocery store websites list this information in their customer service section.
If you have a bank or credit union account, the easiest option is to visit your own branch. If you do not have an account, call a local bank or credit union and ask if they cash checks for non-customers and what the fee is. Some credit unions are more flexible about this than banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check if it is made out to two people?
Most locations require both people named on the check to be present with photo ID to cash it. Some locations will not cash two-party checks at all. Call ahead to ask the specific location's policy before you go.
What if I lost my ID?
You cannot cash a check without a valid photo ID. If your ID is lost or expired, you will need to get a replacement from your state's DMV or equivalent agency before you can cash a check. In the meantime, if you have a bank account, you can deposit the check and withdraw cash from an ATM.
Can I cash a check if it is torn or damaged?
A slightly torn or creased check can usually be cashed, but if the check is heavily damaged or the amount or payee name is illegible, the location may refuse it. If the check is damaged, contact the person who wrote it and ask for a replacement.
Do I have to cash the entire check amount?
No. Most locations will cash a check for the full amount and give you the cash. You cannot ask them to cash it for a partial amount — you either cash the full check or you do not. If you need only part of the money, you can deposit the check into a bank account and withdraw what you need.
What if the check is from out of state?
Most locations cash out-of-state checks the same way they cash local checks. However, some check-cashing stores may charge a higher fee for out-of-state checks or have a longer hold period. Call ahead to ask if you are unsure.