How to Cash a Check Without a Bank Account

Where to cash a check if you don't have a bank account

You can cash a check at most banks and credit unions, even if you don't have an account there. Walk in during business hours with your check and a photo ID, and the teller will give you cash. Some banks charge a fee for this service — typically $5 to $10 — while others do it free. Call ahead to ask about the fee, since it varies by location and institution.

Check-cashing stores are another option and are often open longer hours than banks, including evenings and weekends. They charge a percentage of the check amount — usually 1 to 3 percent — so a $100 check might cost you $1 to $3 to cash. The fee is higher than a bank's flat fee on large checks but lower on small ones, so compare before you go.

Grocery stores and pharmacies with customer service desks sometimes cash checks for free or a small fee. Walmart, Target, and many supermarket chains offer this service. The limit is usually $200 to $500 per check, so this works best for smaller amounts.

Key Takeaways

• Banks and credit unions will cash checks for non-customers, though many charge a fee of $5 to $10.
• Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount (usually 1 to 3 percent) and stay open longer than banks.
• Grocery stores and pharmacies often cash checks free or cheap, but usually have a limit of $200 to $500 per check.
• You need a photo ID at any location, and the check must be made out to you or signed over to you by the person it was made out to.

What you need to bring

Bring the check itself and a photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Some places also accept a military ID or tribal ID. The check must be made out to you, or if it's made out to someone else, that person must sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. This is called a third-party check, and some places won't cash them, so call first if that's your situation.

Make sure the check is not post-dated (dated in the future) and that it's not damaged or torn in a way that makes it hard to read. If the check is old — more than six months — some places will refuse it, though banks are usually more flexible about this than check-cashing stores.

Banks versus check-cashing stores

Banks are the cheapest option on large checks because they charge a flat fee rather than a percentage. If you're cashing a $500 check, a $10 bank fee costs you 2 percent, while a check-cashing store charging 2 percent would cost you the same amount. On a $1,000 check, the bank fee is 1 percent while the store fee is 2 percent, so the bank saves you money.

Check-cashing stores are better for small checks and for convenience. If you're cashing a $50 check, a $10 bank fee is 20 percent of the amount, while a 2 percent store fee is only $1. Check-cashing stores also have longer hours — many are open until 8 or 9 p.m. and on weekends — while most banks close by 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays and have limited weekend hours.

Banks are also safer because they're regulated by the federal government and insured. Check-cashing stores are less regulated, and if something goes wrong — like the check bounces after you've already been given cash — you may have less recourse.

What happens if the check bounces

If a check bounces (the account it was drawn from doesn't have enough money), the place that cashed it will take the money back from you. This usually happens a few days after you cash the check, when the bank processes it. You'll be responsible for returning the full amount, plus any fee the cashing location charges for a bounced check.

At a bank, you may be charged $5 to $15 for a bounced check. Check-cashing stores often charge more — sometimes $10 to $25 — because they bear the loss. If you can't repay it right away, the cashing location may send your account to a collection agency or pursue you in small claims court, though this is rare for small amounts.

To protect yourself, only cash checks from people or organizations you trust. If you're unsure whether the check is good, ask the person who gave it to you to verify the account has funds, or wait a few days before depositing it if you have a bank account.

Cashing payroll checks and government checks

Payroll checks and government checks (like Social Security or tax refunds) are the safest to cash because they're drawn on established accounts and rarely bounce. Most banks and check-cashing stores will cash these without hesitation, and some don't charge a fee for government checks.

If your paycheck is from a major employer, banks are especially likely to cash it free. Some employers also have partnerships with check-cashing stores or banks that will cash their paychecks free for employees. Ask your HR or payroll department whether your employer has such a partnership.

Alternatives to cashing checks

If you have a smartphone, you can use mobile check deposit through many banks' apps — you photograph the front and back of the check and the bank deposits it into an account. This requires a bank account, but it's faster and cheaper than going in person.

Some employers offer direct deposit, which puts your paycheck straight into a bank or prepaid card account without a physical check. If you don't have a bank account, you can open a prepaid card account at a retailer like Walmart or through a company like NetSpend or Chime. These accounts let you receive direct deposits and withdraw cash at ATMs or stores.

If you're cashing checks regularly, opening a basic bank account may be worth it. Many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance, and you'll avoid cashing fees over time. Some banks also offer second-chance accounts if you've had banking problems in the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Yes, if the person it's made out to signs the back and writes "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. This is called a third-party check. However, many banks and check-cashing stores won't cash third-party checks because of fraud risk, so call ahead to confirm they will.

What if I lost my ID?

You won't be able to cash a check without a photo ID. If your ID is lost or expired, you'll need to get a replacement from your state's DMV or equivalent agency. In the meantime, you could ask someone with ID to cash the check for you if it's made out to you and they're willing to do a third-party transaction.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At a bank or check-cashing store, the process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. You hand over the check and ID, the teller verifies the information, and you receive cash. During busy times, it may take longer. Some places may hold the check for a day or two if it's large or from an unfamiliar bank.

Is there a limit to how much I can cash?

Banks typically don't have a limit on check amounts for customers, but non-customers may face limits of $500 to $5,000 depending on the bank. Check-cashing stores usually have limits of $1,000 to $5,000 per check. Grocery stores and pharmacies often limit non-customers to $200 to $500. Call ahead if you're cashing a large check.

Do I have to pay taxes on cashed checks?

Cashing a check itself doesn't create a tax event — you only owe taxes on income you've earned. If the check is for work you did, you'll owe income tax on it regardless of whether you cash it or deposit it. If it's a personal loan or gift, it's generally not taxable. Keep records of large checks in case the IRS asks about them.