Where you can cash a check without a bank account

You can cash a check at a bank where you don't have an account, a check-cashing store, your employer, the issuing business, a grocery store, or a Walmart or Target. Each location charges differently or not at all, and each has different requirements for what ID you need and how long it takes. A bank usually charges nothing if you know someone with an account there who will cash it for you, but will charge a fee if you walk in as a non-customer. Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount — typically 1 to 3 percent — and are open longer hours than banks, but are the most expensive option. Grocery stores and big-box retailers often cash checks for free or for a flat fee of a few dollars if you have a rewards card or make a purchase.

The fastest places are your employer's payroll office (if it's a paycheck) and the business that issued the check. The slowest are banks processing checks from other banks. The trade-off is convenience versus cost: a check-cashing store near you at 8 p.m. on a Sunday will cost more than waiting until Monday morning to visit a bank, but you get your money when ready either way.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks charge non-customers a fee (usually $5 to $15) to cash a check, but some banks waive the fee if you open an account on the spot.
  • Check-cashing stores charge 1 to 3 percent of the check amount and are open nights and weekends, making them convenient but expensive for regular use.
  • Grocery stores, Walmart, and Target often cash checks free or for $2 to $5 if you have a rewards membership or make a small purchase.
  • Your employer or the business that issued the check will cash it fastest and usually for free, but only during business hours.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID at every location, and some places also require a second form of ID or a thumbprint.

Banks and credit unions

A bank will cash a check drawn on any bank, even if you don't have an account there. The fee ranges from $5 to $15 depending on the bank and the check amount. Some banks waive the fee if you open a checking or savings account at the same time. Call ahead to ask the specific fee and whether they will waive it for new customers.

A credit union will cash a check for members for free. If you are not a member, some credit unions will cash checks for a small fee (usually $2 to $5), but policies vary widely. Call the credit union first to confirm they will cash it and what they charge.

Banks are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some branches open Saturday mornings. They are closed on Sundays and federal holidays. Processing takes a few minutes if the check is drawn on the same bank, and up to one business day if it is drawn on a different bank.

Check-cashing stores

A check-cashing store (also called a check-cashing service or currency exchange) will cash any valid check for a percentage fee. The fee is usually 1 to 3 percent of the check amount. On a $500 check, that is $5 to $15. On a $1,000 check, that is $10 to $30. Some stores charge a flat fee instead of a percentage, typically $3 to $10 per check.

Check-cashing stores are open longer than banks — many stay open until 8 or 9 p.m. on weekdays and open on Saturdays and Sundays. They process checks in minutes. You will need a government-issued photo ID, and many stores also require a second form of ID or will take a thumbprint or photograph.

Check-cashing stores are the most expensive option for a one-time check, but they are useful if you need cash outside bank hours or do not have a bank account. If you cash checks regularly, the fees add up quickly. A $500 paycheck cashed weekly at 2 percent costs $520 per year in fees alone.

Grocery stores and big-box retailers

Walmart, Target, and most grocery store chains will cash checks at the customer service desk or checkout. Many do this for free if you have a rewards membership card or make a purchase. Some charge a flat fee of $2 to $5 per check regardless. Policies vary by store and location, so call ahead or ask at the desk.

These retailers are open early and close late, often 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or later. Processing takes a few minutes. You will need a government-issued photo ID. Some stores also require a second form of ID or a membership card.

This is often the cheapest option if you already shop at the store or have a membership. The downside is that you may need to make a purchase or have a membership card to get the free or low-cost service, and not all locations offer check cashing.

Your employer or the check issuer

If the check is a paycheck, your employer's payroll or human resources office will cash it for free during business hours. This is the fastest and cheapest option for paychecks. You will need a government-issued photo ID.

If the check is issued by a business (for example, a refund check from a store or a payment from a client), you can often cash it at that business's office or customer service desk. Many businesses will do this for free, but some may charge a small fee or require you to be a customer. Call ahead to ask.

Online banks and mobile payment apps

If you have a bank account with an online bank (such as Chime, Ally, or Charles Schwab), you can deposit a check using your phone's camera without visiting a branch. The bank photographs both sides of the check and deposits the funds into your account. This is free and takes a few minutes, though the funds may not be available for one to two business days.

Some mobile payment apps (such as PayPal, Square Cash, or Venmo) also allow you to deposit checks by photograph. Fees and processing times vary by app. This option is only available if you already have an account with the bank or app.

What ID you need and what to bring

Every place that cashes checks requires a government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some places also require a second form of ID, such as a Social Security card, utility bill, or credit card.

Bring the check itself and your ID. Some check-cashing stores and banks may ask for your phone number, address, or thumbprint. If the check is made out to someone else, most places will not cash it unless that person is present with their own ID, or unless the check is signed over to you on the back (called a third-party check). Third-party checks are riskier and some places refuse them.

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 of $5 to $15. Some banks waive the fee if you open an account at the same time. Call ahead to ask about the fee and whether they will waive it for new customers.

What is the cheapest way to cash a check?

Free options include cashing it at your employer, at the business that issued it, or at a grocery store or Walmart if you have a rewards membership. If you have a bank account, depositing by phone camera is free. Check-cashing stores are the most expensive at 1 to 3 percent of the check amount.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At your employer or the issuing business, a few minutes. At a check-cashing store, a few minutes. At a bank, a few minutes if the check is from the same bank, or up to one business day if it is from a different bank. Mobile deposit takes a few minutes to photograph, but funds may not be available for one to two business days.

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Usually only if that person is present with their own ID. Some places accept third-party checks (where the original recipient signs the back and writes your name), but many refuse them because they are riskier. Ask the location first.

What if the check is damaged or torn?

Most places will still cash it if the check number, routing number, and account number are readable and the signature is intact. If large parts are missing or illegible, the issuer may need to issue a replacement check. Call the business that issued it to ask.