Where to find check cashing services in your area
Check cashing services are available at several types of locations, and the closest one to you depends on what kind of check you have and what hours work for your schedule. The most common places are dedicated check cashing stores (often called "check cashers" or "currency exchanges"), grocery stores with financial services counters, payday loan shops, pawn shops, and some banks or credit unions if you have an account there.
To find a location near you, start with a Google search for "check cashing near me" or "check casher [your city]." This will show you what's within a few miles and their hours. You can also call ahead to confirm they cash the type of check you have — some places won't cash two-party checks or checks from certain states, and hours vary widely, especially on weekends.
If you have a bank account at a major bank, you can also walk into any branch and cash a check there, even if you don't have cash on hand. This is often free for account holders, though some banks charge a small fee for out-of-state checks.
Key Takeaways
- Check cashing stores, grocery stores, and pawn shops are the fastest way to find a location, and a Google search for "check cashing near me" will show you what's open right now.
- Call ahead to confirm the location cashes your type of check, because some won't take two-party checks, post-dated checks, or checks from out of state.
- If you have a bank account, you can cash checks at any branch of your bank for free or a small fee, and this is often faster than a check cashing store.
- Check cashing fees vary by location and check amount, so it's worth calling two or three places to compare before you go.
What to bring when you go to cash a check
You will need a valid photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The check casher will scan or photocopy it. You also need the check itself, and it must be made out to you or to you and someone else (a two-party check). If the check is made out to someone else entirely, most places won't cash it.
Some check cashers also ask for a second form of ID or a thumbprint. If you're cashing a large check, they may ask for additional information like your phone number or address. Bring your ID and the check, and ask the cashier what else they need before you hand anything over.
How fees work at check cashing locations
Check cashing stores charge a fee, usually a percentage of the check amount or a flat fee per check. The percentage is typically between 1 and 5 percent, depending on the check size and the store's policy. A flat fee might be $2 to $10 per check. A $100 check might cost $2 to $5 to cash; a $1,000 check might cost $10 to $50.
Fees are higher for two-party checks, post-dated checks, and out-of-state checks. Some stores charge extra if you don't have an ID or if the check is damaged. Always ask what the fee will be before you hand over the check — the fee should be posted on the wall or the cashier will tell you upfront.
If you have a bank account, cashing a check at your own bank is free for most account types. Cashing a check at a different bank (one you don't have an account at) usually costs $5 to $15, but not all banks offer this service to non-customers.
Differences between check cashing stores and banks
A check cashing store will cash almost any check on the spot, no account required. They're open longer hours than banks — many are open until 7 or 8 p.m. and on Saturdays. The trade-off is that you pay a fee, and the fee is higher than what you'd pay at a bank.
A bank or credit union will cash checks for free or nearly free if you have an account there. If you don't have an account, they may refuse to cash the check, or they may charge a fee. Banks have shorter hours and are usually closed on Sundays. If you have a bank account and the bank is open, that's the cheapest option.
Grocery stores with check cashing services (like Walmart, Kroger, or Safeway) fall in the middle — they charge a fee but it's usually lower than a dedicated check casher, and they're often open later than banks. The downside is that they may have stricter rules about what checks they'll cash.
What to do if a check casher won't take your check
Some checks are harder to cash than others. Two-party checks (made out to two people) are refused by many places because they're riskier. Post-dated checks (dated in the future) are also often refused. Out-of-state checks and checks from small or unfamiliar banks may be refused or charged a higher fee.
If a check casher turns you down, try a different location — policies vary. A pawn shop or payday loan store may be more willing to take a two-party check than a grocery store. Your own bank will almost always cash a check made out to you, even if it's two-party or out-of-state, as long as you have an account there.
If the check is damaged, torn, or has writing on the back, some places will refuse it. Ask the check casher what the problem is — sometimes a small fix (like signing the back) will solve it.
Using online tools to compare locations and hours
Google Maps is the fastest way to find check cashing locations and their hours. Search "check cashing near me," and you'll see a list with addresses, phone numbers, hours, and customer reviews. Click on a location to see if it's open right now, and call ahead if you have questions about fees or what checks they'll accept.
Yelp also lists check cashing stores with reviews and hours. Some dedicated check cashing chains (like ACE Cash Express or Check Into Cash) have location finders on their websites where you can enter your zip code and see nearby branches.
Before you go, call the location and confirm three things: that they're open, that they cash your type of check, and what the fee will be. This takes five minutes and saves you a trip if the place has closed or won't take your check.
When to use your bank instead of a check casher
If you have a bank account, cashing a check at your bank is almost always the better choice. You pay no fee (or a small one for out-of-state checks), and you get the money when ready. You don't have to worry about whether the bank will take your check — if it's made out to you, they will.
The only reason to use a check casher instead is if your bank is closed or if you need cash outside of banking hours. Most check cashing stores are open until evening and on weekends, so they're useful for after-hours needs. If you don't have a bank account, a check cashing store is your main option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check that's made out to someone else?
No, most check cashers won't cash a check made out to someone else. If the check is made out to two people (you and someone else), some places will cash it if both of you sign the back, but many refuse two-party checks because they're riskier. Your best option is to ask the person whose name is on the check to cash it themselves or to sign it over to you in writing.
How long does it take to cash a check?
At a check cashing store, it usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. At a bank, it takes about the same if you're an account holder. The cashier will verify your ID, check the signature, and count out your cash. If the check is large or unusual, it may take longer.
What if I don't have a photo ID?
Most check cashers require a valid photo ID. If you don't have one, some places may accept a second form of ID (like a utility bill with your name and address) plus a thumbprint, but this varies. Call ahead and ask what they'll accept. Your best option is to get a state ID card from your local DMV.
Can I cash a post-dated check before the date on it?
No. A post-dated check is dated in the future, and most check cashers won't cash it until that date arrives. Some banks will cash it early if you ask, but check cashers typically refuse. You'll have to wait until the date on the check or find a different location.
Is it cheaper to cash a check at Walmart or at a check cashing store?
Walmart's fee is usually lower than a dedicated check cashing store, but it depends on the check amount and location. Walmart typically charges $3 to $8 for checks up to $1,000. Call both places and ask for the exact fee before you decide.