How to Cash a Check at a Bank, Store, or Check-Cashing Service

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 store, at some grocery stores and pharmacies, or through a mobile app if your bank offers mobile check deposit. The fastest option is usually your own bank — you walk in, hand over the check, and walk out with cash in minutes. Other banks will cash checks drawn on their institution even if you don't have an account, though some charge a fee. Check-cashing stores and retail locations are open longer hours and don't require an account, but they charge a percentage of the check amount.

The method you choose depends on whether you have a bank account, how quickly you need the money, and how much the fee matters to you. If you bank somewhere, that's almost always your cheapest option. If you don't have an account or your bank is closed, a check-cashing store or retailer is your backup. Each option has a different fee structure and speed, so knowing your choices helps you pick the right one for your situation.

Key Takeaways

• Your own bank cashes checks for free or for a small flat fee, and is the fastest option if you have an account.
• Check-cashing stores charge a percentage of the check amount — typically 1 to 3 percent — and don't require an account.
• Grocery stores, pharmacies, and Walmart often cash checks as a service to customers, sometimes for free if you're buying something.
• You'll need to show a government-issued photo ID and sign the back of the check in front of the cashier.
• Mobile check deposit through your bank's app lets you deposit checks without visiting a branch, though the funds may take a day or two to clear.

Cashing a Check at Your Bank

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, you can cash a check there for free or for a small fee — usually $0 to $5. Walk to the teller window, hand over the check and your ID, and sign the back of the check in front of the teller. They'll count out your cash and you're done. If the check is large or drawn on a bank far away, the teller may ask you to wait a few minutes while they verify the funds.

If you want to cash a check drawn on a different bank — say, a check from your employer's bank — you can usually do that at your own bank for free if you have an account there. Some banks charge $5 to $10 for this service. Call ahead if the check is very large, because the teller may need to confirm the funds before handing over cash.

If you don't have an account at the bank that issued the check, you can still cash it there, but many banks now charge non-customers a fee of $5 to $15. It's worth calling first to ask. This fee varies by bank and by the check amount, so there's no single answer — some banks waive it for small checks, and others charge it no matter what.

Using a Check-Cashing Store

A check-cashing store will cash almost any check without requiring an account. They charge a fee based on a percentage of the check amount — typically 1 to 3 percent for payroll checks, and higher for personal checks or checks from out of state. On a $1,000 payroll check, that's $10 to $30. On a $200 personal check, it might be $10 to $15.

Bring your government-issued photo ID and the check. The cashier will ask you to sign the back of the check in front of them, verify the check is real (by calling the bank or using a scanner), and hand you the cash. The whole process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Some check-cashing stores also offer money orders, bill payment, and payday loans, though those are separate services with their own fees.

Check-cashing stores are most useful when your bank is closed, you don't have a bank account, or you need cash when ready and don't want to wait for a deposit to clear. The trade-off is the fee — it's more expensive than a bank, but faster and more flexible. The percentage fee means you pay more on larger checks, so it's worth comparing the cost to other options if you have time.

Cashing a Check at Retail Stores

Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers like Walmart and Target will cash checks as a service to customers. Walmart, for example, cashes payroll checks, government checks, and tax refund checks for a flat fee of around $3 to $6, depending on the check amount. Grocery stores often cash checks for free if you're making a purchase, or for a small fee if you're not.

The process is the same as at a bank: bring your ID, sign the back of the check, and the cashier will verify and hand you cash. These locations are convenient because they're often open longer than banks and are located in places you already shop. The downside is that not all retailers cash checks, and some have limits on the check amount — many won't cash checks over $1,000 or $2,000.

Call the store ahead of time to confirm they cash checks and what their fee is. Policies vary by location and by the type of check. Some stores only cash payroll and government checks, while others will cash personal checks too — it's worth asking before you make the trip.

Mobile Check Deposit Through Your Bank

If your bank offers mobile check deposit, you can photograph the front and back of a check using your phone and deposit it through the bank's app without visiting a branch. This is convenient if you're at home or at work and don't want to make a trip. You'll receive the funds as a deposit to your account, not as cash in hand.

The catch is that mobile deposits usually take one to three business days to clear, so you won't have when ready access to the cash. Some banks let you withdraw a portion of the deposit right away, but the full amount may be held. If you need cash today, mobile deposit won't work — you'll need to visit a teller or a check-cashing store.

To use mobile check deposit, open your bank's app, select "deposit a check," photograph both sides of the check in good lighting, and confirm the amount. The app will tell you when the funds will be available. Don't spend the money until the deposit has cleared, because if the check bounces, the bank will reverse the deposit and charge you a fee.

What You Need to Bring

You'll need two things: the check itself and a government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. Some places also accept a tribal ID or a foreign passport with a visa.

The check must be signed by the person or business that issued it. If it's made out to you, you sign the back. If it's made out to someone else and they want you to cash it, they need to sign the back and write "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature — this is called a third-party check, and many banks and check-cashing stores won't accept them because of fraud risk. Ask first before trying to cash someone else's check.

If the check is old — more than six months old — some places won't cash it. Banks call this a "stale check." If you have an old check, contact the person or business that issued it and ask for a new one. The date on the check matters, so make sure it's current before you go to cash it.

Fees and What They Cost

Where You Cash It	Fee Type	Typical Cost
Your own bank	Free or flat fee	$0–$5
Another bank (non-customer)	Flat fee	$5–$15
Check-cashing store	Percentage of check	1–3% (payroll); higher for personal checks
Walmart or Target	Flat fee	$3–$6
Grocery store	Free or small fee	$0–$3
Mobile deposit	Free	$0

The cheapest option is your own bank or a grocery store, which may charge nothing. Mobile deposit is also free but requires you to wait for the funds to clear. Check-cashing stores are the most expensive, especially for personal checks, but they're open when banks aren't and don't require an account.

The fee you pay depends on the check amount and the type of check. A payroll check at a check-cashing store costs less than a personal check at the same place. A large check costs more in percentage terms than a small one. If you're cashing a check under $100, the flat fee at a retail store might be cheaper than the percentage fee at a check-cashing store — do the math before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cash a check made out to someone else?

Only if that person signs the back and writes "Pay to the order of [your name]" above their signature. This is called a third-party check. Many banks and check-cashing stores refuse third-party checks because they're a common fraud target. Ask the place where you want to cash it before you try.

What if the check is damaged or torn?

A slightly damaged check can usually still be cashed — the teller will look at it and decide. If it's badly torn or the amount is illegible, the bank may refuse it. Contact the person or business that issued the check and ask for a replacement.

How long does it take to cash a check?

At a bank or check-cashing store, it usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. At a retail store, it may take longer if there's a line. Mobile deposit takes one to three business days for the funds to clear, so you won't have cash when ready.

What if the check bounces after I cash it?

If you cash a check and it later bounces — meaning there aren't enough funds in the account — the bank or check-cashing store will take the money back from you. This can happen days or weeks after you cash it. If you've already spent the money, you'll owe it back.

Can I cash a check if I don't have an ID?

No. Banks and check-cashing stores require a government-issued photo ID to prevent fraud. If you don't have an ID, you'll need to get one before you can cash a check. Contact your state's DMV or your bank for information on how to obtain an ID.